Small Business SEO: Quick Wins To Propel Your Business
/If you have kept tabs on any SEO news over the last few years, you've probably read the debates that suggest this form of marketing is "dead". Well, to end this argument, it's not and particularly for small businesses, you have the world (or your local area, at least) at your fingertips.
There's no doubt Google is prioritizing advertisements and its own services much more, but let's not forget that search volume is only going one way. It's constantly increasing, meaning that you still have lots of potential to really make the most of your business website.
In addition to the above, competition for organic search results is increasing all the time. Companies are regularly enlisting the assistance of marketing agencies, with this SEO agency in Phoenix recently revealing that demand for their services is absolutely soaring. With a few quick hacks, however, you can make the difference, and today's article will highlight what you have to do to give you more of a chance of succeeding with your own business' SEO.
1. Register and optimize for Google My Business (GMB)
While Google might be making SEO more difficult in some respects, in others, it is giving small or local companies the chance to really shine.
This is emphasized through the so-called map pack, which is positioned above most other organic listings. It means local companies immediately hold an advantage - but only if they get their ducks in order when it comes to Google My Business.
Fortunately, this is one of the easier elements to tackle with SEO. It doesn't require extensive technical knowledge and is simply a case of registering your business on Google's platform and following their instructions. This means you need to add as much information as possible onto the listing; whether it is photos, opening hours, extra contact details or anything else.
Then, it's onto reviews. These are one of the bigger ranking factors and while there are various regulations on how to obtain such reviews, if you can encourage customers to leave one after using your company, it will help you perform better in this map pack.
2. Make the most of your local contacts
This next point is all about link building. This can be one of the toughest challenges of SEO, for the simple reason that most companies out there now understand the value of links. They know it is a hot commodity and will charge through the nose for the privilege.
As such, take advantage of local contacts who can help you drive your link numbers up. This might be in the local press; anyone who can write and link to your company; or local business directories that can refer your services. Furthermore, understanding the intricacies of local SEO strategies can significantly amplify your visibility online. Engaging with a reputable SEO expert, if you have the budget, can also provide tailored advice and strategies that align with your business goals, ensuring your company not only competes but excels in its digital presence.
3. Always keep an eye on website speed
There are so many small companies with slow and clunky pages out there that this offers a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
There are all sorts of tools that can help you achieve this, particularly if you use a CMS like Wordpress. It's sometimes just about being careful with how you develop and manage your website. For example, optimizing website images and not uploading ridiculously heavy files can make a difference.
When it comes to the sales team, understanding the difference between sales management and account management is key. Both roles are essential to a business’s success, but their responsibilities and goals often overlap in ways that can be confusing. By focusing on how these roles work together, businesses can get the most from their teams.