Get found on Google: SEO basics for non-profits
SEO ("search engine optimization") just means helping the right people find you on Google. You don't need tricks or a budget — you need a clear site that honestly says who you are, what you do, and where you serve. This guide covers the handful of basics that matter most.
Start with one clear purpose per page
Google rewards pages that answer one question well. Give each page a single job — your mission, your programs, how to volunteer, how to donate — instead of cramming everything onto one page. A visitor (and Google) should know what a page is about within seconds.
The steps
Write an honest title for every page
The page title is the blue link people see in Google. Make it specific and true — "Free meals for families in South Seattle" beats "Welcome." Keep it short and lead with what you do.
Add a one-sentence description
The description is the gray text under the title in search results. Use one plain sentence that tells someone why to click. Don't keyword-stuff — write it for a person.
Claim your Google Business Profile
A free Google Business Profile puts your org on Google Maps and in the local results box. Add your name, area served, hours, phone, and a link to your site. For many non-profits this is the single biggest visibility win.
Be clear about where you serve
Local relevance matters. Name your city, neighborhoods, and region in plain language on the page — not hidden in a corner. People search "near me," and Google needs to know where "near" is for you.
Get listed where your supporters look
Ask partner organizations, local directories, and community pages to link to your site. A few trusted links from real local sources help Google trust you, too. Quality matters far more than quantity.
Quick checklist
- One clear purpose per page
- Honest, specific page titles
- A one-sentence description on each page
- Google Business Profile claimed and filled in
- Your city and service area named in plain words
noprofits.org · Free websites for non-profits across greater Seattle · hello@noprofits.org