SEO Isn’t Dead

Let’s be honest — SEO feels a bit like chasing smoke these days.

First it was TikTok taking over attention spans. Then AI started handing out answers like a know-it-all at a pub quiz. And somewhere in between, Google moved the goalposts (again). Sound familiar?

But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t dead. It’s just grown up a bit.

People are still searching. They’re still Googling before they call you, message you, or book in. But how they find you — and what makes them stick around — has changed.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why SEO still works for small, local businesses like yours

• The two website tweaks that make the biggest difference

• A simple action you can take this week to get found faster

Let’s cut through the noise and get you showing up where it counts.

Why SEO Still Matters (Even When AI’s Hogging the Spotlight)

We get it. The whole thing can feel like a faff.

You’ve spent hours building your website (or paid someone to do it), and now there’s another thing you’re supposed to do? And what even is SEO, really?

Think of it like signposting.

If your business is a shop on the high street, SEO is the big, bold sign above the door telling people what you do, who you help, and why they should pop in. Without that? You’re just a blank window with no name. People walk straight past.

Here’s the good news — you don’t need to be a tech wizard to get the basics right. And getting the basics right is more than enough to see results.

Get Your Website Found (By the Right People)

Most small businesses make this one mistake.

They fuss over how their website looks... and forget to help Google find it.

Let’s say it loud for the people at the back:

If Google can’t find your website, your customers won’t either.

It’s like printing 1,000 glossy flyers and leaving them in the boot of your car. Doesn’t matter how shiny they are — no one’s seeing them.

So, this week, we’re starting with two small but mighty steps.

Step 1: Check Your Page Titles

This is the bit that shows up as the big blue link in Google search results. It should say what you do and where you do it.

Bad example: “Home — Leah’s Beauty”

Better example: “Nail Technician in Grays — Leah’s Beauty Room”

Keep it under 60 characters, and make sure it includes the sort of thing your customers would actually search.

Step 2: Fix Your Meta Descriptions

This is the little summary under the title in search results. Think of it like your 5-second pitch to a passing customer.

Bad example: “Welcome to my website”

Better example: “Gel and acrylic nails in Grays. Friendly service. Flexible appointments. Book online.”

Aim for 155 characters. Clear, friendly, and focused on what people care about.

“But I’ve No Idea Where to Change That...”

You’re not alone. Here’s how Leah and Tony do it:

• On WordPress? Use a plugin like Yoast SEO — it gives you fields for both.

• On Wix/Squarespace/Shopify? Look in the page settings — there’ll be a space for titles and descriptions.

• Using Arrow Marketing Lab? Head to the “Sites” tab, choose your page, and update it right there.

Do I need keywords?

Yes, but don’t overthink it. Use the same words your customers do.

“Boiler repair in Southend” will work better than “domestic heating solutions” — even if it sounds fancier.

What if I mess it up?

No panic. You can tweak it later. Google updates all the time. It’s better to write something clear and specific than leave it blank or vague.

Real-Life Win: One Small Tweak, Big Difference

Tony had a mate — local beautician in Grays. Her website homepage was titled “Home.” That’s it.

She wasn’t showing up anywhere. We changed it to:

“Nail Technician in Grays — Gel & Acrylic Nails”

Within a few weeks? She was getting found. Proper bookings. No drama.

This Week’s Job: Do Your Signposts

Your action step:

• Go check your homepage title and meta description.

• Make sure they’re clear, local, and use words your customers would search.

If you’ve got time, check your service pages too. But don’t stress. Start with one.

Remember:

This isn’t about doing more.

It’s about doing the right things — small steps, done often.

Join Arrow Marketing Lab.