How To Add Someone to Google My Business (Step-by-Step)
You’re busy running a business – and these days, that often means managing a whole online presence, too. Figuring out how to add someone to Google My Business probably isn’t at the top of your priority list. But believe me, granting access to your team or outside help can be a game-changer. It can free up your time to focus on what you do best. Plus, with the right people on board, you can really unlock the full potential of Google My Business and watch those customer leads come pouring in. Hiring an agency who can help with your Google My Business SEO can go a long way as well.
Intrigued? Keep reading to find out why you SHOULD be adding users and exactly how to add someone to Google My Business.
Why Giving Access to Your Google My Business is Essential
First things first: Let’s discuss why giving access to your Google My Business profile is so important. In today’s digital age, Google My Business isn’t just an online listing – it’s your virtual storefront.
Consider this: Google processes billions of searches every single day. People rely on it for everything. When a potential customer searches for a business like yours in their area, a positive first impression is essential. Your Google My Business listing is often a customer’s first impression, so making it shine is vital.
By adding users to your Google My Business account, you empower your team (or even an SEO agency) to take charge of your online presence. They can ensure your listing is up-to-date and looking sharp, from optimizing photos and opening hours to responding to reviews and sharing special offers. Adding users to your Google My Business account is a great way to enhance your online presence.
We get the question a lot about does posting on Google My Business help SEO? To find out read our blog that breaks that down for you and what does help with your Google My Business and increasing your online presence.
The Different Levels of Google My Business User Roles (and What They Can Do)
Just like with the employees in your business, you’ll probably want to give different levels of access to different people when it comes to your GMB listing. Below is a breakdown of the different user roles Google My Business offers:
1 – Primary Owner: Top Dog (That’s Probably YOU.)
The primary owner has ultimate control over the Google My Business listing. This is typically the person who first claimed the Google My Business listing, generally the business owner.
Think of yourself as the CEO of your GMB. As the primary owner, you can add and remove other users, edit business information, manage those all-important reviews, and even delete the listing (hopefully not.). You’re in charge..
2 – Co-Owners: Trustworthy Sidekicks.
Do you have a business partner, a trusted manager, or maybe even a tech-savvy family member who’s helping you with the business? If so, adding them as a co-owner is a great option.
Co-owners have almost the same abilities as the primary owner on Google My Business. Co-owners can tweak your business details, add new users, and remove users, but they can’t delete the Google My Business listing completely.
3 – Managers: The Go-Getters.
Managers on Google My Business are like your front-line staff in the GMB world. A Manager might be a marketing assistant, someone on your social media team, or even an outside marketing expert.
Managers can update photos, share posts, and respond to reviews. They can improve your listing’s aesthetics and really engage customers. However, managers can’t add or remove users, so you maintain complete control over who has access.
A Step-by-Step Guide: How To Add Someone To Google My Business
Ready to learn how to add someone to Google My Business and put all this great stuff into practice? It’s easier than you think. Here are 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Sign in.
Go to business.google.com and log into your Google My Business account.
Step 2: Head to Users
Look for the “Users” section within your Google My Business account. You can usually find it in a side menu or under the settings for your listing.
Step 3: Click “Add User.”
You’ll be asked for the email address of the person you want to add to the Google My Business account, and don’t worry – you won’t need their password or any personal info. Google will never ask you for sensitive information like this.
Step 4: Choose Their Power Level (I Mean “Role.”)
Do you want to make them a co-owner (remember, almost the same power as you.) or a manager? Carefully consider what responsibilities they’ll have and what access level makes the most sense. Choose wisely.
Step 5: Hit That “Invite” Button.
The new user will receive an email, so it might be a good idea to give them a heads up that it’s coming and ask them to click “Accept.” That’s it..
It’s that simple. Adding users is straightforward. Once your new user accepts, they’ll be off to the races, improving your listing, engaging with your customers, and attracting new customers.
FAQs about how to add someone to Google my business
What happens if I accidentally give someone the wrong access level?
Mistakes happen. The good news is you can always go back to the “Users” section on Google My Business and edit someone’s permissions, or even remove their access completely. Disaster avoided.
Can someone outside of my business, like an SEO agency, manage my listing?
Absolutely. If you are not well-versed in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), using an agency to manage your Google My Business account is common.
Allowing an experienced SEO agency to manage your Google My Business can save you time and help boost your business’s online visibility, bringing in even more customers. Simply add them as a user with the appropriate permissions.
Do I have to give access to my whole Google account?
You only give new users access to your Google Business Profile when you add them to your Google My Business account, not your whole Google account. Your personal email, documents, and other sensitive data are kept completely separate.
Try to Give Someone Access to Your GMB Today!
Learning how to add someone to Google My Business is easy – now you are fully equipped with all the tools you need to build a fantastic team. You can now effortlessly take your GMB listing to the next level by understanding and assigning users roles effectively and watching your customer leads and engagement grow.
What are some SEO techniques for Lawyer Websites in 2024?
For lawyers, the digital age presents a challenge. Sure, word-of-mouth referrals still matter. But, neglecting online visibility means overlooking potential clients seeking legal help. What are some SEO techniques for lawyer websites that truly matter? You can always hire a SEO company for lawyers that can help grow your practice or you can learn some techniques below.
Let’s discuss effective strategies that can boost your firm’s online presence and attract clients.
Why Your Law Firm’s Website Needs SEO
Think about this: 76% of consumers searching for legal help start online. They use search engines to find attorneys who specialize in their area of need. One of the best SEO techniques for lawyer websites is visibility in search results.
This is where SEO steps in. By optimizing your site, you boost your chances of ranking higher in relevant searches. This means more potential clients find your firm online. Being on page one of a search result is crucial for attracting those seeking legal help.
Why? Studies show 75% of internet users rarely go beyond the first page of results. Effective SEO for lawyers goes beyond just bringing in more traffic. It’s about bringing in the right kind of traffic. This means reaching those actively seeking a lawyer with your expertise.
Key Elements of Effective SEO for Lawyers
Understanding User Experience
A slow, confusing website can be a major turn-off. Studies confirm that a bad user experience can deter 88% of users from ever returning. Imagine losing nearly nine out of ten potential clients before they even explore your services. Google, always striving to provide the best user experience, uses these metrics to assess a website’s performance:
Metric | Definition | Google’s Recommendation |
---|---|---|
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) | The time it takes for the largest image or text block to load | Within 2.5 seconds |
FID (First Input Delay) | How quickly your site responds to a user’s first interaction (click or tap) | Less than 100 milliseconds |
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) | How stable the page layout is while loading (no annoying shifts) | Score of less than 0.1 |
So what are some SEO techniques for lawyer websites to ensure optimal user experience? A website increasing its page speed will directly affect SEO rankings. Aim to get that initial content up quickly – in under three seconds.
Make sure your law firm website has a mobile-friendly design. With a majority of internet traffic stemming from mobile, make sure your website is easy to use on a smartphone. Consider your website as part of your overall SEO strategy.
