An SEO Checklist for a New Small Business Website

Search engines reward sites that are fast, clear and easy to understand. Most of the work is not complicated, but it has to be done on every page. Use this checklist before you launch and again every few months.

Get the foundations right

1. One clear topic per page. Each page should answer one need, such as logo design for restaurants, not everything at once.
2. A unique title for every page. Keep it under about 60 characters and put the main phrase near the front.
3. A meta description that earns the click. Around 150 characters, written for people rather than robots.
4. One H1 and logical subheadings. The headings should read like an outline of the page.
5. Clean, readable URLs. Use /services/website-design, not /page?id=7.

Make it fast and mobile friendly

• Compress images and use modern formats such as WebP.
• Set image sizes so the page does not jump while loading.
• Avoid heavy scripts and large third-party widgets.
• Test on a real phone. Most local searches happen on mobile.

Help search engines understand you

• Add a sitemap and submit it in Google Search Console.
• Use structured data for your business, services and FAQs.
• Keep your business name, address and phone number consistent everywhere.
• Add descriptive alt text to meaningful images.

Build trust and local visibility

• Claim and complete your Google Business Profile.
• Ask happy customers for Google reviews and reply to them.
• Show real work, such as a portfolio with short case studies.
• Publish helpful articles that answer questions your customers ask.

Keep it up

SEO is not a one-off task. Check Search Console monthly, fix broken pages and update your content as your services change.

Every website we build includes these foundations. See website design services or request a quote.