Learn how SMBs and growing businesses can use search engine optimization (SEO) to stay competitive while keeping costs low. If you’re a small business owner, people are searching for what you do on Google. Unless you show up, you’re missing out on customers or clients. SEO for small businesses is how you do that, and the basics are quick and easy.
Follow these tips to rank your small business higher in no time.
What is SEO and How Does It Work?
SEO (search engine optimization) is a technique to improve a website’s organic visibility online. The goal is to have your web property show up as close to the top of the first page of a search engine’s results as possible (such as Google). Well-executed small business SEO can increase traffic to your website without having to pay for an ad.
Many components can contribute to better organic visibility. A few that are the most important include the page’s content, targeting the right keywords, and backlinks. Good SEO also hinges on some technical aspects, such as site speed and mobile optimization.
Glossary of Common SEO Terms
Organic search results:
Also called the Search Engine Results Page (SERP). When a search engine user types a query or search term into a search engine like Google, a list of results is generated. This list is made up of the most relevant pages to that keyword.
Keyword ranking:
Your web page’s exact position in search results for a specific keyword. The closer you are to ranking number one on the first page, the more visitors and in turn the more traffic your website will receive.
Local SEO:
This aspect of SEO is used to promote a local business online. For example, if a user types “shoe store Boston” into the search engine, the search results will list the web properties of any shoe stores in Boston that rank well for that keyword.
Backlinks:
Links from other websites to yours. Backlinks can help increase your page authority and keyword ranking. Ensure backlinks come from reputable sources to avoid hurting your website’s ranking.
Technical SEO:
Ensures that search engines can crawl and index your website. Focuses on backend information like your HTML code, site speed, mobile optimization, sitemap, and website architecture.
Site speed:
How long it takes for your website to load. Google considers this an important factor when ranking websites in search results.
Mobile optimization:
How your website displays on mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, it will take a hit in its search results.
What is Small Business SEO?
Small business SEO is the process of improving your small business’s website presence on search engines, so it is visible in queries that relate to what you offer.
Differences Between Small Business SEO and Local SEO
Local SEO for small business helps businesses appear in location-based search results. While it may overlap with small business SEO, some small businesses need to leverage local traffic, but small business SEO is now global due to digital demand. If you can ship your product or service anywhere, local SEO doesn’t make sense for you.
Importance of SEO for Small Businesses
SEO for small businesses is important as it helps you increase organic traffic without spending money on advertisements. When your website ranks higher in search, you drive more traffic, generate more engagement, make more sales, and gain more loyal customers.
Best Tips to Increase Your Business SEO
Optimize for Google My Business
Today, Google My Business is the pinnacle of local search results. Google My firm is an excellent tool to assist your firm meet Google’s requirements because Google supports, verifies, and provides its own content freely.
You should do the following to make sure you’re ready for Google My Business:
- Make a Google My Business page and validate it.
- Utilize your account’s Google Posts feature.
- Urge your clients to post evaluations on the internet.
Genuinely reply to reviews, including the location. For instance, “We value your opinions about [product/service] in [city, state].” We appreciate your feedback and are eager to collaborate with you once more.
From the team at [complete company name], thank you. Don’t limit yourself to doing this for SEO. You’re making it easier for potential customers to locate you by having reviews and maintaining up-to-date contact details and operation hours.
Engage on social media and add posts to Google My Business
Google considers content shared on social media more important now than ever before. Share your beautifully crafted Google My Business page on social media to further integrate search and social media.
Ensure your name, address, and phone number are consistent online
Make it easy for people and search engines to find you by setting up your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) in crawlable HTML text on your site.
What does local SEO’s NAP stand for?
NAP is an abbreviation that represents a company’s name, address, and phone number (including area code). Google should treat your NAP as crawlable HTML content on your website so that location-based search results better represent it.
Steer clear of the typical error of merely putting the NAP inside an image since search engines cannot index images the same way they do HTML text.
The header or footer of the website is where the NAP is most frequently found. You should also publish your NAP on a page that says “Contact Us.”
Optimize online directories and citations
Verify that your citations are consistent and complete across map data aggregators like Express Update, Neustar Localeze, Foursquare, and Factual.
Factual consistency is crucial, so make sure all four of these data aggregators have comprehensive and consistent citations. Errors such as misspellings, acronyms, omission of the suite number, or incorrect phone number can be troublesome. Google may not display your business at all in search results if it is unable to identify which of the information about your company is accurate.
Expert Advice: Eliminate any redundant entries you come across in internet directories.
Perform a local SEO audit
This may include auditing Google My Business, Google Search Console, on-page SEO elements, citations, competitor analysis, and overall website performance.
The following could be included in a local SEO audit:
- Google My Business Audit: What is the SERP presence of your Google My Business? Is the data correct?
- Google Search Console Check: Can crawlers access your website? Are there any mistakes in it that would prevent indexing?
- On-Page SEO Audit: Does your website support every on-page SEO component that influences ranking?
- Citation Audit: Are all of your references in the leading business directories accurate?
- Competition Analysis: How does your website compare to that of your rivals? Are there any holes that require filling in? Regarding inbound links, content, design, and positioning, how do you compare?
- Website Audit: What is the performance level of your website?
Improve your internal linking structure
Internal linking supports website navigation, assists with information architecture, and distributes page authority and ranking power among pages.
Why is internal linking important? It performs the following functions:
- Facilitates navigating websites
- Helps with the hierarchy of websites and information architecture
- Divides ranking power and page authority across pages
Optimize URL, title tags, headers, meta description, and content
Use high-volume keywords in the URL, title, header, meta description, and body. Highlight customer success stories and case studies.
Add location pages to your website
If you have more than one location, create location pages with detailed information. For single-location businesses, create a locally descriptive About Us page.
Create local content
Write about local or industry news to attract a local audience. Promote local industry gatherings, news, employees, and other educational content on your blog.
Promote staff, news, industry events, and other instructional materials on your blog to establish yourself as the local expert in your field. Consider creating material for the top of the funnel that goes beyond what your company sells.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly
Make it easy for prospects and customers to use your site in a mobile environment.
Get inbound links with relevance and authority
Inbound links can boost your local SEO. Seek sponsorships, partnerships, guest blog postings, and scholarships to gain inbound links.
Participate in your local community
Partner with a nonprofit, sponsor events, or appear in local media as an authority in your industry to earn press, brand awareness, and inbound links.
Benefits of Small Business SEO
- Organic search traffic: According to BrightEdge research, organic search accounts for 53% of all online traffic and contributes to 44% of revenue share.
- Brand awareness: Good SEO will help you show up ahead of competitors in search results.
- Effective but gradual: SEO takes time and effort, but the rewards are great.
Getting Started with SEO
- Conduct a content audit for SEO: Help uncover opportunities for new content and highlight existing content needing attention.
- Conduct a technical audit for SEO: Show areas where your website structure and backend need improvement.
Choosing SEO Services for Small Business
If you prefer professional help, consider hiring an SEO expert. Agencies offer various packages to suit small businesses. Questions to ask a potential agency include:
1. What niches do you specialize in?
2. What does the process look like, and what will you be working on month-to-month?
3. What is your link building strategy?
4. How do you track progress?
5. How do you report?
6. How often will you review and update the strategy?
7. Do you have any case studies of similar projects?
8. Is there a minimum term commitment?
Whether you tackle SEO on your own or hire an expert, having the right SEO foundation and strategy can significantly benefit your business and bottom line.
Happy Reading!!