The Power of Content
Compelling, keyword-rich content is the recipe for SEO success. What does that mean in practice? Target relevant keywords for your law firm SEO. People looking for a ‘DUI lawyer’ won’t be helped if they land on a page about ‘child custody’.
Align your content with the searcher’s intent to boost relevant traffic to your firm’s website. Share your legal expertise in blog posts and other content. Potential clients turn to the internet for answers.
Crafting content that addresses their queries about legal matters shows off your legal chops. You’re positioning your firm as a go-to resource. This builds trust and credibility, often leading users to reach out.
Local SEO: Targeting Your Backyard
Did you know nearly half of all searches are local? People use Google Maps and search for a “criminal defense attorney near me.” What are some SEO techniques for lawyer websites that attract local clients? Your Google Business Profile is a great start.
It’s more than just a listing. Optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate business info, location, and hours helps Google connect local searchers with your practice. Actively manage your Google Business Profile through reviews, photos, and updates.
This will give your law firm an edge in local results. You can also list your firm’s website in online directories.
Imagine trying to locate a restaurant that’s constantly changing addresses. That’s the kind of confusion inconsistent online information can cause. Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent across the internet. Semrush has tools that can manage your law firm’s online presence in directories.
Location-based keywords are also important. Utilize phrases with geographic identifiers like “personal injury lawyer in Miami” to attract people searching within your service areas.
Building Trust Through Backlinks
Think of high-quality backlinks as endorsements. They send a clear message to search engines that your site is credible. Encourage links to your site as a signal to Google that you have authority and expertise.
High-authority backlinks are a great SEO tactic that improves your ranking and establishes your credibility in the digital legal space. Make sure your content is high quality and something that others would want to link to from their website or blog.
Measuring Success and Tracking Data
SEO is not a “set it and forget it” strategy for your website. It demands continuous analysis, optimization, and staying current with Google algorithm changes. Analyzing website traffic is a cornerstone of understanding your online audience.
Thankfully, there’s an amazing, completely free tool to do that – Google Analytics 4 (GA4). With its ability to track everything from user demographics to their behavior on your site, GA4 provides lawyers with important data.
This data helps you make decisions, adapt strategies for better results and track SEO progress.
Navigating the SEO Landscape for Lawyers
Staying ahead in SEO means keeping up-to-date with algorithm changes. Strategies that worked wonders yesterday might be outdated today. It’s crucial to constantly educate yourself on the new factors search engines use in their algorithms.
Choosing the Right Path: In-house SEO vs. SEO Agency
For your law firm’s website, should you do it in-house or hire outside help? While a dedicated SEO team offers expertise, hiring can strain budgets, especially for smaller firms. A full-time SEO expert earns around $65,000 annually.
If you prefer freelance support, be prepared to spend roughly $48 per hour. Balancing law and digital marketing requires finesse. Understanding the intricacies of SEO is not easy for lawyers already swamped with clients and courtroom dramas.
Outsourcing SEO to an experienced agency could be a good solution. Agencies have seasoned SEO specialists who stay updated. They help you bypass the steep learning curve of SEO, so you can concentrate on your clients.
But, be prepared for a substantial monthly commitment that typically falls somewhere between $500 and $1,000. Weighing your options is important.
FAQs about SEO Techniques for Lawyer Websites
How much does lawyer SEO cost?
Costs depend on if you handle it in-house or hire an agency or specialist. Expect between $500 to $1,000 per month for an agency. SEO specialists earn about $65,000 a year. Freelancers can cost $48 per hour.
What is SEO for law firms?
SEO is digital marketing that helps law firm websites rank higher in search engine result pages (SERP). The higher they are, the easier it is for people searching online to find them. When someone searches “criminal lawyer near me,” SEO helps your firm’s site appear at the top.
How do I do SEO for a website effectively?
Start with these SEO essentials for your law firm’s website: target the right keywords, create a content hub with quality content answering common legal questions, and get listed on relevant online directories. Make your website fast and mobile-friendly.
What are the top 5 SEO strategies?
For law firms, focus on these game-changers:
- Master local SEO – claim your Google My Business and target local keywords.
- Prioritize user experience.
- Create quality blog posts.
- Craft informative content that showcases your knowledge.
- Build a solid backlink profile.
- Regularly analyze data with tools like Google Search Console.
- Optimize for ongoing success.
Your Online Presence as a Lawyer is Your Success
In the digital landscape, your online presence is paramount to your success. Don’t get overwhelmed by what are some SEO techniques for lawyer websites. Boost your online presence by understanding and implementing the key SEO strategies discussed.
Craft high-quality, engaging content. Build trustworthy backlinks. Optimize your website’s technical foundation. You can harness the power of SEO to propel your practice into the digital spotlight, helping you land more clients along the way. Contact SEO Locale if you are looking for ways to increase your online presence and beat out your competition.
How to Market Yourself as a Lawyer: A Comprehensive Guide
Figuring out how to market yourself as a lawyer is crucial in today’s competitive legal landscape. You need to stand out from the crowd and attract clients. But where do you even begin?
Gone are the days when a simple shingle and a listing in the Yellow Pages would suffice. This means embracing a multi-faceted approach that combines traditional and digital marketing strategies for your law firm marketing strategy.
Doesn’t matter if you are a bankruptcy lawyer looking for SEO or a criminal lawyer, we can help all lawyers, SEO Locale can help any type of lawyer with the correct digital marketing strategy.
Building a Foundation for Success
Before exploring various marketing channels and tactics, it’s important to lay a strong foundation. This involves defining your personal brand, identifying your target audience, and setting clear marketing goals.
1. Define Your Brand: Showcase Your Strengths
What sets you apart from other lawyers? Are you a compassionate advocate for families going through divorce, or a sharp litigator specializing in business disputes?
This distinctive value proposition will form the core of your brand identity and impact your media strategy.
2. Identify Your Target Audience: Cater to Specific Needs
You can’t be everything to everyone. Determining who you want to represent helps you focus your marketing efforts effectively.
Are you targeting individuals or businesses? What are their legal needs? What are their pain points? Understanding their motivations and concerns is vital.
3. Set SMART Goals: Provide a Roadmap for Your Efforts
Vague aspirations like “getting more clients” don’t cut it. Instead, establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.
Do you want to increase website traffic, generate a certain number of leads per month, or boost brand awareness within a particular geographical area?
Traditional Marketing Tactics: Remain Relevant
While the digital realm dominates current marketing strategies, traditional methods shouldn’t be completely dismissed. They can still effectively reach your target audience.
1. Networking: Building Relationships for Referrals
In the legal field, personal connections matter. Networking remains a powerful tool to expand your client base.
Actively participate in industry events, attend conferences, and join bar associations to expand your professional circle. Building relationships with other lawyers, especially those practicing in different areas, can lead to valuable referrals.
Attending community events and engaging with local business organizations can also be fruitful. People feel more at ease approaching someone they’ve met in person and with whom they have something in common. A significant 37% of clients value word-of-mouth recommendations when selecting an attorney. Building strong networks contributes directly to positive word-of-mouth marketing.
