Out here in Seabeck, we all know the drill, if you blink while driving down Seabeck Highway, you might miss half the businesses in town. That’s the charm of living here… and also the biggest challenge.

The truth is, 97% of people find local businesses online before they ever set foot here (BrightLocal, 2024). And with our stretch of Hood Canal being more about kayak launches and quiet mornings than bustling storefronts, if you’re not visible online, you’re invisible altogether.

I’ve watched great Seabeck businesses, from the little coffee stand near the marina to home-based craft shops up the hill, thrive simply because they made themselves easy to find online. And I’ve seen others struggle because they assumed “word of mouth” would be enough. Spoiler: in 2025, it’s not.

The Problem: Remote Beauty Can Mean Digital Isolation

We’re blessed with scenery that makes people from Seattle jealous, Olympic peaks across the water, eagles over the canal, and deer that think they own the road. But that natural beauty also means we don’t have walk-in traffic like Silverdale or Poulsbo.

Visitors who come to Seabeck, for a cabin weekend, a retreat at Seabeck Conference Center, or a quick lunch at the marina — usually planned their trip before they left home. And that planning? All online. If you’re not showing up when they search “fresh seafood Seabeck” or “kayak rentals near Hood Canal,” you’ve already lost them.

Step One: Your Google Business Profile Is Your Digital Driveway

In a small town like ours, your Google Business Profile is the front porch of your online home.

• Claim and verify it — Don’t leave it blank or with outdated info.
• Add real photos — Not just product shots. Show the water view, your shop’s front, even your dog lying on the porch.
• Keep your hours current — Especially in the off-season when schedules shift.
• Respond to reviews — People notice, and so does Google.

Local tip: Mention nearby draws like Scenic Beach State Park or Hood Canal in your description. That way, when people search for activities there, your business has a better chance of showing up.

Social Media: Seabeck’s Scenery Is Marketing Gold

If you’ve ever stood on the dock during golden hour, you already have the perfect marketing material. The trick is tying those moments back to your business.

Here’s what works here:

• Instagram Reels of daily life — Sunrise over the canal, you brewing coffee before the shop opens, a salmon delivery coming in.
• Facebook events for locals & visitors — If you’re hosting a tasting, workshop, or open studio, make it an event so it gets shared.
• Local hashtags — #SeabeckWA, #HoodCanal, #KitsapCounty bring in both neighbors and curious travelers.

And don’t underestimate seasonal content. Fall colors on Stavis Bay or winter mornings with frost on the docks will stop people scrolling.

Local SEO: Winning Searches Without Ads

Here’s the thing about SEO in Seabeck, you don’t need to outspend the big guys, you just need to be more locally specific.

• Use “Seabeck” in your page titles, headlines, and photo captions.
• Blog about things only locals know — “Best picnic spots near Scenic Beach” or “How to enjoy Seabeck in the rainy season.”
• Get listed in local directories like TheKitsap.com and Kitsap Business Directory.
• Encourage customers to write reviews mentioning Seabeck — it boosts your local search visibility.

Our Advantage: Stories People Actually Want to Hear

One thing about Seabeck, we’re full of stories. Whether you’ve been here for generations or you moved here for a quieter life, that’s content gold.

Tell people why you started your business here. Share the challenges and perks of running a shop in a place where “traffic” means elk crossing the road. Post a video of your morning view before opening. That personal touch makes people choose you over a faceless chain.

Practical Steps That Work Here

If you’re starting from scratch, here’s the local-friendly roadmap:

1. Check your online footprint — Search your business name and “Seabeck” to see what comes up.
2. Get a mobile-friendly site — Many visitors are searching from their phone while driving along the canal.
3. Partner with other locals — Swap flyers with the coffee stand, get mentioned in Airbnb welcome binders.
4. Join Seabeck Facebook groups — The community chatter there is real and free advertising.
5. Batch your content on good weather days — We all know winter light isn’t our friend for photos.

The Truth About Rural Business Online

I’ve heard it too many times:

“I don’t have time for online stuff.”
“If people want me, they’ll find me.”

The reality? If you set it up right, online marketing saves you time. Customers can book, buy, or learn about you while you’re out crabbing or walking the trails. And once the system’s running, it’s like having an employee who works 24/7.

Looking Ahead: Seabeck’s Digital Future

We’ve already seen our town shift. From the artist selling watercolors to California buyers online, to the oyster farm shipping across the state, Seabeck businesses are proving you don’t have to leave the woods to reach the world.

And with more remote workers and “weekend escape” tourists heading our way each year, those who build their online presence now will be the ones cashing in later.

Bottom line: Seabeck’s beauty is our biggest asset, but it’s your job to bring that beauty into the digital world. Build your online presence, and you’ll be ready when the next wave of visitors starts searching.

Know a Seabeck local crushing it online? Drop their name in the comments, we might just feature them next time.