What is Search Engine Optimization?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for small businesses in Middlebury that want to be found online. Yet, many local businesses make simple SEO mistakes that prevent them from ranking on Google, costing them leads, customers, and revenue.
In this article, we’ll cover the 5 most common SEO mistakes small businesses make and how Favze helps fix them.
1. Ignoring Local SEO
Many small businesses focus on general SEO but forget to optimize for local searches. If your website doesn’t target keywords like “plumber Middlebury Indiana” or “Elkhart County roofing company”, you’re missing local traffic.
How to fix it:
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Include your city or region in your page titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
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Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
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Build citations in local directories and get customer reviews.
Favze specializes in local SEO to help Middlebury businesses rank higher and get more leads in their community.
SEO is more than just a set of tactics or keywords, it’s a strategic approach to making your business visible to the people who are actively searching for your products or services. True SEO requires understanding your audience, crafting content that answers their questions, optimizing every page of your website for search engines, and building authority through trusted links and consistent performance. Done correctly, SEO doesn’t just drive traffic, it drives qualified leads, builds credibility for your brand, and turns your website into a powerful growth engine that works for your business 24/7.
Riley Catalano
CEO of Favze
2. Not Optimizing Your Website for SEO
A website that looks nice isn’t enough — it needs to be search engine optimized so Google can find it and rank it. Many businesses make the mistake of launching a website without proper SEO structure.
How to fix it:
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Use SEO-friendly URLs with keywords (e.g.,
/website-design-middlebury). -
Optimize page titles, headings, and meta descriptions for each page.
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Include alt text for images and ensure content is keyword-rich but natural.
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Use a clear site structure with internal links between pages.
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Make sure your site is fast, secure, and mobile-friendly, which also impacts SEO.
Favze builds fully SEO-optimized websites that help small businesses rank higher, attract traffic, and convert visitors into customers.
3. Thin or Duplicate Content
Websites with short, low-quality content or copied text from other sites struggle to rank. Google values unique content that provides value to visitors.
How to fix it:
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Create blog posts, guides, and service pages that answer customer questions.
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Focus on original content that highlights your expertise.
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Avoid copying content from competitors or generic templates.
Favze helps businesses develop content strategies that boost rankings and attract local customers.
4. Ignoring Meta Titles and Descriptions
Meta titles and descriptions are often overlooked. These elements tell Google and users what your page is about. Without optimization, you miss clicks from search results.
How to fix it:
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Write unique, keyword-rich meta titles for each page.
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Create compelling meta descriptions that encourage clicks.
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Include your location for local searches.
Favze ensures every page is fully optimized to get clicks and improve your Google ranking.
5. Not Tracking or Measuring SEO Results
Many businesses implement SEO but never check if it’s working. Without tracking metrics like traffic, rankings, and leads, it’s impossible to know if your efforts are paying off.
How to fix it:
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Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor performance.
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Track keyword rankings and website traffic regularly.
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Adjust your strategy based on results.
Favze provides ongoing SEO tracking and reporting so you can see real growth and ROI.
Final Thoughts
SEO is one of the most powerful tools for local businesses in Middlebury, Indiana, but it has to be done correctly. Avoid these 5 mistakes, and your website can start driving more traffic, leads, and revenue.
At Favze, we specialize in helping small businesses dominate local search results through expert SEO, website design, and digital marketing strategies.
Complete the form below for a free consultation.
Our Services:
- SEO
- Website Design & Creation
- Email Marketing
- Paid Social Media Ads
- Paid Search Ads
- Social Media Management