If you have started reading this article there is a good chance you are curious about how SEO (Search Engine Optimization) will be able to help your business. SEO is a term that gets thrown around a lot amongst business owners but what does it really mean for us small business owners? I’ve been in the digital marketing world for a while now and run my own small business so lets me really break it down for you in way that’s not full of inner circle jargon.
In 2024 you need to think of your website as your business’s online storefront and SEO is a set of techniques and strategies that have the potential to get more customers the door of your online storefront. Without it, your site may as well be in the middle of the jungle. When SEO is carried out correctly it can greatly increase your websites visibility on search engines like Google and Bing, bringing more eyeballs and hopefully more business your way. In 2024 if you are not showing up for you target keywords in Google you are missing out on a huge percentage of potential business.
Believe it or not, one of the most important parts of SEO is choosing the right keywords for your business. These are the terms people type into search engines when looking for products or services like yours. If you can select the right keywords into your website’s content, you can attract more targeted traffic from people who are genuinely interested in what you’re offering. It’s like using the right bait to catch the fish you want.
Now, let’s chat about backlinks. These are links from other sites that point to yours, and they’re like votes of confidence. When a reputable site links to you, it tells search engines that your business is credible. It’s like getting a nod of approval from someone well-respected in your field.
One of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for local SEO is you Google Business Profile. If you run a small business and you haven’t set this up, you’re leaving money on the table. Your Google Business Profile lets you control how your business is displayed on Google Search and Maps. It’s like having your business card at the ready whenever someone is trying to find what you offer.
Make sure you fill out your Google My Business profile completely. Add your business hours, address, phone number, and some appealing photos of your work or products. And here’s a great tip, get your customers to leave reviews. Those positive reviews can push your business higher up in local search results and build trust with potential clients. People love reading reviews as it’s like getting a word of mouth recommendation.
User experience is an often overlooked cornerstone of effective SEO. You want your website to be welcoming and easy to navigate. Imagine walking into a store where you can’t find what you want, that’s what a confusing website feels like to a visitor. Make sure your site loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and that visitors can find what they need without frustration. A smooth experience means they’re more likely to stick around and become customers.
Another thing that I feel I should mention is that SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing service that builds over time, more so if you are in a competitive industry. As search engine algorithms evolve and consumer behavior shifts, so should your strategy. Keep learning and adapting, and with a little persistence, you’ll see your efforts pay off.
