The Sole Trader SEO Checklist
· 3 min read · Written by Jack, founder of Mumbles Studio
SEO sounds intimidating, but for a one-person or small business it mostly comes down to a handful of basics. Here's the checklist I actually use.
Google Business Profile
- Claimed, verified and fully filled in: hours, photos, services and service area
- Primary category set correctly (this matters more than most people think)
- Some genuine reviews, and you reply to them
On your website
- Your business name, what you do and where you do it appear clearly on the homepage
- Every page has its own title and short description (this is what shows in Google's results)
- The site loads reasonably quickly on a phone
- One clear call to action per page: book, call or enquire
Content
- A page for each core service, not one page trying to cover everything
- Your location mentioned naturally where it's relevant ("plumber in Norwich", not just "plumber")
- Something new now and then. Even an occasional short guide shows the site is looked after
What most sole traders get wrong
They try to rank for broad terms ("website designer") instead of the specific searches their customers actually type ("website designer for cafés in Norfolk"). Specific, longer searches have less competition and the people searching them are usually closer to buying.
Want it as a printable list?
Grab the free 10-point Local SEO Checklist. If working through it raises more questions than it answers, that's normal. It's exactly what an SEO audit is for.
Want a hand with this?
If you'd rather not do it yourself, I can help — plain English, clear scope.