Search Engine Optimization can be a very daunting undertaking for the busy small business owner. While there are plenty of “experts” ready to charge dearly for their advice, some small business owners may find it advantageous to do a little SEO work themselves. You’ll need around 15 minutes a day but by following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to getting found through Google!
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1. Use the Google Keyword Tool to Choose a Keyword or Phrase to Target
A “keyword” is the term you want your company’s website to appear in when someone searches Google. For example, in an ideal world “Stuart & Feinstein Realty”, our fictitious small business, would show up as the first result in Google for the keyword “realtor”. However, the internet has become so competitive that small business SEO success depends on how well you focus on your niche. Our fictitious company is located in Westchester County New York and it is likely that potential clients will also incorporate this bit of information into their query. Location is a great way to appear in relative search results without casting your net too wide.
2. Generate Content Using Your Keywords
The most important piece to the SEO puzzle is to create content that people find useful. You could pay an SEO specialist all of the money in the world but a small business owner who creates content for their site will always rank higher than one who doesn’t, no matter how fancy the strategy.
A good idea is to consistently write a 200+ word blog 2-3 times a week. Be sure to keep your information relevent, useful, and chalk full of keywords. It’s a challenge to stay consistent but you’ll find that once you begin to build momentum, it can become quite exciting.
Be sure to incorporate the keyword phrases that you find through the Google Keyword tool into the URL of your blog pages. Include the keyword phrase in the blog title and throughout the body of the blog as well; mention important keywords several times.
You’ll need to have a space on you’re site that is dedicated to regular blogs. If you don’t have a blog you can easily set one up for free at WordPress.
3. Use Every Opportunity For Free SEO
SEO doesn’t just involve your small business, your competitors, and the search engines; there are dozens of other sites which allow you to reserve custom URL’s and add your own content. In fact, some specialists even label themselves S.M.O. Specialists (Social Media Optimization Specialists) because they specialize in helping you leverage social media sites to boost visibility for your small business. Never overlook an opportunity to add your comapny to social media sites or a small business directory. More exposure equals more qualified sales leads.
There are many people with complex strategies but the most fundamental way to increase your SEO for small business, is to consistently create relative content.
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