Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, encourages the practice of improving the way you are seen on internet search engines. Most people relate SEO solely to Google because it is the most popular and most used search engine so it only makes sense to focus on Google SEO. When people search for your type of business, they normally ask a question using keywords. Your goal is to show up on page 1 of the google search. You can purchase Google ads to rank the highest but searchers often avoid ads purposely as this practice is sometimes seen through and considered not the best choice. By not purchasing ads, you are hoping to rate, or rank organically in searches. Organic searches build trust and credibility.
Organic Searches
There are many things you can do to optimize your business’ SEO organically. This practice takes time to achieve but is very satisfying when you begin to see results. Let’s highlight the 5 easiest and best SEO practices to have you ranking better organically on searches. The first step is finding out how you currently rank. Gather your 5 best keywords and perform an analysis on your current SEO. Then update and optimize your website, then update your social media accounts. Be sure to google your business name as well, to see if you have a Google My Business Listing on the right hand side, like the one you see here. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to claim, update and continue to manage this account for local SEO improvement.
1. Analyze Your current SEO performance
Performing an analysis of your current SEO is crucial to see how much growth you need. Whether you have a website or just social media pages, you’ll want to see if you show up on searches, and where. Research keywords to see which are best in your industry and perform separate searches on each keyword. If your business presence (website, facebook, etc.) doesn’t land on the 1st page, you have some work to do! Consistency is key as this is a long term plan but once there, it will be a lot less work and difficult to knock you off. Once you’ve figured out where you currently stand, it’s time to move on to optimizing your website.
2. Customize and Optimize Your Website
Your website is your virtual brick and mortar location so it needs to be evergreen and optimized at all times. Imagine your return policy is wrong on your website or different on your website than it is on social media pages. This neglect would serve to delegitimize you to your potential customers and you’ll lose them before you even knew they were there! Be sure to take website development and optimization very seriously and use best practices.
3.Google SEO Legitimizes Your Business
Google recognizes and legitimizes your business by way of your website so put simply, a website that’s fully optimized ranks you higher in SEO, gets more traffic and continues to attract traffic, which in turn converts into more leads and customers. This contradicts the opinion that social media pages are sufficient representation for your business. Your social media pages are your promotional pages. Leading all searches back to your website helps you to rank higher. Let’s explore steps you can take to optimize your website.
4.Website builders
Simple website builders such as Wix, Weebly and Squarespace have simplified SEO optimizers built right into the platform. They do help you rank but coded websites like WordPress help you rank even better and give you more advanced SEO optimization capabilities. Either option you choose, when writing, use your relevant keywords as much as possible without seeming forced and optimize your SEO on each page and on your site settings as well.
5.Website Content
Your website needs to have incredible content written and optimized throughout each page. This serves to legitimize your business in your industry and thus to Google. Once Google takes notice, you begin to rank higher in SEO. When writing, sprinkle your top keywords throughout the text of each page but be sure it makes sense. Google can recognize when you’re trying too hard to build SEO. Your “About Us” page is incredibly important and should be used in your social description pages. Write fantastic copy that include inbound and outbound links..
6.Update and Match Up Social Media Pages
Your social media pages need to match up as much as possible. Google bots look for similarities to associate your pages with one another. As mentioned above, copy in your website’s “about us” page into your social media description or bio. Make sure your profile pictures match up – whether it’s a logo or a photo and make sure your contact information is identical.