Practical SEO Copywriting Tips for Small Business Owners
How to Write Content That Ranks and Still Sounds Like You
Writing content that ranks on Google and still sounds like you shouldn't feel like tap dancing for an algorithm in heels. With the right strategy, you can show up online without selling your soul or your voice.
If you're a small business owner or solo entrepreneur, you're already handling a lot. You don’t need another overwhelming task. You need clarity. These tips are here to help.
Let's make your content work smarter, get found faster, and sound like the real you.
Start With Keyword Optimization That Feels Natural
Keyword optimization matters. But keyword stuffing? Hard pass. Think of keywords like seasoning. Just enough to enhance the flavor without ruining the recipe.
Start by choosing one main keyword or phrase you want your post to rank for. Tools like Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, or Google’s autocomplete can show you what your audience is searching for.
Use your keyword naturally in places that matter:
The page or blog title
The first 100 words
One or more subheadings
The meta description
The image alt text
The conclusion
Write like a human. You're not creating content for bots. Google will thank you, and so will your readers.
Write Like You Are Talking to One Person
Skip the big words and tech jargon. Talk like you would if you were sitting across from your ideal client with a latte in hand.
Think about what they are struggling with. What are they searching for when they feel stuck or overwhelmed? Your content should be a helpful answer, not a confusing pitch.
Use simple words. Break things down. Make it easy to understand and trustworthy. Helpful content is what builds real connections and keeps people coming back.
Make Your Content Easy To Skim
No one is reading massive paragraphs. They're scanning while juggling a dozen tabs and a lukewarm coffee.
Use headlines to break up sections.
Add bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate.
Highlight the most essential info with bold text or pull quotes.
This keeps your readers engaged and gives search engines better context. Win-win.
Keep Each Post Focused on One Goal
Once your layout is scannable, make sure your message is clear. Every blog post should focus on one main goal. Trying to cram everything into one article dilutes its impact.
Pick a specific topic or question and answer it thoroughly. That helps your content rank for the right keyword and makes writing easier to manage.
Have more to say? Awesome. Create another post and link to it. This also supports your internal linking strategy and boosts SEO.
Update Old Content Regularly
Publishing a post is not the finish line. Google likes content that stays relevant. Revisit your top pages and blog posts every 6 to 12 months to check for updates.
Update outdated stats or offers
Fix broken links
Add new keywords if search trends have shifted
Link to any newer related content
Even small tweaks can keep your rankings strong and your content working harder for your business.
Use Internal And External Links Like A Pro
Internal links help guide readers to more relevant and helpful content on your site. They also show Google how your content is connected.
External links add credibility. Linking to trusted sources, such as news sites, research studies, or well-known partners, demonstrates that your content is backed by solid information.
Pro tip: Make external links open in a new tab so readers stay on your site.
Final Checklist: Keep Your Content Sharp and Searchable
Before you hit publish (or update), run through this quick checklist:
✅ Does this post answer a real question your audience is asking?
✅ Is it clear who you are talking to?
✅ Did you choose one main keyword and use it naturally?
✅ Is your content skimmable with clear headings and bullet points?
✅ Did you add internal links to other helpful pages or blogs?
✅ Did you include at least one external link to a credible source?
✅ Is your meta description short, clear, under 160 characters, and keyword-friendly?
✅ Is the content helpful, trustworthy, and easy to understand?
✅ Would you read this if you were your ideal client?
You do not need to crank out content every day to see results. You need to create content that is valuable, clear, and aligned with your audience's needs.
Final Thought
SEO content isn't about cramming in keywords or sounding robotic. It's about helping people, sounding like yourself, and giving Google the right signals to send the right people your way.
If your content feels confusing or your site isn't showing up where it should, it may be time to simplify.
Need help writing content that ranks and sounds like you. → Book a Brand and SEO Content Session with Moxie