Search Engine Optimization may seem too technical and intimidating for small business owners new to online marketing. But fear not! SEO is more straightforward than it may seem. By implementing SEO tactics that aren’t as technical, you can get your business in front of more potential customers.
SEO is critical in digital marketing because it helps businesses increase their online visibility, drive traffic to their website, and ultimately boost their leads and sales. In particular, website optimization for search engines can be a game-changer for your business.
What is SEO or Search Engine Optimization?
Want more people to find your website? That's where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in! It's a process that makes your website easier to find on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
Here's how it works: search engines use fancy algorithms to scan websites and figure out what they're all about. SEO helps organize your website's content, structure, and functionality in a way that makes it easier for search engines to understand. This means that when people search for products or services related to your business, your website has a better chance of appearing at the top of their search results.
Why is this so important? Well, research shows that 75% of people never scroll past the first page of search results. That means if your website isn't showing up near the top, you're missing out on potential customers.
Where Can SEO Be Used?
With the fierce competition in the digital world, businesses need to use every tool in their arsenal to stand out. SEO can be applied to digital marketing channels, including content marketing and social media. Companies can optimize their websites and create content to improve their search engine rankings, attract more visitors, and ultimately drive sales. With SEO, companies can stay ahead and reach a broader audience in today's highly competitive digital landscape.
What are the Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses?
The benefits of SEO for small businesses are numerous. Here are just a few of the most significant benefits:
- Increased visibility: By optimizing your website for SEO, you can improve your visibility on search engines, attract more visitors, and reach a wider audience.
- Increased website traffic: The more visible your website is on search engines, the more traffic it will receive, leading to more opportunities for leads and conversions.
- Cost-effective marketing: SEO is a cost-effective marketing strategy that can help small businesses compete with larger organizations on a level playing field.
- Better user experience: Optimizing your website for SEO can improve your website's user experience, leading to increased engagement and conversions.
- Improved credibility: Ranking higher in search engine results can help to establish your business as a credible and authoritative source.
Boost Your Website's Ranking: 7 Non-Technical SEO Tactics for Small Businesses
Now that we understand what SEO is and its benefits, let's look at the top seven non-technical SEO tactics you can use to improve your website's search engine rankings.
1. Content Creation
Creating high-quality content is a vital SEO strategy for your website. It attracts visitors and helps them engage with your brand. While optimizing your website and researching keywords is essential, content creation ultimately leads to success.
Your content should be informative and valuable to your audience. Examples include blog posts, infographics, and videos.
2. Keyword Research
Keyword research involves finding the words and phrases your target audience uses to search for products or services like yours. This helps you identify and strategically use relevant keywords in your website's content.
Focus on long-tail keywords during your research. These are more specific and lead to higher conversions. For example, "gluten-free cupcakes Toronto" is a better target for a local bakery than the broad term "bakery."
Integrate target keywords into your website's content naturally. Use them in your titles, meta descriptions, headings, and content, but use them wisely, as overuse negatively impacts your search engine rankings.
3. On-page Optimization
On-page optimization is optimizing the visible elements of your website to help search engines better understand your content. This can increase your search engine rankings and website traffic. These elements include title tags, meta descriptions, headings, and images.
Images can be optimized by including descriptive alt text that accurately describes the image and contains your target keyword. Also, compress your photos to improve your website's loading speed.
4. Link Building
Gathering links from other relevant websites to your website helps to build your SEO. Search engines use these links to rank your content based on its quality. To build high-quality inbound links, create valuable content that other websites will want to link to, or reach out to relevant websites in your industry to request a link.
However, not all inbound links are created equal. Inbound links from high-quality, authoritative websites are more valuable than those from low-quality, spammy websites. Therefore, focus on building high-quality inbound links rather than getting as many links as possible.
5. Mobile Optimization
A mobile-friendly website is crucial to rank higher on search engines since more and more people are using mobile devices to browse the internet. A mobile-friendly website provides a good user experience and is optimized for viewing on mobile devices.
To ensure your website is mobile-friendly, use a responsive design that automatically adjusts your website's layout based on the device's screen size. Mobile optimization can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates.
6. Social media presence
An active social media presence can improve your website's search engine rankings by driving traffic and increasing brand awareness. Social media signals don't directly affect search engine rankings but can indirectly help SEO.
To make the most of your social media presence, post engaging content and interact with your followers regularly. Promote your website's content and encourage followers to share it with their network.
7. Local SEO
Optimizing your website for local search terms can help attract more local customers. Local SEO involves optimizing your website and online presence based on the area you operate in.
To improve local SEO, include your city or region in your website's metadata and content. Ensure your website lists your business's address and phone number and that this information is consistent across all online directories, such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages.
Also, encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your website and popular review websites like Yelp, Google My Business, and Facebook.
Enlist the Help of a Marketing Agency to Improve Your Website's SEO
Are you a small business owner struggling to rank your website on search engines? It's no secret that having a robust online presence is crucial for businesses to succeed in today's digital age. But implementing non-technical SEO tactics can take time and effort, and requires industry knowledge. That's where marketing agencies like EDGE come in.
Our team of experts specializes in helping businesses improve their search engine rankings through SEO, so you can focus on what you do best - running your business. Don't let your competitors outrank you - invest in your website's SEO and watch your business grow!
Take the first step in improving your website and marketing, and contact EDGE today
Posted: April 19, 2023