2. Community Engagement: Visibility That Resonates
Getting involved in your community builds trust and name recognition. This could involve: sponsoring local events, offering pro bono services, or participating in charity initiatives.
You build goodwill and make your face recognizable, increasing your chances of being remembered when someone needs legal help.
3. Speaking Engagements: Positioning Yourself as a Thought Leader
Position yourself as an expert in your field by speaking at industry events or webinars. This allows you to share your expertise with a wider audience, enhancing your credibility and demonstrating thought leadership.
Potential clients seeking information online are more likely to engage with an attorney whose face and expertise they recognize.
4. Public Relations: Extending Reach Beyond Paid Ads
Don’t underestimate traditional media outlets. You can submit press releases for any firm milestones, notable case victories, or community involvement initiatives.
Contribute articles to local newspapers or legal publications to enhance visibility and credibility. This is how law firm marketing can really boost your firm market presence.
Mastering Digital Marketing: Navigate the Online World as a Lawyer
Digital marketing opens up numerous avenues for attracting clients. But figuring out how to market yourself as a lawyer online requires a nuanced approach.
You must comply with ethics rules and understand ethics restrictions while achieving marketing goals. Let’s dive in.
1. Build a High-Quality Website: Your Online Storefront
In today’s digital world, a well-designed website is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. This is often the first point of contact between you and potential clients.
It serves as your digital storefront, showcasing your legal services, experience, and brand identity. Make sure it’s visually appealing, easy to navigate, optimized for search engines (SEO), and accessible on all devices.
Consider using a professional web design service if you lack the expertise or resources to build a website yourself. There are various law firm website templates available online, which offer affordable starting points. Whichever option you choose, ensure that your website adheres to ethical guidelines for lawyer advertising in your jurisdiction.
2. Leverage Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Getting Found Online
Knowing how to market yourself as a lawyer involves understanding online visibility tactics. Search Engine Optimization is essential. SEO Locale specializes in digital marketing and SEO for lawyers, give us a call if you are looking for a SEO company.
You have a stunning website, but it’s pointless if potential clients can’t find it. That’s where SEO steps in. A 2016 report indicated SEO’s effectiveness for a substantial 79% of marketers. Focus on both on-page and off-page optimization. On-page optimization involves strategically incorporating relevant keywords throughout your website content, while off-page SEO involves activities like acquiring backlinks from reputable sites.
To determine relevant keywords that potential clients might be searching for, consider their legal issues and needs. For instance, if you specialize in divorce law, some potential keywords include “divorce attorney in [your city],” “child custody lawyer,” or “alimony and spousal support.”
3. Harness Content Marketing: Becoming a Go-To Resource
Consistently create valuable, informative content relevant to your target audience’s needs and legal concerns. Publish blog posts, articles, guides, ebooks, or even videos. This is some of the best attorney marketing there is.
This SEO content not only provides valuable information to potential clients, it also positions you as a knowledgeable authority in your field, attracting more traffic to your website and boosting your search engine rankings.
For example, the keyword phrase “how much does a divorce attorney cost” gets 480 monthly searches according to Ubersuggest, which can bring in a decent amount of qualified leads every month. By creating informative content addressing this question and related topics, you can attract potential clients who are actively searching for information on divorce lawyer fees.
In this example, you could link this study from Lawyers.com as a way to cite your source. Remember to vary your content format to keep it engaging.
4. Embrace Social Media: Reaching a Wider Audience
Social media platforms provide an avenue to engage with potential clients. You can also showcase your personality and expertise in a less formal setting.
Share your insights on recent legal developments, provide practical tips, or engage in conversations relevant to your practice area. Remember to choose platforms where your target audience is most active.
Maintaining a consistent and professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn is crucial in today’s interconnected world. But always be mindful of ethical considerations and maintain client confidentiality. Your social media strategy will be an integral part of your overall law firm marketing plan.
5. Online Advertising: Reaching the Right People at the Right Time
Platforms like Google Ads and social media advertising allow for targeted advertising. They ensure your message reaches the right people at the right time.
However, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines for online advertising. The rules regarding lawyer advertising can be quite different online. Be sure to have a clear understanding of these rules.
According to the ABA (American Bar Association), only 37% of all firms utilize this type of advertising.
6. Manage Your Online Reputation: Shaping Public Perception
Online reviews and testimonials can either boost or damage your reputation. Actively encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or Avvo.
Address any negative reviews promptly and professionally, demonstrating a commitment to client satisfaction. A proactive approach shows transparency and builds trust, crucial factors in attracting new clients.
7. Email Marketing: Cultivate Relationships
Building an email list might seem a bit ‘old school’, but it’s still very relevant for nurturing relationships with both current and prospective clients.
Send out newsletters with valuable legal information, updates on recent case wins, or firm news. Offer free resources such as ebooks or webinars to attract new subscribers and provide them with genuine value, subtly reinforcing your expertise.
FAQs about How to Market Yourself as a Lawyer
How do I advertise myself as a lawyer?
You can explore various options to advertise yourself ethically. Consider leveraging a well-designed website, active social media presence, local community engagement, strategic SEO and content marketing, and possibly targeted online advertising while adhering to professional guidelines.
Seek guidance from legal marketing specialists if needed to ensure compliance.
What is the best form of advertising for a lawyer?
Finding the ideal advertising method for lawyers involves considering target audience and ethical considerations. Word-of-mouth referrals remain incredibly powerful, encouraging client testimonials, networking, and exceptional service.
Balancing that with digital marketing methods like a strong website and strategic content marketing generally yields favorable results. This will depend on your firm’s marketing strategy.
What personality makes the best lawyer?
There’s no single personality type that makes the best lawyer. Important qualities include excellent communication skills, empathy, analytical thinking, and adaptability.
Ultimately, the best lawyers are those passionate about advocating for their clients and delivering the highest quality legal service with each unique case and client they encounter.
How do you negotiate like a lawyer?
Negotiation as a lawyer centers on clear, assertive, and respectful communication to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Active listening skills and strong arguments supported by evidence, all while seeking common ground are vital for successful negotiation.
Market Yourself as a Lawyer Today
Mastering how to market yourself as a lawyer is crucial for attracting clients and flourishing in a competitive field. By effectively employing a variety of marketing techniques while maintaining the highest ethical standards, you can cultivate a successful law practice. SEO Locale can provide the best digital marketing plan for your law firm, we were named by Superb Companies as one of the top law firm SEO companies in the USA. Give us a call today!
Your In-depth Guide: How To Check For Technical SEO (and Why it Matters)
So, you’re trying to figure out how to check for technical SEO? This is an absolutely vital part of any successful SEO strategy. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. This guide will show you some tools and techniques to assess your website’s technical SEO health and pinpoint areas for improvement. Don’t have the expertise in web development or areas of understanding the technical audit, hire a digital marketing agency like SEO Locale.
What is a Technical SEO Audit?
A technical SEO audit is like giving your website a complete checkup. It examines the technical aspects that affect how search engines understand and rank your site. This includes analyzing factors like your website’s structure, how quickly pages load, mobile responsiveness, and security. If you’re looking for a free website analysis, several online SEO auditing tools are available. Consider exploring options like SEO App, or tools from companies like Screaming Frog, SEMrush, or DeepCrawl.
