How to Get Your Business Found Online in Steilacoom, Washington
If you run a business in Steilacoom, you already know it’s a small town with big charm. With just over 6,000 residents and a historic waterfront that draws visitors year-round, Steilacoom’s economy leans on local restaurants, boutique shops, marine services, and tourism. But here’s the problem: when someone searches “best coffee in Steilacoom” or “plumber near Steilacoom,” your business might not show up.
Most small businesses in Steilacoom struggle on Google for the same reason. They either haven’t claimed their online presence, or they’re relying on word-of-mouth alone. Google doesn’t know you exist unless you tell it. And even if you do, you’re competing with bigger companies from nearby Tacoma and Lakewood that have stronger websites and more reviews.
The good news? You can fix this yourself. Here are four practical steps to get started.
1. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile This is the single most important thing you can do. Go to Google Business Profile (it’s free) and claim your listing. Make sure your address, phone number, and hours are correct. Add photos of your storefront, your products, or your team. The more complete your profile, the more Google trusts you. If you serve customers at their location (like a plumber or landscaper), set your service area to Steilacoom and nearby towns.
2. Ask for reviews and respond to them Reviews are like votes of confidence. A business with 20 recent, positive reviews will almost always outrank one with none. Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google. Don’t offer discounts or gifts in exchange—that’s against Google’s rules. Just ask. And when you get a review, always respond. A simple “Thanks, Sarah! Glad we could help” goes a long way.
3. Make sure your website works on phones Most people in Steilacoom search for local businesses on their phones. If your website takes more than a few seconds to load, or the text is too small to read, people will leave. Google notices this and ranks you lower. Use a tool like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check your site. If it fails, consider switching to a simple, mobile-first theme.
4. Use local keywords on your website Think about what your customers actually type into Google. Instead of “best seafood restaurant,” write “fresh seafood in Steilacoom.” Instead of “dog grooming,” write “dog grooming near Steilacoom waterfront.” Use these phrases naturally in your page titles, headings, and descriptions. Don’t stuff them in—just write for your customer.
What about backlinks? You might hear the term “backlinks” and think it’s complicated. It’s not. A backlink is simply when another website links to yours. Think of it like a recommendation. If the Steilacoom Historical Society links to your tour company, Google sees that as a sign you’re trustworthy. The more quality recommendations you get, the higher you can rank.
That’s where BacklinkUSA.com comes in. We help local businesses like yours get mentioned in articles on trusted, high-authority websites. Those mentions act like recommendations, helping Google see your business as a credible choice in Steilacoom. If you’d like to learn more, check out our services.