If you’re running a business in India and want more people to discover you online, then SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is your best friend. I know “SEO” sounds like a techy word that only computer geeks understand, but trust me, once you get the basics right, it’s actually quite simple. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to do SEO for your business, using easy-to-understand language, Indian examples, and a personal touch.
What is SEO, and Why Should You Care?
SEO is the process of making your website appear higher in Google search results. So when someone types something like “best chai cafe in Delhi” or “affordable wedding photographer in Mumbai,” your business shows up on the first page. Higher ranking = more visibility = more customers.
In India, people are searching for everything online—from sarees to software. So if your business isn’t showing up on Google, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of customers. Think of SEO like the “Theka ka board” (shop signboard) for your digital shop.
Step 1: Understand What People Are Searching For (Keyword Research)
Before you start doing SEO, you need to know what people are searching for. This is called keyword research.
Tools You Can Use:
Let’s say you own a pani puri stall in Pune. Don’t just target “pani puri.” Use terms like:
- “best pani puri in Pune”
- “street food in Pune”
- “famous chaat shops in Pune”
These are the exact phrases people might type into Google. Use them smartly in your website content.
Step 2: On-Page SEO (Things You Do on Your Website)
This is where you make your website easy for Google to read and understand.
Basic On-Page SEO Tips:
- Use the main keyword in the title (e.g., “Best Mehndi Artist in Lucknow”)
- Add keywords in headings (H1, H2 tags)
- Write engaging meta descriptions (This is the short line that appears below your site name on Google.)
- Use alt text for images (e.g., alt=”golden bridal lehenga”)
- Make your website mobile-friendly (Because desi log mostly browse on mobile)
- Use fast-loading images and compress them with tools like
Step 3: Create Useful, Local-Friendly Content
Google loves useful content. So create blogs, guides, and videos that actually help your audience.
Examples for Indian Businesses:
- If you run a travel agency: Write a blog on “Top 5 Weekend Getaways from Delhi”
- If you own a bakery: Share “Easy Eggless Cake Recipes at Home”
- If you’re a CA: Explain “GST Rules for Small Businesses in India”
Keep it desi, keep it helpful. And don’t just copy-paste from other websites—Google is smart. Original content always wins.
Step 4: Google My Business (Local SEO Ka Baap)
This one is super important for local Indian businesses.
Create and verify your Google Business Profile. This helps your business show up in local searches and Google Maps.
What to Add:
- Accurate business name and address
- Photos of your shop or products
- Business hours
- Customer reviews (ask your customers to leave feedback)
A chai tapri in Chandigarh got 100+ daily visitors just because it ranked on “chai near me”—all thanks to Google My Business.
Step 5: Backlinks (Online Recommendations)
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. Think of them like word-of-mouth referrals, but on the internet.
How to Get Backlinks:
- Get listed in Indian business directories like Justdial, Sulekha, and IndiaMART
- Collaborate with local bloggers and influencers
- Write guest posts for popular Indian websites (like YourStory, ShoutMeLoud, etc.)
Backlinks tell Google, “This website is trustworthy.” And more trust = higher ranking.
Step 6: Technical SEO (Don’t Worry, Just Basic Stuff)
You don’t need to be a coder for this. Just get your basics right.
Simple Technical SEO Tips:
- Make sure your website loads in under 3 seconds
- Use HTTPS (secure website with a padlock symbol)
- Fix broken links (use tools like Broken Link Checker)
- Use a sitemap and robots.txt file (your developer can help or use plugins)
If you use WordPress, install Yoast SEO or Rank Math plugins to make things easier.
Step 7: Track Your Results
SEO is not a one-time thing. You need to monitor what’s working and what’s not.
Tools for Tracking:
Check:
- How many visitors are coming to your website
- Which pages are getting the most traffic
- What keywords people are using to find you
This helps you tweak your strategy and grow faster.
Bonus Tip: Be Patient, SEO Takes Time
Rome wasn’t built in a day, bhai! SEO takes time. Usually 3–6 months before you see solid results. But once it starts working, it brings consistent traffic without spending on ads.
So, don’t get disheartened. Keep updating your content, adding new blogs, and following the basics. SEO is like planting a mango tree—it grows slowly but gives sweet fruits for years.
Final Thoughts
Doing SEO for your business doesn’t need to be complicated. Start small, stay consistent, and keep learning. Use Indian examples, local language, and speak to your audience in their tone.
A saree seller in Surat, a tuition teacher in Nagpur, or a mehendi artist in Jaipur—everyone can benefit from good SEO. So stop overthinking and start optimizing!
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends who run small businesses. Let’s help each other grow online in true Indian spirit!