Key Elements of a Technical SEO Audit
A thorough technical SEO check involves a multi-faceted approach. It goes beyond the surface to examine crucial elements that contribute to a search engine-friendly site.
Crawlability and Indexability
This element checks whether search engines can find and understand your site’s content. Think of it this way: if you invite guests to your house, but they can’t find the front door, they can’t visit. Crawlability refers to a search engine’s ability to access your content. Indexability means search engines can successfully store and categorize your content in their database.
A few things that can hinder crawlability and indexability include broken links and pages with incorrect HTTP response codes. Other issues include poorly structured URLs, an ineffective robots.txt file, and misplaced noindex tags in your code.
Website Structure and Navigation
A well-structured site with logical navigation is important. A confusing layout makes it difficult for search engine spiders to crawl your website. Visitors may also struggle to find what they need. This often leads to frustration, causing them to leave and potentially increasing your bounce rate.
A simple, user-friendly site architecture with organized categories is key. Using clear, concise internal links also creates a better user experience. These best practices help search engines grasp your site’s topic and understand how its content is related.
Mobile Friendliness
These days, having a website that’s easy to use on smartphones is crucial. Mobile devices accounted for over half of all internet traffic in February of 2023. With nearly 60% of global web traffic coming from smartphones and tablets, if your site doesn’t provide a positive mobile experience, it will affect rankings.
Search engines understand this shift in user behavior. Google switched to mobile-first indexing back in 2018, meaning their crawlers primarily look at the mobile version of a page. Websites need to be responsive to adapt to various screen sizes, meaning text must be readable without zooming, and buttons must be easily tappable. If Google deems your site lacking in these factors, your ranking will likely suffer.
Page Speed
Page speed is all about how quickly your website pages load. No one enjoys a slow-loading webpage. It’s like standing in a slow line at a grocery store. What if after 10 minutes of waiting to pay, there was no end in sight? Page speed is about loading content fast to improve user experience.
You can use various free online tools to check for technical SEO issues related to page speed, including PageSpeed Insights. You’ll find recommendations on image optimization, caching, server response time, and more to speed up your site. The tool provides separate data on desktop and mobile. Don’t forget about using Google Search Console for more advanced Core Web Vitals data.
XML Sitemap
An XML sitemap guides search engines to all your pages. Think of it as a roadmap. Submitting an XML sitemap to Google helps ensure that all important pages on your website are properly indexed.
While submitting a sitemap isn’t a guarantee for indexing, it acts as a courtesy notice to search engines. It allows them to see all your pages at once. You should review your XML sitemap regularly to check for crawl errors. Make sure it’s including your most important pages and isn’t including pages you don’t want Google to index. Google Search Console allows you to submit sitemaps and review index coverage.
HTTPS Protocol
That padlock in a website’s address bar signifies a site secured with HTTPS. It’s now more than a security best practice – HTTPS signifies a site using secure communication protocols that encrypt data. This data is transmitted between your server and users’ browsers.
Moving from HTTP to HTTPS requires installing an SSL or TLS security certificate on your site. An SSL certificate ensures your visitor data is encrypted and transmitted securely. This safeguards it from any interception.
Other Factors When Learning how to check for Technical SEO
The elements above create a strong foundation for technical SEO. However, technical SEO goes even further with other essential components to evaluate.
Duplicate Content
You want to make sure all your website pages have unique, original content. Having pages that compete with each other on the same keywords might dilute link equity. It can also diminish each page’s individual authority, ultimately lowering rankings for all competing pages.
Search engines want to showcase original, useful content. When duplicate content is present they struggle to determine which page deserves a better position in the search results.
Broken Links and Redirects
Broken links are dead ends that interrupt the user experience. Imagine enjoying a fascinating article and suddenly, upon clicking a link, you are presented with an error message.
When crawlers find a page that’s unavailable, they receive an error. This is commonly a 404 error. Implementing proper redirects, such as a 301 redirect, helps maintain the flow of link equity and takes users to updated content.
Schema Markup
Schema Markup is a type of structured data. It enhances how search engines read a page’s content, giving crawlers better clarity and context. Have you ever noticed those informative details that sometimes pop up in Google’s search results? This could be product availability, user ratings, or even recipe preparation time. This is schema markup at work.
International SEO
Do you have audiences in different countries who speak different languages? If so, International SEO is crucial. Setting up language tags (Hreflang tags) properly guides Google to show the right language versions of pages to your users. This also prevents search engines from interpreting multilingual content as duplicates. It signals that it is a unique version specific to an audience or region.
Putting It All Together
There are several SEO tools available to help you perform a technical SEO audit. Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights are great free tools to start with. There are also free SEO tools and browser extensions, such as SEO Meta in 1 Click, available to provide more in-depth information while navigating a website. Some SEO software suites also offer free versions you can use.
It’s easy to see how complex technical SEO can get. However, all of these steps, when performed consistently, can drastically improve your website’s technical SEO. Pay special attention to the elements that may be impacting your website the most. This will make sure Google sees you as a reliable resource. It also creates a smooth, enjoyable experience for your visitors.
FAQs About How to Check For Technical SEO
What falls under technical SEO?
Technical SEO involves all aspects of a website that impact how effectively search engines can crawl and index a site’s content. It focuses on crawling, rendering, and indexing your pages and assets. It also includes structural elements like your site navigation and site architecture. Some of the core issues technical SEO addresses are page speed optimization, mobile-friendliness, site security, duplicate content issues, redirects, broken links, XML sitemap setup, use of Schema Markup, and hreflang tags.
How do I run an SEO check?
To run an SEO check, start with Google’s free tools such as Google Search Console and Google Analytics. The Google Search Console can give you insight into indexing issues, response codes, sitemap errors, and other key metrics. There are also other SEO tools and SEO checkers on the market. For instance, Screaming Frog offers a technical SEO audit tool. Don’t forget to routinely check more obvious things like your website navigation, the readability of your content, and other visible aspects of the site.
What’s included in a technical SEO audit?
A technical SEO audit involves analyzing page speed, crawlability, mobile-friendliness, and security. It also typically includes an analysis of robots.txt files, XML sitemaps, broken links, and canonical tag urls. The audit tool you choose may have other site audit checklist items.
Is technical SEO difficult?
Technical SEO can be challenging for those who are unfamiliar with it. Start with the basics. Focus on using free SEO tools, especially those offered by Google, such as the URL inspection tool. However, diving into more complex areas of technical SEO can feel more complicated. Consider consulting with an SEO expert or web developer for these more advanced technical issues.
Conclusion: Technical SEO is Not Easy
Technical SEO is about creating a website that is easy for search engines to crawl and index. This involves creating a fast, secure, and technically sound website that provides a good user experience. You want a website that runs smoothly, ranks well in search engines, and keeps your visitors happy. Don’t get overwhelmed you can hire a digital marketing agency like us to handle your national SEO or local SEO strategies to help you rank on top of your competition.
