SEO Tips for Small Business: Stay Visible with Google AI Changes

If you’ve noticed a drop in website visits, bookings or online enquiries lately, you’re not imagining it. The way people search is changing. Google is using AI to answer questions directly, which means people are clicking less and expecting more — faster.

That can be tough if you’re a one-woman show trying to keep up with content, marketing, products and a website. But the truth is, your strength lies in being small, local and human. And that still matters.

The good news? You don’t need expensive tools or high-tech marketing to stay visible. You just need a few focused changes to meet people where they are now, with search that’s faster, smarter, and more local than ever.

Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Say What You Do — and Where You Are

Many small business websites forget to clearly state who they help and where they’re based. Search engines (and people) need to know this right away.

Step-by-step:

• Go to your homepage or About page

• Add a simple intro like:“I offer [what you do] for [your ideal customer] in [your town or region]”Example: “I offer freeze-dried edible flowers for cake makers and event stylists across Australia.”

• Use this format in your Instagram bio and your Google Business Profile too

This small change helps you show up in local and relevant searches.

2. Use Real Photos and Natural Language

Stock photos are easy, but they don’t build trust. Real photos and natural descriptions make your site more human — and more searchable.

Step-by-step:

• Take 5 clear, well-lit photos of your product or service in action

• Rename each photo file before uploading using keywords Example: instead of “IMG0001.jpg”, try “edible-flower-cake-topper.jpg”

• Add alt text (image descriptions) when uploading to your website

• In your text, write like you speak. Use simple language. Imagine you’re talking to a friend.

Search engines are prioritising helpful content, not perfect grammar or sales speak.

3. Update Your Google Business Profile Regularly

This free tool is one of the easiest ways to show up in “near me” searches and Google Maps.

Step-by-step:

• Visit google.com/business

• Log in with your Google account

• Check:

  • Your business name is correct

  • Your website link is added

  • Your phone number, hours and service areas are accurate

• Upload a few new photos (products, behind the scenes, your setup)

• Add one Question and Answer relevant to your serviceExample: “Do you deliver edible flowers for weddings?”

  
  

4. Answer Real Customer Questions on Your Website

Google is moving away from basic keywords and focusing on useful, detailed answers to actual questions.

Step-by-step:

• Think of 5 questions your customers ask over and over Examples:

  • “Can I freeze your edible flowers?”

  • “How far in advance should I book a Reiki session?”

  • “What’s the best way to display these at an event?”

• Write short answers (200–400 words) and publish them as blog posts or extra pages

• Use natural headings like: “How to Store Freeze-Dried Edible Flowers”

This helps you appear in AI overviews and voice searches, not just regular Google results.

5. Focus Each Page on One Topic or Goal

Search engines and customers alike get confused when a page tries to do too much. Be clear and intentional.

Step-by-step:

• Review your homepage, service pages and blog posts

• Ask: is this page focused on one clear purpose?

• For example:

  • Product page: one product with all relevant info, photos and FAQs

  • Service page: one type of session or package

  • Blog post: one useful tip or answer

• Use simple headings (H1, H2) to structure the page and help search engines understand the content

This clarity increases your chances of being included in AI summaries.

6. Use ChatGPT to Optimise Your Content for AI and Google

Even if you’re not an SEO expert, you can still improve your website and blog content using free tools like ChatGPT.

Step-by-step:

• Copy your current content (a blog post, About section or product description)

• Ask ChatGPT:“Can you help optimise this for Google SEO and AI search results while keeping the tone natural and local?”

• Paste the text and let it suggest improvements: headings, clearer structure, better phrasing or keywords

• You can also ask: “What questions might someone ask to find this content?” or “Rewrite this to match what people search for when looking for [your service] in [your location]”

This helps your content work harder without needing paid tools or SEO consultants.

Bonus Tip: Reuse Your Best Content Across Platforms

Don’t stress about creating something new for every platform. If you write a blog post, use it as:

• A caption for social media

• A Q&A on your Google profile

• A page on your WIX site

• A snippet for your email list

Google now pays attention to consistency across platforms. Use that to your advantage.

Want Help Putting This into Action?

If you’re in the Northern Rivers region, join me for a hands-on Sol Tribe session on Tuesday 18 June in Murwillumbah, where we’ll cover:

• What Google’s AI changes actually mean (in plain English)

• Simple SEO tools you can use yourself

• Easy updates to boost your traffic

• How to appear in local, visual and AI-powered search results

This session is designed especially for small, heart-led businesses who want to stay visible and aligned, without tech overwhelm.

Bring your laptop & your website. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence and a doable action list. Feeling overwhelmed? I can do it for you. If this all feels like too much to tackle on your own, I offer relaxed, done-for-you website and content updates tailored to small, heart-led businesses. Whether it’s rewriting your homepage, adding blog posts or making your SEO work behind the scenes, I can take care of it so you can stay focused on what you do best.

Just reach out via hello@lizziebuscaino.com.au or call me on 0422341590 and let’s chat about what you need. LIZZIE BUSCAINO

Creative Business Support & Digital Content Specialist