Every small business wants to rank high in Google.
It's actually one of the most important factors in success for your business.
It's so important - ranking high in Google for your keywords could make or break your business. (YES it's THAT important)
With a shocking 8.5 billion searches on Google DAILY it takes some work to keep up with the Google algorithms and have some idea about what Google ranks high for.
This can be a lot for the average small business owner, but it's not impossible to do your own SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Paying an experienced SEO specialist isn't a bad idea either, the more you delegate - the more you can focus on the aspects of your business you enjoy doing.
Anyways, there are A LOT of ways to optimize your website so we'll cut this down to bite size pieces (in other words, 3-4 parts) so it's not overwhelming.
When it comes to business, Google is your best friend. The Google SEO Starter Guide is an awesome reference.
Here is the list:
Optimize Your Website (On-Page SEO)
Google loves an interesting and useful site. Make sure your content is clear, helpful and simple. Content marketing is so important, it can make or break your business success.
If you're wondering what content marketing is I wrote a blog about it.
In other words don't make people think hard about what your site is about. Clear is kind (and profitable)
It's all about the keywords. Know which keywords your target audience is using and what they are searching online. This helps direct them to YOU.
Use keywords naturally in your content (DO not keyword stuff! Google dislikes this)
Keep your website information up-to-date and relevant. Don't just pop up a website and forget about it. Google loves updated information (Think WIKI)
Optimize your visual content (videos & images)
Be sure to include your target keywords in your meta description, H1, subheaders and title.
Always optimize your website to be mobile friendly. Most searches are happening on cell phones now!
Use helpful internal links on your website. This helps Google make sense of what your website is about and indexing. This also helps users navigate your site.
Perfect Your Google My Business Listing
This is an awesome and easy way to optimize your business in Google.
First and foremost, you'll have to claim and verify your business
Once you've completed that, provide ALL the information you can about your business. Make sure it's as up-to-date as possible.
Add high quality photos and video that highlight your business/service activities.
Google reviews are pure GOLD. Gather them. You can email the review link to your customers. This is important for gaining authority and social proof (more about this in a future article)
Last but not least (and barely anyone does this) I would suggest updating and optimizing your Google My Business Profile monthly. This could include a new post, a new piece of content (video or image) or offers you currently have running.
Statistics show only about 50% of businesses are leveraging the benefits of the free Google My Business listing! So get on it. It's free. It's easy.
Create Awesome Content
WTF Is Content Marketing? It's useful, helpful and people-first content.
It's unique. It's up-to-date. It's easy to read, tidy and well-thought-out.
It answers common questions and provides value for your target audience.
It is well structured with appropriate headlines and bullet points for easy skimming (no one reads anymore, we mostly just scan/skim)
Use engaging keywords in your content that would be helpful and important to your target audience. (because it's really ALL about them)
Stay on topic. Don't have a website about two different things. If you have business website about your coaching business, don't mix your love for archery on the same website,
Remember clear is kind (and profitable!)
Google loves updated content so having a blog that you update consistently. That frequency depends on your niche. Digital marketing changes quick so 1-2 blog posts a week is nice to aim for.
Be sure to include clear CALLS TO ACTION throughout your website. Encouraging the next step is important.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of FREE easy things you can do to improve your Google Ranking. By the way, this never ends. SEO is quickly changing, constantly updating and never static.
So keep yourself updated, or you could also like myself to help you get the most out of your website and digital marketing ❤️