Social Media and SEO Synergy for Small Business Growth
Social Media and SEO Synergy for Small Business Growth
Is SEO a One Time Thing or an Ongoing Necessity?
Is SEO a one-time thing? If you’re asking that, you’re in good company. It’s a frequently asked question every business owner with a website ponders. You pour hours into building a beautiful website, then get told you need this mysterious thing called search engine optimization. So you learn the basics, optimize your site, maybe even see a little bump in traffic, and breathe a sigh of relief. Mission accomplished, right?
Unfortunately, if you want to consistently attract customers through Google searches, it’s not that simple. That’s why understanding the answer to the question “is SEO a one time thing” can be crucial to your overall content strategy.
Why SEO Can’t Be a One-Time Endeavor
Think about it. The internet isn’t static. It’s constantly changing, growing, and evolving. Google alone makes hundreds of updates to its algorithm each year , tweaking how it ranks sites to give searchers the most relevant results. New competitors pop up in your industry every day, fighting for the same top spot on Google. Your potential customers’ interests and search habits are also constantly in flux.
In this dynamic landscape, a one-time SEO service is like trying to win a marathon by just showing up for the starting line. To stay ahead of the competition, you need to be as adaptable and dynamic as Google.
Google Changes, Your Website Needs to Adapt
Remember Google’s Panda and Penguin updates in 2014? Those weren’t just catchy animal names; those updates caused huge shifts in website rankings. Websites that previously enjoyed first-page rankings plummeted into obscurity. These massive shakeups proved to the world that sustainable SEO isn’t about tricks or shortcuts – it’s about building a site that Google genuinely deems valuable.
These core updates aren’t rare events, either. Google is constantly fine-tuning, sometimes rolling out significant algorithm updates every few weeks. To put it another way, SEO depends on how willing you are to adapt to these changes.
Keeping Pace With the Competition
Your competition isn’t standing still, so neither can you. Let’s say you’re a restaurant owner who spent months building a fantastic website for your Italian bistro. Six months later, a trendy new ramen shop opens across the street. They’re all over Instagram, they’ve started a blog, and they’re actively building links to their site. If you aren’t engaging in those activities too, guess whose website Google will start to see as more relevant for “best lunch spot”?
Or let’s say your website used to be the only one offering gluten-free cupcake recipes. Because the internet is constantly evolving, now there are hundreds of gluten-free baking blogs. Those competitors are all crafting delicious content, earning backlinks, and engaging with their audiences online. This new content means you’ll need to up your game if you want to hold your spot at the top of the recipe rankings. Ignoring these changes makes it harder for potential customers to find you, impacting not only website traffic but potentially even your bottom line.
So, how do you make sure your SEO efforts are less of a one-time effort and more of an ongoing success?
Shifting From One-Time SEO to an Ongoing Strategy
Rather than viewing SEO as a box to tick off your to-do list, think of it as a continuous journey of long-term success. Just like you wouldn’t open a business and then never invest in marketing again, your website requires ongoing SEO efforts to truly flourish. But what does that ongoing effort involve? Let’s break down some key strategies.
Content is Important – Keep It Fresh.
Think back to those gluten-free cupcakes. It’s not enough to just have a beautifully designed website with the same recipes from a year ago. You’ve got to give people a reason to keep coming back. Regularly publishing fresh, engaging content – blog posts, articles, videos, or even interactive quizzes – relevant to your niche is one of the best ways to signal your relevance to search engines. This will also improve metrics like user engagement on your website.
Consider this: In 2013, Yahoo published a simple article comparing various fast-food breakfast options . By publishing this fresh content about a specific keyword – fast-food breakfast – Yahoo positioned themselves as relevant on that topic in search rankings. Regularly publishing high-quality content tailored for specific keywords tells Google that your website has the most up-to-date information for searchers. And that translates to higher rankings, more clicks, and ultimately, more customers.
Mastering the Art of Keyword Research
Effective SEO relies heavily on understanding what people search for online. And that is where keyword research comes into play. Think about what words or phrases potential customers might type into Google to find products or services like yours. You can start by exploring various tools like SEO App and Ahrefs. Or try typing some of those keywords into Google yourself – the auto-complete suggestions can spark ideas.
Remember: as language and online behavior changes, the terms people use to find what they need evolve. So those keywords you diligently researched a year ago may no longer be as effective in attracting your target audience. It is therefore important to stay on top of trending keywords in your niche and periodically update your website content to include these keywords. This ongoing journey of keyword research will pay off.
Technical Tune-Ups – More Than Meets the Eye
Imagine walking into a store where the aisles are messy, the lights are flickering, and you can’t find what you’re looking for. Would you stick around? Probably not.
Google feels the same way about websites with technical issues. Broken links, slow loading speeds, clunky mobile layouts—these can all harm your SEO ranking and send potential customers running to more user-friendly competitors. Conduct regular website audits to identify these issues so you can fix them. There are tools out there that will analyze your site and point out issues that need attention.
SEO Factor | How To Optimize It |
---|---|
Website Speed | Compress images for faster loading, use caching plugins, choose a reliable web hosting service. |
Mobile Responsiveness | Test how your website appears on various mobile devices. Make sure buttons are easy to tap and that text is readable. Consider a mobile-first design approach. |
Broken Links | Use a tool to find broken links and fix them promptly. |
Why Ongoing SEO Monitoring is Crucial
Let’s say your SEO strategy is like tending to a garden. Just like you’d consistently water your plants and pull out pesky weeds to keep your blooms vibrant, your website needs constant nurturing and adjustments. Regularly analyze what’s happening on your website. Whether you prefer to look at information from Google Analytics, or prefer another platform altogether, consistent data analysis will help keep your SEO efforts strong. Conducting regular website audits can also help discover any technical issues you may not be aware of.
But it’s not just about watching out for red flags – data helps you celebrate victories too. Maybe you started using a new keyword that’s driving tons of traffic, or perhaps a blog post about one of your services went viral. Recognizing what’s working well empowers you to amplify those efforts and improve your overall approach. Think of it as adapting your SEO as you go.
Is SEO a one-time payment?
The payment structure for SEO varies. You’ll find monthly payments, one-off project fees, or retainer contracts. Many SEO agencies prefer a recurring model since SEO is an ongoing process. Think of it like a gym membership – consistent effort brings the best results.
How often do you need to do SEO?
Most businesses benefit from ongoing monthly SEO. This allows time for tasks like keyword research, content updates, link-building, and analyzing data. A monthly service like this can ensure your SEO needs are being met.
Is SEO a monthly thing?
While you can technically approach SEO with a one-time effort, monthly maintenance delivers the most sustainable results, allowing for continuous analysis, tweaking, and growth as the digital landscape changes.
How long does SEO last?
SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. The results build gradually. Typically, noticeable improvement starts between six to twelve months, and ongoing work ensures those benefits continue for the long haul. Think of it less as a timeline and more about constant upkeep, like keeping your car properly serviced so it keeps running smoothly.
Need a Digital Marketing Agency?
