Search. Engine. Optimization. It sounds scary, right? For a lot of small businesses, SEO is something that seems like a foreign language; a mystical science that one would need a lot of special training to perform.
However, by following these simple steps below, any business can greatly improve their search engine rankings:
1. Set modest goals, know how to monitor them. Keep your finger on the pulse of these goals, constantly monitoring and adjusting as needed.
2. Cut fluff activities and make sure your website content and SEO tactics are concise. Be sure your time spent on your website isn’t frivolous. Time management is key.
3. Get a Google My Business account and commit to playing by the rules. Remember, SEO is all about romancing the big G. You are not likely to get in Google’s good graces by spamming or violating their terms of service.
4. Track, claim and edit all online listings and citations. Be sure that you are in control of all of your listings on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, etc and that these sites are all consistent with your website Be sure to check all areas where you offer goods or services. Additionally, track and edit any industry-specific, niche listings, forums or cites.
5. Encourage reviews. Find sites, customers and people to review your business. Try to find placement in related blogs or trade publications/websites.
6. Complete a full website audit. Decrease the number of domains to as little as possible.
- Install Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
- Create a separate, in-depth page on each specific service and/or product you offer. Create as many other useful pages as you can — make those pages easy to find. Go back and resuscitate old pages by adding fresh, more detailed content.
- Write good titles and tags. Go back and double check that each important page has an original title.
- Put your name, address and phone number in the site as many times as possible.
- Click through your site to make sure it is intuitive and easy to use.
7. Build Links. Links are your number one way to grab Google’s attention. Try to fit in at least ten good links. Keep link building in your long-term goals. Link to strong, relevant content. Don’t forget to “give back.” Provide strong content so other sites can link to you as well.
8. Double check citations, listings and audit steps. After building links, you may find that these numbers have improved. Correct any incorrect local or global citations and be sure your presence is cohesive.
9. Don’t stop monitoring. Run analytics reports weekly, or even twice a week. Be aware of trends in the market and web traffic behavior. Adapt as necessary.
10. Your work is never done. Always keep auditing. Always keep building links. Always encouraging reviews. Work this list of steps and then start at step one again.
We hope this was helpful! If you have any questions, you should get in touch. If you’d like some help with your SEO, we can help with that too.