Did you know that Google takes over 200 factors into account when creating rankings for its search results? Seriously!
Are you wondering how to earn a first-page rank when so many huge websites seem to have staked claim on the prime real estate?
Fear not – it can be difficult for small businesses to practice quality SEO, but it’s not impossible. These SEO tips for small businesses can take to drastically improve your Google rank through the power of content marketing and optimization.
1. Have a good website
Note that this is tip number one. That’s intentional. The simplest, easiest way to generate more organic traffic to your business is to have a good website.
According to HubSpot, “Google always wants to surface the most relevant, highest-quality piece of content.” That’s why when you Google “Nick Jonas,” his official website shows up on page one while a Nick Jonas fan blog made by a 15-year-old girl in Arizona doesn’t show up until page 17. While both are related to your search, the first result is the most relevant and highest quality.
When you Google your own business and don’t even show up on the first page, you have a serious problem. Your website needs to be optimized and well-designed, including layout, graphics, UX/UI, and everything in between. In fact, don’t read on until you have a really good website. Seriously.
Shameless self-plug: If you’re looking for help with your website, we can help! We make really cool websites. Let’s talk!
If you’re more of the DIY type, check out our resources on beginner web design.
2. Make buyer personas
The best way to get to know your target audience is through buyer personas. Talk to your customers and search the internet for relevant consumer behavior research. Create a profile that includes your ideal customer’s demographics, psychographics, behaviors, and challenges.
After you’ve created these personas, think about your persona’s problems. What issues do they have? Where are they looking for solutions? Put yourself in your consumer’s mindset and picture yourself using a search engine. Write down every possible word or phrase your consumer would search to find their solution – from “Ironing boards” to “How do I use an ironing board effectively?” and everything in between.
Use helpful keyword generator tools like keywordtool.io and wordstream.com/keywords to help you brainstorm. Once you have a solid list, pick out some keywords to target and base your content around these topics, usually in the form of a blog. Your target audience is much more likely to find your website at the top of their search results if you’re posting specific content they care about.
3. Make use of long-tail keywords
When you’re brainstorming these keywords, you’ll notice there are two different types of keywords: long-tail and short-tail.
The short-tail keywords are 1-2 words. They’re the “Ironing board” search mentioned above. Thousands of people search for these terms every month.
Long-
tail keywords are more like phrases. They’re the “How do I use an ironing board effectively?” search. Not as many people search for these terms every month – sometimes only a handful!
While it’s tempting to target short-tail keywords to maximize your reach, it can be impractical for a small business. If you own a small chain of stores that sells household goods, you’ll have a hard time beating the number-one-ranked, international company Bed Bath & Beyond for the top spot in the “ironing board” Google search.
Instead, create content optimized for the longer keyword. While only ten people may search for it each month, they’re more likely to find your store and visit your website if they’re interested in your specific content.
4. Practice on-page optimization
Once you’ve written your master blog on using ironing boards effectively, be sure to optimize it. That way the handful of interested people can actually find you!
On page optimization includes tucking your keyword in your title, meta description, photo alt text, URL, and content. Just a few simple steps can dramatically increase your Google search rankings, especially if you’ve carefully chosen your keyword.
For more information on executing beginner blog optimization, check out our piece on optimizing blogs for lead generation!
It can be tough for a small business to show up on the first page of a Google search, but it’s not impossible! Using these tips, you can attract a niche audience and rapidly grow your small business through organic traffic.
Got any questions? Leave them below and we’ll help you out! Need a new website for better SEO? We got you.
Want to generate better leads to help grow your small business? Click below to download your free eBook!
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