You’ve invested in a website that looks great, but if it isn’t showing up when people search for your services, you’re missing out on leads and business.

The good news is you (or someone else who manages your website) can make improvements that are easy, free and effective at boosting your position in Google’s search results.

Or we can take a look for you – just email us your website address (URL). I’ll check your site is optimised and let you know what I find.

What Google looks for when ranking websites

Google’s search algorithms are sophisticated, but the basics still matter. When someone enters a search phrase, Google’s crawlers (automated programmes that scan the web) look for:

• Meta page titles – The title that appears in search results and browser tabs. This should include your key phrase and accurately describe your page.
• Meta descriptions – Short summaries (up to 155 characters) that tell searchers (and Google) what the page is about.
• Headings (H1, H2 etc.) – Use headings properly and include keywords naturally in them.
• Image alt text and file names – Google can’t “see” images, so it reads the file name, image title and alt text. Rename images to reflect what they show (e.g. bathroom-renovation-ipswich.jpg instead of IMG123.jpg), and use descriptive alt text.
• Content – Google is looking for relevance: does your page include the phrases people search for? Make sure your key services and locations are clearly mentioned in your text.

Below is a screenshot of my listing on Google search results. I change the description text (‘meta description’) every now and then and check what works – what descriptions get more clicks – what gets more visitors to my website.

Easy, free tasks to improve your SEO

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Check and improve page titles and meta descriptions
  Every page of your website should have a unique title and description – not generic or duplicated text.
  Example:
  Bad title: “Home”
  Good title: “Expert Plumbers in Ipswich | ABC Plumbing”
• Use the exact phrases people search for
  If you offer bathroom renovations in Ipswich, then use that phrase exactly somewhere in your headings and text. Think: “Looking for expert bathroom renovations in Ipswich?”
• Add alt text to your images
  Right-click any image in your website CMS (e.g. WordPress) and check the “alt text” field – add a short description including keywords if relevant.
• Make your content clear and local
  For local businesses, mention your location naturally throughout your site: “Serving clients across Suffolk including Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and surrounding areas.”

Submit your site to Google Search Console

Even if your site is optimised, Google won’t always find it quickly. You can help by registering for Google Search Console – a free tool that lets you:

• Submit your sitemap (a file listing all your pages)
• Request indexing so Google knows your pages exist
• See if Google detects any problems with your site

It’s free, and takes just a few minutes to set up – but can make a big difference.

What to avoid

Even if your content is good, technical issues can hold you back:

• Slow-loading pages – Google penalises sites that load slowly, especially on mobile.
  Tip: Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights and fix any major issues it flags.
• Poor mobile-friendliness – Your site must work properly on smartphones and tablets, not just desktops.
• Duplicate content – If your site copies text from elsewhere, Google may penalise it.

Don’t forget your Google Business Profile

If you’re a local business, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential.

It lets you appear in the map listings and in local searches – sometimes above the usual search results.

• Set it up free at Google Business Profile
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews – reviews improve your ranking and show trustworthiness.

Quick checklist

✔️ Use keyword-rich page titles and meta descriptions

✔️ Add alt text and correct image file names

✔️ Make content clear and include key phrases naturally

✔️ Submit your site to Google Search Console

✔️ Improve site speed and mobile-friendliness

✔️ Set up and optimise your Google Business Profile

✔️ Get customer reviews.

Even simple tweaks can improve your visibility – and they’re all free if you know what to look for.

If you need help fixing any of this, I’m happy to take a look and point you in the right direction – just send me an email.