Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for small businesses to improve online visibility. Today, we’ll go over some SEO basics to help set a foundation for your organic visibility.
Factors of SEO
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to SEO. When you are first starting out, it can be incredibly overwhelming! These are the three main factors I tell clients to focus on first, especially if they are trying to do SEO on their own.
Quality
When it comes to SEO, quality matters. Instead of stuffing your content with keywords, focus on delivering valuable and engaging information. Consider what channels best serve your ideal clients, and don’t be afraid to utilize videos, audio, and visuals. As you develop your content, continue to ask yourself what matters to your ideal client or target audience. Providing valuable content will also help you build authority and credibility in your niche.
Keywords
Understanding what people are searching for is crucial to improving your SEO. Take the time to know your audience and their needs and reflect what you learn in the content you provide. By answering their questions and providing them with valuable information, you can establish yourself as an expert and attract more organic traffic to your website.
Length
While there is no fixed rule for the length of your content, consider the potential impact on SEO. Depending on the topic and the level of detail required, your content may need to be longer or shorter. No matter the length, the goal should always be to provide comprehensive and valuable information to your readers.
Consider How People Are Searching
When it comes to the basics of SEO for small businesses, understanding how people search online is imperative. Search behavior has evolved with the increasing use of mobile devices. It’s essential to adapt your approach accordingly.
Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to how people are searching:
Impact of Mobile Devices on Search Behavior
As more and more people rely on their smartphones and tablets to access the internet, it’s important to recognize the differences in search behavior between mobile and desktop users. Mobile searches tend to be more localized with a greater focus on immediate needs and inquiries. Desktop searches may feature more text and images with less prioritization on proximity.
For small businesses, this means optimizing your content for local SEO carries a lot of weight. Incorporate location-specific keywords and provide information that is relevant to your local audience.
Mobile vs. Desktop Search Queries
When people use mobile devices for searching, they often ask questions out loud or use voice assistants. These voice searches typically take the form of questions and are more conversational. On the other hand, desktop searches are often more concise and straightforward.
To optimize your content for mobile search queries, address user questions explicitly. Create content that directly answers commonly asked questions related to your products, services, or industry. You can also use question-formatted queries in your website’s content to align with how people search.
Additionally, consider optimizing your site’s loading speed for mobile devices. Fast-loading pages not only improve the user experience but also contribute to higher search rankings.
By understanding these differences and adapting your SEO strategy accordingly, you can effectively reach your target audience and improve your website’s visibility on search engines.
SEO is an Ongoing Process
Understanding the basics of SEO for small businesses is crucial to improving your online presence and attracting more organic traffic. By implementing effective SEO strategies, small businesses can increase their visibility in search engine results pages, drive targeted traffic to their website, and ultimately boost their online success.
Remember, SEO is an ongoing process and not a one-time fix. By staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends and continuously optimizing their websites, small businesses can stay competitive in the online landscape and reach their target audience effectively.
If you haven’t already implemented SEO strategies for your small business, now is the perfect time. At Sidewalk Marketing Co., we know that SEO is a long-term investment requiring patience and consistency. We want to help you find the right approach to establish a strong online presence and support your business goals. Book a call today to find out how to take the next steps toward improving your website’s visibility, increasing organic traffic, and ultimately driving more conversions and revenue.