SEO basics for a small New Zealand business: a practical checklist

The short answer

Make sure Google can find your pages, give each page a clear title and description, write helpful original content, use descriptive links and image text, and keep everything up to date. That list comes straight from Google's own SEO starter guide.¹

The checklist

1. Check Google can find you. Search "site:yourdomain.co.nz" in Google to see which pages are indexed.¹ If your pages are missing, verify the site in Search Console and submit a sitemap.
2. Write unique, clear titles. Each page title should be unique to the page, clear and concise, and accurately describe its content. Including your business name or location can help where relevant.¹
3. Write short, unique descriptions. One or two sentences that summarise the page and give people a reason to click.¹
4. Use headings and short sections. Break long content into paragraphs under descriptive headings, and make sure it is well organised and free of errors.¹
5. Use descriptive URLs. Meaningful words rather than random codes, grouped logically.¹
6. Write descriptive link text. "Read my Google Ads budget guide" tells people and search engines more than "click here".¹
7. Add alt text to images. Describe what the image shows and how it relates to the page.¹
8. Write original, helpful content. Answer real questions for your customers.¹
9. Keep content current. Update what is still useful and remove what is outdated.¹
10. Tell people about it. Google suggests word of mouth, social media and community involvement, and putting your web address on business cards and printed material.¹

What to do first

If you can only do three things this month, start with your page titles, your descriptions and your Google Business Profile. They are quick, free and make a visible difference. My guide on setting up your profile shows how.

Be patient

SEO is slow. Google says changes can take anything from a few hours to several months to show, so judge results after a few weeks.¹ I explain more in how long SEO takes.

Want it done for you?

I build these basics into every website I make, including the titles, descriptions, structure and speed. Say hello if you would like me to check yours.

References

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Starter Guide. Google Search Central. Accessed 5 October 2026.