Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your website so that it appears highly relevant to searches on search engines like Google. The goal of SEO is to increase traffic and sales by improving the visibility of your business across the web because most people never go beyond the first page of the search results.
Search engines use algorithms to rank websites, so you want your website to be as high up in their listings as possible. This means that you get more traffic from online searches and thus, a better chance of converting those visitors into customers who want to buy your products or services.
Google, specifically, ranks sites based on factors such as relevancy, authority, and trustworthiness. If your business does not have relevant content that’s created by an expert with credibility in the industry, your site won’t get noticed.
Search engine optimization is a holistic approach that caters to this very need of search engines. It involves utilizing a bunch of optimization techniques, which help you have a rank-worthy presence in the eyes of both the search engines as well as the users.
If you are a small business with limited resources, it isn’t uncommon to struggle to optimize your online presence for search engines. As an SEO agency for small businesses, here are our 5 easiest tips that will help you get started with SEO when you don’t know where to begin.
Top 5 effective SEO tips for small businesses
Conduct an SEO audit
The first step in improving your SEO should always be conducting an audit of your current digital performance. This will help you identify what is working and what isn’t.
Besides, search engine optimization requires constant updating as new websites are created and older ones disappear. If you don’t conduct an audit regularly, it is possible that your current tactics may not be working anymore.
You will want to check on things like:
- Links – Are your links working and pointing to the right pages?
- Keyword stuffing – Are there too many keywords in your content making it difficult for users to understand your content?
- SEO errors – Is your page optimized for mobile devices? Does your website load within 3 seconds? How can you improve your UX? Which elements are missing?
- Organic traffic – Are people finding your site organically? If not, why not? If yes, where are they coming from? Can you optimize these channels to grow your traffic even further?
Focus on finding the right keywords
When strategizing on how to optimize your website, make sure that the keywords you choose are relevant and targeted to specific search queries your ideal customers might type into their browsers when looking for answers related to what your business does or sells.
There’s no easy way around this one: keyword research is essential before you can do any sort of optimization. If you are not sure where to begin, try using a tool like Google Keyword Planner or WordTracker; they will provide suggestions based on what terms people are searching for and how often they are searching them (they will also show you how much competition there is for each so you can decide whether or not you want to use them).
As part of your research, you will want to analyze both the keywords that people are using in their search queries as well as the pages on your site that rank for these keywords. Once you have identified about 20-30 keywords, you can start working on optimizing them for better rankings in search engines.
Optimize for local SEO
One of the best ways to improve your search engine ranking is by optimizing your website for local searches. Local SEO is a great way to attract customers in your neighborhood and increase sales. It can be done by listing your business on Google My Business or GMB and optimizing your website for certain keywords or phrases that are popular in your area.
The best part about local SEO is that you can rank for the local searches independent of your website or social media pages. In other words, even if your website SEO isn’t as strong but your GMB listing is well-made, you will still rank on Google and get noticed by your ideal customer.
Make your website mobile-friendly
Mobile traffic is growing fast because people are increasingly using their mobile devices while they browse the web and conduct business online. In fact, mobile users account for more than 50% of the total web searches. So, it is important to make sure that you are providing a great user experience across the smaller screens. If you aren’t currently providing a mobile-optimized version of your site, you are leaving money on the table.
Build links to your site
One of the most crucial parts of SEO is link building. This means optimizing both internal and external link structures to ensure the search engines recognize your authority.
Links are important because they show that other people have found value in what you are offering. A link from a respected website will give your site credibility and authority, which will increase the probability of searchers clicking on your link when they find you while looking for what they want.
Similarly, it is also important to note that links are not just about having people link back to your site. Links can be used as anchor text for internal links to connect pages and content better within your website so that your users can have a smooth navigation experience.
To rank well on search engines, you need to have a strong online foundation. This includes optimizing your social media channels as well as your website. But that is easier said than done. That’s why you need SEO experts who are experienced in helping small businesses formulate an SEO strategy that is customized to their unique needs and goals. Get in touch with our team to get yours!