So, is SEO a one time thing? The simple answer? No. In reality, treating SEO as a continuous process is crucial. Just like businesses themselves change and grow over time, your website needs attention to thrive in the competitive digital world. SEO isn’t just about rankings — it’s about creating a website that genuinely connects with users and provides a seamless online experience. And that’s an investment that pays dividends over time. Give us a call if you are looking for one of the top digital marketing agencies to manage your SEO.
Which Ecommerce Platform is Best for SEO in 2024?
Which ecommerce platform is best for SEO? It’s a question that weighs heavily on the minds of entrepreneurs building online businesses. The digital marketplace is a crowded space, so standing out requires more than just an attractive website. This is where SEO comes into play. Choosing the right platform can either make or break your online success.
A study from Search Engine Land found 53% of all website traffic comes from organic search. This means over half of potential customers find websites like yours through Google and other search engines. Your chosen platform needs to excel in SEO if you want these customers to find your online store. With so many options available, how can you decide?
Factors to Consider When Choosing Which ecommerce platform is best for SEO
Selecting the perfect ecommerce platform is like building a sports team. You need features that work together seamlessly toward a common goal. This goal is ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and driving traffic to your site. Consider factors beyond just the platform’s design and ease of use. Here are a few factors that can impact your SEO strategy:
Website Speed
You have mere seconds to grab a visitor’s attention before they exit your site and return to the search results. Google’s research shows that as page load time goes from one second to three seconds, the probability of a visitor bouncing increases by 32%.
Losing one-third of your potential customers before they even see your products is not ideal. Look for ecommerce SEO platforms known for speed and offer optimization tools. For example, Shopify utilizes a global content delivery network (CDN). This helps deliver your website’s content faster to users around the world.
A CDN caches your content on servers closer to your website visitors. This reduces the time it takes for their browsers to load the content, meaning faster loading times, happier customers, and a better chance of ranking high in search results. This isn’t to say Shopify is the only option for speed. Research CDN capabilities and which platforms offer SSL certificates when comparing.
Mobile Responsiveness
In today’s world, mobile optimization is essential. Users are constantly on their smartphones, browsing, shopping, and comparing prices. If your online store looks clunky and awkward on mobile devices, you’re turning away potential customers.
Google prioritizes user-friendly websites that provide a great mobile experience and ranks them higher in mobile search results. Luckily, most reputable ecommerce platforms now have responsive templates that provide this. However, don’t assume all platforms are equal.
Always test out different templates on various devices. This ensures a smooth experience on all screen sizes. Thoroughly test out platforms before making any final decisions.
Blogging Capabilities
A well-written blog is an SEO powerhouse. Creating informative and engaging blog posts related to your products and niche helps your SEO efforts in many ways.
You attract more organic traffic to your site because people searching for information related to your niche are more likely to come across your ecommerce store. It also establishes yourself as an authority in your industry. By sharing insightful content, you position your brand as a trusted source, making customers more likely to buy from you.
Look for ecommerce platforms with built-in blogging features that are easy to use. Features like customizable URLs, meta tags, and meta descriptions can make a big difference. Two platforms with excellent blogging functionalities are Shopify and WooCommerce.
URL Structure
A website’s URL is much more than just an address. The words and slashes after a website’s domain name tell search engines what your page is all about. Customizable URLs allow you to control the words that describe your products, categories, and website pages to search engines.
Having customizable URLs can improve your visibility and your search engine rankings. Platforms that impose rigid or generic URL structures restrict your SEO efforts. When evaluating platforms, investigate their URL structure settings.
Seek out platforms enabling descriptive, keyword-rich URLs for products, categories, and the ability to add a txt file to your site. Doing this can boost SEO performance.
SEO-Specific Features and Plugins
Once you have chosen your platform, supercharge your SEO with some specialist help. SEO-specific features and plugins can help you achieve your SEO goals by tackling tasks that directly impact your visibility. Some of the features and plugins you may find useful include:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Customizable Meta Descriptions | Meta descriptions are snippets of text that appear under search results. Write compelling summaries in these descriptions that entice users to click through to your website. |
XML Sitemap Generation | Sitemaps are roadmaps, helping search engine bots like Google crawls easily navigate and understand your website’s structure. Having an XML sitemap is like giving Google a VIP pass, allowing it to easily crawl and index all important pages and improve your visibility. |
Canonical Tag Management | Duplicate content can hurt your rankings because it confuses search engines about which version of a page is the “original.” Canonical tags tell search engines which page to prioritize, preventing penalties and improving SEO clarity. |
Integrating With Other Marketing Tools
SEO doesn’t exist in isolation. It works best when combined with other aspects of your digital marketing ecosystem, like email campaigns, content marketing, and social media engagement.
Choosing an ecommerce platform that seamlessly integrates with your other marketing platforms is important for marketing success. Being able to transfer data between your online store and other platforms empowers your marketing to run smoothly. Before choosing a platform, evaluate whether the platform offers seamless integrations with your vital marketing tools.
Which Ecommerce Platform Comes Out On Top?
Most popular platforms nowadays come equipped with essential SEO features. When deciding on a platform, you might want to consider things like budget and scalability in addition to pure SEO capabilities.
If you see yourself expanding quickly and offering thousands of products, you might want to consider a platform like Magento (Adobe Commerce). It is specifically designed for large-scale ecommerce businesses. If you are starting small and looking for an affordable option with a gentler learning curve, then Shopify, with its variety of plans and user-friendly interface, might be a better choice.
Choosing an ecommerce platform is about finding a reliable teammate with strong SEO-friendly features. Finding the right one can help you grow your business over time.
FAQs About Which ecommerce platform is best for SEO
What are some SEO mistakes to avoid when choosing a platform?
Don’t let the excitement of launching your online store lead you to common SEO pitfalls. Sidestep these blunders to safeguard your store’s online visibility:
- Neglecting Site Speed Optimization: Optimize your site for swift loading times by choosing a platform offering options like CDN integrations.
- Ignoring Mobile Friendliness: Choose platforms and themes prioritizing a mobile-first approach for an exceptional browsing experience across devices.
- Overlooking URL Structure Customization: Customizable URLs are crucial. Avoid clunky URLs detrimental to user experience, and choose a platform that allows you to have clean URLs.
Do free ecommerce platforms have adequate SEO capabilities?
While free platforms may be enticing, they often come with limited SEO customization and control over your site’s optimization. If SEO is your top priority, paid plans offer more extensive customization and SEO tools. Investing in a paid plan can lead to improved rankings and increased visibility.
How can I improve my online store’s local SEO?
Local SEO is crucial for businesses with physical stores, as it allows them to attract customers searching for products “near me.”
Ecommerce platforms often provide features like Google Analytics and Google My Business integration. Utilize these SEO tools and engage with your local community. Create location-specific content on your blog that targets global keywords and terms related to neighborhoods or towns. This will put your business directly in front of local customers.
When asking yourself “Which ecommerce platform is best for SEO?”, there isn’t one simple answer. The best fit for you will depend on the individual needs and priorities of your business.
Google and other search engines are constantly updating their algorithms, so staying up-to-date with these changes will help you maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic world of e-commerce.
