Business owners, especially those new to the business world or those who run small businesses, may have a difficult time understanding search engine optimization. While it is unlikely that you have never heard of SEO, it is not uncommon that SEO is misunderstood. While SEO may be challenging to understand at first, taking it one step at a time can help. This helpful guide will help you to better understand SEO and some simple tips for how you can boost SEO for your website
What is Search Engine Optimization?
Search engine optimization is when a website is optimized to be able to be better seen by search engines, specifically Google. The better optimized a website is, the higher chance that it will be a preferred choice when Google presents options for search results to a user. When a user enters in a search query into the search bar, the page will generate results. These results are determined by an everchanging algorithm. Once the results are generated, the user will be shown search results pages. Most often, users will select their choice from the first page of search results. So, many business owners are left wondering how they can boost their SEO.
Quality Content
Many business owners have some form of website copy or blog posts. Blog posts can be beneficial for boosting SEO and helping with organic traffic. Why? This is because users who are searching for specific search queries are more likely to stumble upon your website if you have the answer to their question or are providing them with helpful information related to their query. Each blog posts can be tailored towards a different search query or have a unique focus to help users find information.
Quality does not always equal quantity. Packing information and keywords into one blog post or into one service page will not do any good for the metrics of your website or for your audience. Overdoing pay-per-click advertising can also have a negative affect. Instead, hone in your focus on providing your audience with quality content.
Website Usability
When a user clicks on your website in the search results page, you will only have a matter of a few seconds to make your first impression on that user. This first impression could determine whether or not a user stays on your website, as well as whether or not they purchase from you. If your website is slow to load or has elements that do not work properly, you may experience a lower ranking in the search results. In order to enhance usability, you will want to examine your load time and make sure that everything loads properly on your website. This includes mobile optimization, as over 58% of Google searches are done on mobile.
How to Increase Organic Traffic
Search engine optimization and organic traffic often go hand in hand. However, there are multiple things that a business owner can do in order to help increase organic traffic. Organic traffic is different than paid search or pay per click results. When users set up ad systems, they may have to pay per click that users make on their ads. This will boost traffic, but is also a financial investment. Organic traffic is when pay per click tactics and any paid form of advertising is not being used. The traffic is generated organically. There is much overlap when it comes to increasing organic traffic and boosting SEO.
Interact with Your Audience
Your audience views your business as an entity. As part of your brand, you will want to make sure that your business interacts with your intended audience. This could be through local events, getting involved in the community, or responding to comments and questions. Put your brand out in front of the people who can benefit from your business. Interactions back and forth may take time to cultivate, but eventually, you will become comfortable with giving your business a voice. Social media is a great place to interact with your audience.
Search engine optimization, as well as its associated benefits, may be difficult to understand at first. However, taking the process one step at a time can help business owners redefine their marketing strategy and reach a larger audience.