Owning a small business means a constant battle against the odds, especially in the vastness of the internet. But do you know what could help you immensely? That’s right, SEO for a small business.
Small businesses make up 99.9% of all enterprises in the US. That’s right, while some competition might be simply locally based, if you want to set your foot online, you should prepare for fierce competition. Worry not, because small business SEO is that weapon of choice you need that will give you the needed leverage. Think of it as your Elder Wand, which you can use to Evanesco all the noise online so you can stand out.
Let’s Start With Basics – What’s SEO?
If you’re new to different digital marketing techniques, SEO might sound as obscure as a magic spell. Sort of an Alohomora, unlocking the locked doors of internet success. Well, you’re not entirely wrong. Search Engine Optimization (it’s what SEO stands for) is a marketing strategy that will help you rank better in internet searches. But why is SEO important?
Let’s explain it through Google rather than alternative search engines because, let’s face it, this search engine still holds over 83% of the market share. You know how when you type in a thing you want to look for in that search box, you get results? That first page of Google is called SERP or the Search Engine Results Page. In essence, your goal is for your business to end up somewhere near the top when people look for things related to what you do and offer.
That’s where SEO comes in. It’s a strategy that helps your website rank higher so you can end up with more visitors that can possibly turn into customers.
What Does It Include?
Perhaps you’ve heard the quote, “The best place to hide a dead body is the second page of the Google search.” As funny as this quote is, most people really don’t bother clicking that second page, much less the third. The sad truth is that your website won’t be found if you’re not able to rank. One of the greatest benefits of SEO is that it’s all about making your website work better. It includes the following:
- Targeted keywords related to what you offer that people will search for while online.
- Improved webpages, where these keywords are incorporated into the content, titles, descriptions, and more.
- Links from other trusted websites that show search engines a site is trustworthy.
- Technical stuff, like compatibility across devices so the site works well on phones, is safe (uses HTTPS), and loads fast.
Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if you’re already using an advertising agency to be seen on TV or the radio. You still need good SEO marketing services if you don’t want to lose clients who choose to search online for what they need.
How Does SEO for a Small Business Work?
Now, let’s deep dive into the topic that can help your small business reach its clients – local SEO for a small business. You know when you type in something like “best pizza near me”? That’s exactly what we’re talking about – it’s making your business easy to find for people searching in your area.
It’s a pretty similar approach to a regular SEO strategy but with a local twist. There are several criteria a search engine takes into account when it comes to ranking. It evaluates if your website is speedy, where you’re located, is your offer relevant to the query, and – your reputation. Don’t let this scare you, online competition might be fierce, but our SEO marketing agency will let you in on a few secrets.
Create an Impactful Online Presence
Here’s where you should be brutally honest with yourself (and get that opinion double-checked by others) – does your website look good? We probably already know the answer, so what you should do next is make improvements. They should encompass improving speed (visitors really dislike waiting for a page to load,) good navigation, and overall look. The security of the site is also an important criterion. If you are not yet present on the internet, you can make a good website through WordPress.
How to Handle Low-Budget Branding
Now, it’s time to focus on branding. Branding is key for SEO, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Think about your logo and tagline – do they instantly tell people what your business is all about? That’s crucial for making your small business stand out, just like the big businesses. Remember, branding can be boosted even with a tight budget, just make sure you stay consistent across all platforms.
Become Present on Google
If you want your business to show up in local searches correctly, a smart move is to set up and polish your Google Business Profile. This way, everyone gets the right info about you, from your name to your phone number. Make sure your details are the same across all platforms. This helps search engines verify your information, ensuring they list your business accurately.
Create a Contact Page
It’s not just about the search engines – your customers also need to know how to reach you. Always put your contact details where they’re easy to find, like in your website’s footer or on the contact page. This way, anyone looking to get in touch won’t have to search high and low to connect with you.
Take Care of Structured Data
Next, it’s important to optimize your Google Business Profile so keep in mind that your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is super important. For local businesses, it’s key to always have the right address, phone number, opening hours, and even geo-coordinates. To really shine in search engines, use local business structured data.
Structured data is a big deal for local SEO. It lets search engines know exactly who you are, where you are, and when you’re open. This clarity helps boost your visibility in query results, making it easier for customers to find you right when they need you.
Google My Business
Google My Business or the Google Business Profile is a free and effective way to boost your business on Google Search and Maps. It’s a nifty Google tool that helps your business stand out in your local area. With a GBP listing, you get lots of options to elevate your presence. It’s a great way to bond with your customers because this way, you offer insights into how they can find you and interact with your business on Google. Plus, you can elevate your profile with photos, opening hours, and more, which makes it easier for customers to see what you’re all about.
Offer Content Related to Your Business
To rank well in search results, it’s all about offering content that matches what people are searching for. We know, it makes Google seem like a matchmaker because it links users with the best match that aligns with their needs. For your business, this means clearly explaining what you do, and for local businesses, highlighting your local scene is a plus.
Before you start writing, think about your niche and the keywords you want to target. This will guide you in creating content that’s not just good but strategically tailored to what your audience is searching for. If you’re not sure how to handle this, there’s always the right content marketing agency for you out there.
Get To Know Your Niche
To really make your business shine, it’s crucial to nail down your niche. Knowing this helps you showcase what’s special about your brand or products, which can boost your ranking, even against big national brands with hefty ad budgets.
Here’s what you should do – get to know your customers and the words they use to describe what you offer. People will likely use these same terms to search for your website. Turn these terms into long-tail keywords for your local SEO – the more specific, the better. And remember, as your business grows, keep an eye on how your niche evolves and adapt accordingly. Staying on top of trends means staying on top of SERP.
Write Good Content (Or Hire a Content Writing Agency)
Boosting your small business SEO goes beyond just listing products and contact info. Your website is your chance to make a magnificent first impression. Share your business story, what makes your products awesome, and insights about your industry or local events. This is all part of a good local SEO content strategy.
Or you can simply hire a local SEO services agency that will be smart with the content they provide for your business. In a crowded market, it might not land you the top spot in Google right away, but it’s a fantastic marketing tool. Remember, it’s all about setting realistic goals and achieving them in carefully calculated steps.
The most important thing to do is to choose the right keywords, especially those that reflect your local area. Whether it’s through a blog post or a social media post, talk about topics that spark conversations and paint your business in a positive light.
Share Your Expertise With the Audience
Once your website is up and running, and your content sparking interest in your area, the next step is to engage with your business community and customers. This interaction can really boost your website’s growth, both directly and indirectly.
First off, when others link to your site, it tells search engines you’re a popular choice, which can help your search rankings. Next, a solid social media strategy can drive a lot more traffic to your website. And don’t forget, good ratings and reviews build trust with customers, so they will be more likely to buy from you and even become repeat customers.
Cover Social Media
Using social media for your small business is less about direct sales and more about boosting your brand and guiding potential customers to your website. It’s a great tool for getting your brand and products noticed, and it helps drive the right kind of traffic to your site. Get in touch with the right social media management agency because it can really give your small business SEO a lift.
Get in Touch With the Right Professional SEO Agency
Now that we’ve piqued your interest by explaining all the delicate elements that make up a good local SEO strategy, it’s time to apply it. Use it as leverage in the overcrowded market because, with marketing, a bit of effort can take you a long way. If you are still not sure how to handle all the steps a good SEO technique should incorporate, contact us and we’ll help you land on SERP. We’re surely the best SEO agency for your needs, so let us get you made with Made Online.