What Is SEO, Why It Matters, and How to Check Your Website’s SEO Health
If you've ever heard the word "SEO" tossed around but weren’t totally sure what it meant—or what it has to do with your small business—you're not alone. SEO can feel like a techy buzzword that’s only for big brands or digital marketers. But the truth is: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is one of the most powerful tools you have to get your business found online—and it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds.
So let’s break it down, plain and simple: what SEO is, why it matters for your website, and how you can check to see if your site is set up for success.
What is SEO, really?
At its core, SEO is all about helping your website show up when someone types a search into Google. Think of it like matchmaking. If someone is searching for “Montana wedding photographer” or “custom leather jackets,” and that’s what you offer, SEO is what helps Google connect the dots and put your website in front of the right people.
It’s not just about keywords (although those are important)—SEO includes how fast your website loads, whether it looks good on mobile, how easy it is to navigate, and even how recently your content was updated. All of these things work together to help search engines trust your site and recommend it to others.
Why SEO matters for small business owners
Most small business owners rely on referrals, word of mouth, or social media to bring in new customers. And while those are great tools, they all require you to actively show up. SEO, on the other hand, works around the clock—even when you're sleeping, on vacation, or (like me) prepping for maternity leave.
When your website is optimized, it becomes your most reliable team member. It shows up when people are searching, it communicates clearly, and it points visitors in the right direction—whether that’s booking a service, buying a product, or downloading a free resource.
If you’re investing time, money, or energy into your website, SEO makes sure that investment continues to pay off.
How to check your website’s SEO health
If you’re wondering whether your site is “good” at SEO, here are a few things to look for:
Start with Google.
Type your business name into Google and see what comes up. Do your homepage and key pages appear? If not, your site might not be properly indexed, which is step one in getting found.
Use a free audit tool.
Websites like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs Free SEO Checker, or Google Search Console can give you insight into how your site is performing, what keywords you're ranking for, and what technical issues might be holding you back.
Check your page titles and meta descriptions.
Each page on your website should have a clear, specific title (the thing that shows up in a browser tab or search result) and a short description that tells people—and search engines—what the page is about. Bonus points if your primary keyword is included naturally.
Look at your headings.
Headings (like H1s, H2s, etc.) aren’t just for style—they help structure your content and tell Google what’s most important. Make sure each page has one H1 (the main title), and use subheadings to break up content clearly.
Review your site speed and mobile experience.
A slow site or one that’s hard to use on a phone can seriously hurt your SEO. Tools like PageSpeed Insights can show you how your site performs and what might need fixing.
A few final thoughts from your friendly neighborhood designer
You don’t have to be an SEO expert to have a website that gets found. Even small, thoughtful changes—like updating your page titles, writing blog posts with your audience in mind, or improving how your site works on mobile—can make a big difference.
And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s where I come in. Whether you’re ready for a full website redesign or just need a strategic template that does the heavy lifting, Wild Horse Creative is here to help you create a website that works—even when you can’t.
Want a head start? Download my free Website Essentials Checklist to see what your site needs in place to make a great first impression—and start climbing those search results.
Like what you read? You’ll also love these posts: So You Need a Website… But You’re Not Sure Where to Start
How to Make Your Business Feel More Professional—Without Adding More to Your Plate
What You Really Need Before You Build Your Website (Whether You DIY or Work With a Designer)
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