Why SEO Matters for Your Small Businesses

Article author Ben Lawless
Ben Lawless
|
April 19, 2025
Google Maps directing customers to a small business location through local search

Let’s be real for a second—if your business doesn’t show up when people Google you, do you even exist?

Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic… but not by much.

Think about it. When you need something—pizza, a plumber, a local boutique—what’s the first thing you do? You Google it. And so does everyone else. In fact, 75% of people never scroll past the first page of search results. So if your small business isn’t popping up near the top, your competitors are getting those clicks, those calls, and those sales.

“But I already have a website…”

Cool. But here’s the kicker: a website without SEO is like putting up a billboard in the middle of the desert. It might look great, but no one’s going to see it unless you bring them there.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is what makes your site findable. It’s the magic (okay, not magic—more like smart strategy) that helps search engines understand what your business is about and why it’s relevant when someone in your area searches for your services.

And this isn’t just about showing up for “best plumber near me” or “cute coffee shop downtown.” SEO helps you show up when someone types your actual business name into Google. If they heard about you from a friend and still can’t find your site online? That’s a problem. That’s lost trust—and probably lost business.

Here’s What Happens Without SEO:

  • Someone hears about your business.
  • They Google you.
  • You don’t show up.
  • They assume you’re closed, shady, or don’t exist.
  • They go with someone else.

Not exactly the growth strategy you had in mind, huh?

Here’s What Happens With SEO:

  • Someone hears about your business.
  • They Google you.
  • Your website shows up, looking sharp and professional.
  • They click through, like what they see, and call or buy.
  • You make money. Boom.

It’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up in the right way.

A Few Quick Stats to Back This Up:

  • 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine.
  • SEO leads have a 14.6% close rate, compared to just 1.7% for traditional outbound marketing like print ads or cold calls.
  • Businesses that invest in SEO grow 2x faster than those that don’t.

So yeah… SEO matters. A lot.

Bottom Line

If your customers can’t find you online, they can’t buy from you. And if they can’t buy from you, your business isn’t growing—it’s just coasting (or worse, sinking). SEO makes sure your website isn’t a ghost town. It helps people find you, trust you, and do business with you.

At Lawless Digital Marketing, we’re all about making sure your website works—not just looks pretty. That means dialing in your SEO so the right people find you at the right time (aka when they’re ready to buy).

Need help getting found online? Let’s talk. We'll show you what your website could be doing for your business.