Boost Your Sales with Reddit Lead Generation Ads
Reddit, with its engaged user base and niche communities, has become an attractive platform for marketers trying to reach targeted audiences. While traditional Reddit ads can help drive traffic and brand awareness, Reddit lead generation ads offer a more direct path to capturing valuable leads for businesses. In this post, you’ll learn about Reddit lead generation ads, why they matter, how they work, and some real-life examples of their effectiveness.
For businesses looking to obtain more than just website clicks or impressions, Reddit lead generation ads can help acquire qualified leads. These ads allow advertisers to collect user information directly within the Reddit platform. This streamlines the process and potentially leads to higher conversion rates.
Why Reddit Lead Generation Ads Matter
Reddit’s community-based structure makes it an ideal platform for reaching specific demographics and interests. Users self-organize into subreddits based on their passions, hobbies, and professions. This targeted environment makes Reddit lead generation ads compelling for businesses focusing their efforts on a highly engaged audience.
Another advantage of these ads is that they simplify the lead capture process by keeping users on the platform. Traditionally, Reddit ads would send users to external landing pages. This could lead to a drop-off in conversions due to the extra steps involved.
This shift toward an on-platform experience aims to enhance efficiency for both businesses and users. This approach resonates with 75% of B2B decision-makers who believe Reddit is a top source for impactful business product insights.
Key Features of Reddit Lead Generation Ads
Understanding how these ads work is crucial. A few key features distinguish Reddit lead generation ads and contribute to their effectiveness.
- Mobile-Optimized Design: Reddit lead generation ads boast a mobile-optimized layout to adapt to the prevalent use of mobile devices on the platform. This makes it convenient for users to interact with ads and fill out lead forms without leaving the app.
- Auto-Populating Email Fields: By auto-populating email fields, the process for submitting lead information becomes easier for users. This encourages users to complete the form, thereby increasing lead submission rates.
- Privacy-Focused Approach: Reddit acknowledges the sensitivity of user data. Its privacy-centric strategy ensures that information is treated securely, which is crucial for gaining user trust. Reddit claims that user data is “handled securely and responsibly,” fostering confidence in the lead generation process.
- Zapier Integration: Reddit’s recent integration with Zapier is noteworthy. This automation tool enables a direct connection to various CRM platforms, which streamlines the lead management process, saving businesses valuable time and resources.
Real-World Success Stories
Early testing has already demonstrated the potential of Reddit lead generation ads across diverse industries. For instance, the software development firm LaunchDarkly observed impressive results during the beta phase.
They saw a 30% reduction in their cost-per-lead. Their lead submission rates saw a simultaneous 25% jump, further strengthening Reddit’s case as an emerging force in online advertising. These results were a direct result of users providing opt-in information during the early tests of Reddit lead generation ads.
Their case isn’t unique. Reddit’s data also points to positive engagement in sectors like education, highlighting the platform’s broad appeal for lead generation campaigns. Reddit stated 28% of its user base researched online education programs in the past six months. Similarly, Reddit emphasizes that 93% of its users rely on the platform to guide their decision-making process for upgrading technology.
Strategic Considerations for Success with Reddit Ads
When planning Reddit lead generation ad campaigns, consider some practical points for maximum impact.
Subreddit Selection:
Choosing relevant subreddits that align with your target demographic is crucial. Tools like Reddit’s Audience Insights and third-party subreddit analytics platforms can help identify suitable communities. Consider Reddit users that frequently buy your products. It would be advantageous to run ads to those users.
Ad Copy and Creative:
Speak the language of your chosen audience. Familiarize yourself with the specific subreddit’s rules and community guidelines to avoid turning off potential leads with ill-fitting messaging. Avoid using generic stock photos; opt for authentic, relatable visuals instead. Reddit users have demonstrated that authenticity in advertising is crucial.
Targeting:
Reddit allows for interest-based and contextual targeting based on subreddits. Experiment with targeting parameters to find the most receptive audience.
A/B Testing:
Testing is paramount for any successful marketing campaign. Test ad copy, creatives, and targeting options. Don’t shy away from trying various lead form fields, calls to action, and creative styles to refine what resonates best with your chosen audience. Consistent refinement based on insights garnered through testing leads to improved results.
Leverage Reddit and Other Marketing
With their targeted reach and frictionless user experience, Reddit lead generation ads could be valuable to many businesses. These new ads aim to combine the best of Reddit’s vibrant online communities with streamlined lead acquisition for marketers. By prioritizing audience alignment, creating engaging content, and leveraging data-driven optimization strategies, businesses may unlock a significant opportunity. They can drive high-quality leads directly from a passionate and diverse online audience. So, when formulating your online marketing strategy, consider exploring Reddit lead generation ads. If you are searching for a full digital marketing agency, give us a call today!
10 Essential Tips for Writing SEO-Friendly Content
It’s crucial to keep search engine optimization in mind when you create a new webpage or blog post. If you use the right techniques and strategies, SEO-friendly content will boost your pages’ rankings in standard organic search results. This means that you don’t have to rely on paid advertising or social media for all of your traffic.
Here at SEO Locale, we strive to follow these important tips when writing content for our clients and providing local search engine optimization in Philadelphia:
1. Use Search Keywords
Be sure to include relevant keywords and phrases in your text. It may seem like this would happen naturally, but it’s important to recognize that there are many different ways to say the same thing. Do potential customers search for “Harrisburg, PA hair salons” or “hair salons in Harrisburg”? Do they want “Allen wrenches” or “hex keys”? The right wording can have a big impact on your rankings. A tool like WordStream or Wordtracker can help you identify the phrases that people actually enter when using search engines.
2. Highlight Your Keywords
Put search keywords in your headings, subheadings, titles, meta descriptions, and bulleted lists. Search engines consider these areas to be more important, so they tend to have a stronger effect on rankings. Readers are also more likely to notice these portions of your content. Remember to include major search keywords in your first paragraph. Many SEO experts also recommend putting them in the final paragraph. Another way to emphasize these words and phrases is to occasionally write them in bold type.
3. Don’t Overuse Keywords
At the same time, search engines and readers don’t like keyword stuffing. Be careful not to put search keywords in every sentence or awkwardly shoehorn them into your content. People don’t want to read a blog post that says “auto parts stores near me” every 50 words. In general, you shouldn’t only write for the search engines. Other website owners are more likely to link to high-quality material, especially if it offers something unique. Links play an important role in search rankings, so it’s crucial to produce genuinely informative, useful, or entertaining content.
4. Link to Other Pages
Add a few links to pages on your own website. If your SEO-friendly blog post ranks well in search results or gains backlinks, it may also help the linked pages achieve high search rankings. These internal links must be relevant to your topic, preferably in a way that search engine software can recognize. Don’t try to stretch this too far. While grocery coupons might make vacations in Brazil more affordable for readers, there’s no meaningful connection between the two subjects.
5. Link to Quality Websites
If you link to external websites, make sure they’re authoritative and relevant. Quality links will enhance your search rankings and credibility. For instance, you could link to the source of a statistic in your article. You might also recommend websites that offer further information or helpful online tools. Only link to content if it will truly benefit the reader in some way. Another advantage of following this SEO tip is that fellow website owners may learn about your company when they notice traffic from your links.
