The term "Search Engine Optimization" refers to the process of optimizing a website for search engines. In basic terms, it means the process of enhancing your website in order to improve its exposure when consumers use search engines to look for items or services connected to your business.
Here's why SEO is such a useful marketing tool for small companies, as well as a few SEO suggestions to help them get the most out of their search efforts.
According to the market studies, over half of all Google searches are for local information. If you're a small business attempting to reach out to local consumers, SEO is critical since it allows them to find you first.
97% of online users tend to learn more about a local small company online than from any other source. People are looking for your company, and the first place they will look is on your website.
Over the last 3 years, “Near me” or “around me” type searches have grown by more than 900%. This is another important reason to optimize your local search efforts.
Almost 75% of people never look past the first page of Google search results. Being on the top page is crucial, but it also requires long-term planning.
Consumers are seeking businesses like yours online every day, regardless of what sector you're in or how big your company is. One of the most effective methods to contact these potential consumers is through search engines.
SEO tips for small businesses
Your website may appear to be attractive, but if it isn't properly organized, you risk losing a large proportion of search traffic. It's critical to build it with a strong website structure so that search engines can crawl and index your content effectively.
It's also critical to ensure that your site is mobile-friendly. A mobile-responsive website not only improves the user experience but also helps your SEO ranking.
Invest in Keyword research
You want to make sure that your website is ranked for the search terms that people use and that are relevant to your company. The higher your small business website ranks for relevant keywords and phrases, the more likely you are to be discovered by relevant customers searching on search engines for your products, services, or related subjects.
All pages' names, meta descriptions, and body content must be optimized, with appropriate keywords inserted in each. A unique meta description and title are required for each page on your website.
Content is King! So, you need a content calendar!
Another important aspect of any SEO strategy is content. Good SEO and content marketing may help your company grow, but it must be done on a regular basis. By generating regular content around a certain set of relevant keywords and subjects, you may demonstrate to Google that you are an expert in a particular field. Before embarking on an SEO campaign, it is important to spend time building out a calendar for at least twelve months’ worth of content.
Earn various backlinks from authoritative sources
Backlinks are another important factor for SEO. Essentially, backlinks are other places that hyperlink back to your website. Within your website, you can leverage backlinks by hyperlinking back to a previous blog post or sharing links to specific products or services.
For every small business, Google My Business (GMB) could be a focal point, especially if you want to harness the potential of local search. It's extremely easy to set up and can have a significant impact. You should make use of elements like images, videos, Q&A, reviews, and postings that you publish on platforms like GMB, Yelp, and local directories, as a small company.
(Disclaimer: This content is for the sole purpose of teaching and learning at Edith Cowan University, Australia).
N. Heydari, Student number: 10348131
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