So you’ve heard the buzz about SEO. But, what is it exactly and
how can you make it work for your small business? With so much information out
there, it can be difficult to get the facts. Currently, Google is working hard
to eliminate spam and develop ways to allow users to access information more
efficiently and with better search results. There are things you can do as a
small business owner to be proactive in this effort by focusing your content
and capitalize on SEO. Here are some tips to get you started.
WHAT IS SEO?
SEO stands for search engine optimization
and relates to the order of web links on Google after entering a keyword. The higher
in rank and viability of content results, the better results for your business.
Sound a little weird? It’s similar to traffic on a bridge. You want your
customers to move efficiently across the bridge to get to your business. SEO is how quickly they get across
the bridge.
You may not have control over the
traffic; however, you can optimize and set up guideposts to help your customers
get to you. Using links, Meta tabs, Google tools and creating high quality
content with well-chosen titles are just a few things you can do to ensure your
customers come to your site.
HOW DO YOU TRACK SEO?
Begin by looking through your own
web content. Follow these steps:
1. Try
to find your website without using your company name? What keywords would you
enter?
2. Write
down your observations and any successful keywords or phrases. You will need to
have the right tools to track valuable data for you.
3. Take
the time to write down any keywords or phrases that you would like associated
with your business and sprinkle them into your web content.
4. Use
Google Keyword Tool and Google Analytics to test search words already in use,
find new ones and get a close look at the traffic patterns of your business
website.
ALIGN YOUR BUSINESS
WEB CONTENT WITH SEO
Now that you have an idea of which
phrases and keywords work, it’s time to develop articles, videos or blog
content using these magic words. For example, if you own a restaurant and want
to associate yourself with “organic vegetarian cuisine”, develop your content
around this phrase. Also, include the phrase in your blog title or YouTube
video title. As you are developing your web content, keep these things in mind:
·
Content should be high quality, value-driven and
full of details.
·
Links are important but quality is paramount.
·
Your website should maintain a high level of
design quality as well as content.
·
Consider offering guest posting opportunities to
experts in your industry.
·
Understand how mobile compatibility and
performance (mobile phones, tablets, etc.) will work with your content.
Always keep up with your industry and know your competition.
Developing quality web content can be fun and engaging as well as a valuable
marketing layer for your business. If you need help, check in with your local
small business community and city resources and don’t be afraid to collaborate!
References:
- Higher in rank – http://www.thedailymuse.com/toolsskills/seo-101-what-you-should-know-to-improve-your-sites-rankings/
- Using links, meta tabs, and Google tools - http://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/untrusted_dlcp/www.google.com/en/us/webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf
- Web Content - http://www.thedailymuse.com/entrepreneurship/queen-of-content-5-ways-to-create-great-content-for-your-brand/
- Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide - http://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/untrusted_dlcp/www.google.com/en/us/webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf
Connie Davis is a
contributing author for NerdWallet, a personal finance website, where you can
find advice on a range of topics from managing credit debt to where to find coupons for free stuff.
good post
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