6. Consider Search Intent
When you choose keywords, confirm that your content matches the intent of most searchers. This generally results in higher rankings and click-through rates. What people want when they search for a certain phrase may seem obvious, but this isn’t always true. For instance, some internet users search for “green roofing.” Do they prefer green-colored shingles or an eco-friendly material? It’s important to figure out what searchers actually desire before you write about it. Otherwise, you may attract visitors who have no interest in your content.
7. Create Unique Content
Your text and images shouldn’t appear anywhere else on the internet. Duplicate material usually harms search rankings. For example, you should avoid pasting the standard manufacturer’s description on a product page; other retailers have probably used the same text. It’s fine to occasionally include a quote from an expert in your articles, but this sort of material mustn’t represent a large portion of the content. Plagiarism-checking tools like CopyScape can help ensure that you haven’t included duplicate text by accident.
8. Edit Your Text Carefully
As a successful SEO firm in Chester County, we recognize the benefits of thoroughly proofreading web content. Editing is critical for two major SEO reasons. People are less likely to create links to a webpage with misspelled words and grammar errors because it doesn’t seem as credible. Furthermore, search engines may not recognize keywords that contain spelling errors. Even highly skilled writers can overlook a mistake now and then, so remember to use spell-check and a grammar checker like Grammarly. Finally, test all of your links to verify that they work correctly.
9. Think About Featured Snippets
If your content qualifies to appear in a featured snippet on Google, it will gain greater exposure. You can accomplish this by writing answers to searchers’ questions in a concise but informative way. Put question-based keywords in a major heading or subheading, and use verbs to begin your sentences. Snippets may consist of paragraphs, lists, or tables. If you write a paragraph for this purpose, try to use about 45 words. The vast majority of snippet paragraphs contain more than 30 but fewer than 60 words.
10. Use Image Alt Tags For SEO
If you add images, provide descriptive alt text for each picture, and include any relevant search keywords. This tag tells search engine software what the image contains; it can’t actually see a drawing or photo. Supply a moderately detailed description of the picture, such as “Large shopping mall with a busy parking lot” or “East Waterford, PA campground with autumn leaves and a clear sky.” Alt text has a few other benefits, too. It makes pictures more accessible to readers with disabilities. This information also becomes visible on some devices when an image fails to load.
SEO-Friendly Writing and Marketing Services
Basically, the process of creating SEO-friendly content involves finding the right balance of writing for human visitors and search engines. It’s crucial to use keywords naturally while providing unique, useful content that meets users’ needs. If you need help optimizing your website or blog, turn to the professionals at SEO Locale. We offer top-notch local SEO services in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Our experts can create new content or optimize existing material to help you achieve higher search rankings. To learn more about our effective online marketing services, please contact SEO Locale today.
Keyword Research for Small Business SEO: Finding Your Niche
Success as a small business requires an understanding of various important marketing tools: keyword search prime among them. Keywords help you stand out against your competitors by allowing you to create better and more efficient content.
Effective local SEO optimization in Philadelphia starts with a comprehensive digital strategy marked by effective SEO. Keyword research is how marketing professionals identify top-quality keywords that are relevant, have high volume, and will drive conversions. Finding the right niche keywords (with the right user intent) and integrating them effectively into your landing page content can make a significant difference in your visibility.
Importance of Keyword Research
Keyword research is how SEO strategists identify and analyze the search terms people use to find businesses like yours. By selecting the right keywords, your site has a better chance of ranking highly in search engine results so your target customer can find you. It’s important that your selected keywords are specific and relevant to your businesses, as well as relevant to the user’s intent. We want the traffic coming to your website to be customers who are interested in your products or services, increasing the chances of conversions.
Finding the right keyword for your small business can also help you compete with larger companies. Targeting niche and specific keywords may result in lower search volume, but higher conversion potential, making them “wins” for your business.
The Difference for Small Businesses
Keyword research follows the same basic steps no matter your business size. That said, smaller businesses must take a slightly different approach – one that focuses heavily on your unique needs.
Bigger companies have a huge customer base. As a result, their keyword research is broader, often trying to grab as many demographics as possible. Smaller businesses often have a smaller customer base localized to their specific area of service. This is the difference between a national and local SEO campaign, and small businesses are more likely to find success with local keywords.
Quick Steps for Keyword Research
Conducting keyword research is a fairly simple process, but to be able to do it well and find the best possible keywords for your business takes expertise. Each step of the process is crucial for SEO success.
- Brainstorm: This is the first step of the process where you take into consideration all aspects of your business, target customer, and goals. Consider the products or services that you offer, who your buyer is, what their journey might be like, and how you can help them. Think about the specific locations or service areas you’d like to appeal to. Consider your direct competitors and what they may be targeting. Narrow this list down to the most relevant keyword ideas.
- Use Online Tools: There are plenty of keyword research tools available that provide data on search volume, competition, and related keywords. They can also help you discover brand new keyword ideas that are relevant but that you haven’t thought of yet.
- Competitor Analysis: This can be a crucial part of the step, especially if you have some tough competition. Digital tools can help you glean insight into your competitor’s keywords and what gaps might exist that you can take advantage of.
- Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer and more specific phrases that might be used by potential customers. Long-tail keywords can be easier to rank for because they often have lower search volume, higher intent, and lower competition.
- Prioritize: Once you have a well-researched list of potential keywords, it’s all about prioritizing them in the best way. Consider your business goals and determine which combination of keywords will help you achieve them.
Get The Most Out of Your Keywords
Niche keywords are so important for small businesses. Here are some of our favorite tips for capitalizing on your keywords:
- Know Your Audience: Get to understand who your perfect customer is and know them inside and out. Who are they? What do they need? What pain points do they have? What are their preferences? And how can you serve them in ways that your competitors cannot?
- Leverage Local Keywords: As we mentioned, local keywords can be the bread and butter for small businesses. Local SEO can help you attract customers who are searching for services like yours in your specific area.
- Focus on What Makes You Different: What makes you stand out from your competition? What’s your unique selling proposition? Incorporate these aspects into your digital strategy.
- Look for Gaps: Determining what type of content is missing from your industry can help you capitalize on new opportunities. Creating fresh content that incorporates your niche keywords can help you rank.
- Review & Keep Pushing: SEO isn’t a “one and done” project. Keyword management tools allow you to constantly review your keywords and current rankings to find areas of improvement and keep pushing higher in the SERPs. Trends change, new products/services emerge, and customer needs evolve – your digital strategy needs to be able to pivot to accommodate these developments.
Let Us Help You!
Keyword research is a vital component of a robust and successful digital marketing strategy, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Our SEO company in New Jersey and across the tri-state area can help you find and target niche keywords that improve your online visibility and lead to more conversions. Our expertise allows us to continually refine your strategy, helping you to gain and maintain that competitive edge.
For an SEO team you can count on, reach out to SEO Locale and learn more about how we can transform your digital marketing strategy!