If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself this question more than once:
“How do I get more people to find me online without shelling out thousands every month on ads?”
We’ve heard it from roofers, landscapers, pool installers, local restaurants – you name it. Everyone’s in the same boat – fighting to show up at the top of Google searches, but not everyone has a massive marketing budget. The good news? You don’t need one.
The True Mtn team knows the best simple, effective ways to climb in Google’s search results without spending big. These are the same strategies we use with our clients every day, and they’re built for businesses that are busy, budget-conscious, and ready to grow.
1. Lean Into Local SEO
Local SEO is your best friend if you serve a specific area. It’s how you get found by people who are nearby and ready to buy. The basics include:
- Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile
- Adding local keywords to your website (think “deck builder in Greenwood” instead of just “deck builder”)
- Creating pages that target each city or neighborhood you serve
If you haven’t touched your local SEO in a while, or if your website only lists your main city, you could be missing a huge opportunity. Need help creating location-specific content? Check out How City Service Pages Help Your Business Reach More Local Customers.
2. Create Content That Speaks to Your Customers
You don’t need to post a blog every single day to see results, but you do need content that shows up when people search for answers. Think about the questions your customers ask you all the time – these are usually the types of things that people are searching on Google in your area.
For example:
- “How long does a roof replacement take?”
- “When should I open my pool for the season?”
- “How often should I deep clean my home?”
Answer those questions clearly and casually in blog posts, FAQ sections, or short service pages. This kind of content shows Google (and your customers) that you’re the expert.
If you don’t have time to write it all yourself, that’s where our Content Booster Package comes in. We create content tailored to your business – blog posts, local service pages, and more. You stay focused on your work, and we make sure your website is bringing you new customers.
3. Make Sure Your Website Is Easy to Use
You can write all the content in the world, but if your website is slow or hard to use, people will click away quickly, and Google doesn’t like that.
Focus on these key areas:
- Mobile-friendliness: Most people will visit your site from their phones. Make sure everything looks clean and works fast.
- Navigation: Can people find what they need in two clicks or less?
- Speed: Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights and take care of any red flags.
A good user experience tells Google your site is trustworthy, which helps your rankings climb.
4. Build Backlinks (The Right Way)
Backlinks – other websites linking to yours – are a big ranking factor, but they don’t need to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to start:
- Get listed in local directories and business associations (try the Better Business Bureau in your community)
- Write a guest post for a partner or supplier
- Ask happy customers to link to your site if they mention you on social
The goal isn’t quantity. It’s quality and relevance. Just a few good links can make a difference.
5. Promote Your Content on Social Media
Sharing your content on platforms like Facebook or Instagram helps get it in front of real people, drives traffic to your site, and signals to Google that your site is active.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Repurpose blog posts into bite-sized tips or visuals to stretch your content further. One blog can fuel several days of social media.
Just keep in mind—social media is great, but it shouldn’t replace your website. If you’re unsure how they should work together, this post breaks it down.
6. Track What’s Working
Google Analytics and Google Search Console can tell you a lot about your website – like which pages are pulling in traffic, what people are searching to find you, and where they’re dropping off. These insights help you shape your content around what your audience actually cares about.
- Which pages get the most traffic?
- What keywords are bringing people in?
- Where are people dropping off your site?
For the clients we work with, we regularly check in on this data behind the scenes. If something’s performing well, we lean into it. If something’s off, we adjust. It’s part of how we help their websites keep growing quietly in the background – without them having to obsess over every little detail.
Big Results, No Wasted Money
You don’t need a massive budget to start ranking higher in Google. With some smart content, local SEO, a user-friendly site, and a little consistency, you can absolutely compete—and win—against bigger players.
And if you’re tired of doing it all yourself? Our Content Booster Package is designed to do the heavy lifting. You stay focused on your business. We make sure your website pulls its weight.
Ready to make your site work harder without spending more on ads? Book a free discovery call and let’s get you on track to getting found!
