Let’s face it: having a beautiful website doesn’t mean much if no one sees it.
That’s where SEO comes in.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how you help people find your website when they search on Google. While it might sound technical or overwhelming at first, SEO is one of the most powerful tools small businesses and nonprofits have to get found online without paying for ads.
If you’ve ever asked questions like:
1. “How do I show up on Google?”
2. “Why isn’t my website getting traffic?”
3. “What even is SEO?”
This guide is for you.
We’re breaking down SEO for beginners – no jargon, no fluff – just clear, actionable steps to help your website start ranking and reaching the people who need to find you.
What Is SEO (and Why Should You Care)?
SEO is short for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the practice of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search results on Google and other search engines.
When someone searches “vegan bakery near me” or “how to apply for housing assistance,” Google decides which websites appear first, and the ones on page 1 get most of the clicks.
If your website isn’t showing up, you’re missing opportunities to connect with your audience.
But the good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to improve your ranking. You just need the right approach.
1. Start With the Right Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into Google. Think of them as the bridge between your content and your audience.
Here’s how to find good ones:
- Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. What would they search for to find you?
- Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Answer the Public to explore common search terms.
- Look for “long-tail keywords” – specific phrases like “affordable web design for nonprofits” instead of just “web design.”
✅ Pro Tip: Choose one main keyword for each page or blog post. Then, naturally, use supporting phrases throughout your content.
2. Optimize Your On-Page SEO
Once you have your keywords, it’s time to put them to work.
On-page SEO means improving the actual content and structure of your website. It tells Google what your page is about.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Page title – Use your keyword early (e.g., SEO Tips for Small Businesses).
- Headings (H1, H2, etc.) – Organize your content. Include keywords in at least one or two.
- URL structure – Keep it clean and readable (like:
/seo-for-beginners). - Image alt text – Describe images in plain language. It helps with SEO and accessibility.
- Meta description – This is the short blurb that appears in Google results. Make it compelling and keyword-rich.
✅ Quick Fix: Make sure each page focuses on one core topic. Don’t overload it with too many keywords — Google is smart enough to catch that.
3. Create Content That Actually Helps People
SEO isn’t just about pleasing algorithms. It’s about creating content that solves real problems.
Google’s job is to serve up the best answers. So, your content should be:
- Clear – Avoid jargon or overly complex explanations.
- Useful – Address common questions your audience is asking.
- Engaging – Use examples, visuals, and a friendly tone to keep people reading.
Want to rank higher? Try writing blog posts like:
- “How to Choose the Right CRM for Your Nonprofit”
- “5 Ways to Make Your Small Business Website More Accessible”
- “What Is SEO (and Why Does It Matter)?”
If your content is helpful, people will stay longer, and Google will take notice.
4. Improve Site Speed and Mobile Experience
Google pays attention to your site’s performance, not just what’s on it.
If your website is slow, hard to navigate, or doesn’t look right on a phone, your rankings will suffer — no matter how good your content is.
Here’s what to do:
- Use a responsive design so your site looks great on all screen sizes.
- Compress images to reduce load time.
- Choose reliable, fast website hosting.
- Test your site on tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
✅ Mobile-first is non-negotiable. Over half of all web traffic comes from phones.
5. Build Credibility With Links
Search engines want to know they can trust you.
One way they decide that? Links.
- Internal links – Link between your own pages to guide users and help Google understand your structure.
- External links – Reference credible outside sources when appropriate.
- Backlinks – These are links from other websites to you — they’re gold for SEO.
How to get backlinks:
- Guest post on relevant blogs or publications.
- Share your content on social media.
- Build relationships with partners and ask for a link.
Even a few high-quality backlinks can boost your authority and visibility.
Final Thoughts: SEO Is a Long Game (But It Works)
If you’re just starting out, SEO can feel like a puzzle. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to do everything at once. Start small. Stay consistent. And focus on helping your audience.
At Radiate Consulting Digital Solutions, we believe every small business deserves to be seen. SEO is one of the most sustainable and cost-effective ways to grow online, and we’re here to help make it accessible.
Need help with SEO or digital strategy?
Whether you’re just getting started or want a full audit of your current site, our team is ready to guide you — judgment-free and jargon-free. Let’s build a digital presence that brings people in (and keeps them coming back).
Reach out today and let’s get your site climbing the ranks!