June 8, 2026

11 Best Free SEO Tools for Business Websites [MUST-HAVES]

Show Notes

This episode covers SEO, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Trends, Google Business Profile, SERP API, website performance, and indexing.

Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS outlines the 11 best free SEO tools every business website needs in 2026. He emphasizes that relying solely on social media is insufficient; businesses must connect directly with search engines. He breaks down the necessity of tools like Google Search Console for indexing, Analytics for tracking behavior, and Trends for discovering keywords.

The conversation also covers page load speeds and the strategic use of a Google Business Profile for local visibility, ending with SERP API for search tracking.

Key Moments

Favour demystifies Google Search Console, explaining that without it, your website is invisible to Google's "internet service provider" (04:16).

A critical discussion emerges around page load speeds, where Favour reveals that a load time over 2.5 seconds kills 50% of conversion rates (31:11).

The room debates the Google Business Profile, clarifying when service businesses should use it and verifying addresses (71:37).

Finally, Favour demonstrates Google Trends with a live search for "press on nails," showing how tracking search intent dictates strategy (88:41).

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: The necessity of a website in 2026.
04:16 – Tool 1: Google Search Console and why it's vital.
11:57 – The cost of not verifying your domain early.
31:11 – How page load speeds impact conversion rates.
43:55 – Using SEO tools to track website performance.
71:37 – The Google Business Profile debate: Do you need an address?
85:00 – Tool 6: Using Google Trends to understand intent.
101:60 – Tool 11: SERP API for real-time search tracking.

FAQs

What is the difference between Google Search Console and Analytics? Search Console helps you monitor your website's presence in Google Search results (how you are found), while Analytics tracks user behavior once they are on your site (what they do).
Why is page load speed so important? Google prioritizes fast pages. If your site takes longer than 2.5 seconds to load, you risk losing up to 50% of your visitors before they see your content.
Do I need a Google Business Profile if I don't have a store? While not strictly required for online-only service businesses, it is highly recommended for local visibility. You can verify with an address and then hide it.

Action Steps

Verify on Search Console: Go to Google Search Console and claim your domain to ensure Google can index your site.
Test Your Page Speed: Use GTmetrix to check your website's load time. Aim for under 2.5 seconds.
Explore Google Trends: Search for two keywords related to your business to see historical search volume.
Audit Your Business Profile: If you serve a local area, ensure your profile is 100% complete, even if you hide your address.
Book a Discovery Call: Schedule a strategy session to map out a customized SEO implementation plan. 💻 Visit our Website and Book SEO Marketing Services

Ready to Rank? Book Your SEO & Web Dev Services Today

🧠 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book Web Dev SEO Services or Technical SEO Services with Favour Obasi-ike⁠

🧠 Read SEO Articles

🧠 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the We Don't PLAY Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🧠 Purchase Flaev Beatz Beats Online

🧠 Favour Obasi-ike Quick Links

🧠 Start Recording your Podcast with Riverside Today | Sign Up with My Affiliate Link Here

Explore Free Marketing Resources to Grow Your Business

📑 Read about SEO Topics

📑 Read about Clubhouse Audio Topics

📑 Read about Pinterest SEO Topics

📑 Read about Marketing Topics