SEO for beginners: 10 concrete actions to be visible on Google
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is what allows your site to appear in Google's results when your potential customers run a search. You don't need to be an expert: here are 10 simple actions that can literally double your number of customers.
1. Choose the right keywords (the ones your customers type)
Think like your customers. If you're a plumber in Lyon, your keywords are "plumber Lyon," "plumbing repair Lyon," "emergency plumber Lyon." Use these words in your titles, your descriptions and your content. Google Keyword Planner (free) helps you find the most searched terms. A well-chosen keyword can bring you 50 to 500 qualified visitors per month — people who are actively looking for your service.
2. Optimize your titles and meta descriptions
Every page of your site should have a unique title (title tag) under 60 characters and a meta description under 160 characters. This is what people see in Google. A good title includes your main keyword and makes people want to click. Example: instead of "Home - My company," write "Plumber Lyon — Fast repairs 7 days a week | Free quote."
3. Create content that answers your customers' questions
Google favors sites that publish useful content. A blog with articles answering your customers' questions is the best SEO lever. Example for an electrician: "How much does it cost to bring wiring up to code?" That article can attract hundreds of visitors per month for years. Every visitor is a potential customer. It's free, permanent advertising.
4. Speed up your site (Google loves fast sites)
Loading speed is a Google ranking factor. Test your site on PageSpeed Insights (free). Aim for a score of 90+. The solutions: compress your images, use fast hosting, and use a modern technology like Next.js. A slow site = fewer visitors = fewer customers = less money.
5. Make your site mobile-friendly
60% of Google searches happen on mobile. If your site isn't adapted for smartphones, Google penalizes it in the results. Test it with Google's Mobile-Friendly tool. A responsive design (one that adapts to every screen) is essential in 2026.
6 to 10: the technical basics that make the difference
6. Add an XML sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console (free). 7. Use short, descriptive URLs (/plumber-lyon rather than /page?id=123). 8. Add descriptive alt tags to all your images. 9. Create internal links between your pages so Google understands your site's structure. 10. Sign up for Google Business Profile (free) to appear on Google Maps — it's the number one lever for local businesses.
Free SEO vs paid ads: the numbers
According to WordStream, the average cost per click on Google Ads in France is €1 to €2 depending on the sector. For 100 visitors per day, that's €100 to €200 per day, or €3,000 to €6,000 per month. And that traffic stops immediately when you stop paying. SEO, on the other hand, is free once it's in place. According to BrightEdge, 53% of website traffic comes from organic search. A well-ranked site keeps attracting qualified visitors with no ad budget, for years.
In short
SEO is the most profitable lever for generating customers online. A well-optimized site can attract hundreds of qualified visitors per month — for free, for years. At Scandere, every site is SEO-optimized from day one so you can start receiving organic traffic quickly.