Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a great way for small businesses to get found on the internet and have new customers through their door.
It’s true that SEO isn’t as simple as it once was, and it often takes professional assistance to achieve your aims.
If it’s done right, however, it can pay impressive dividends over time. It may be that you are a small business owner who is currently researching this very subject.
In this article, we will discuss 4 ways SEO can help your small business to grow and succeed.
You Can Appear Higher In Google Searches
SEO is basically a process that helps websites rank higher in search engines such as Google or Bing.
It is this increased visibility that can increase sales for your small business. Basically, research is made to discover which search words people are using whenever they are looking online for a product or service like yours.
They may not be the words you expected, but by including these search words in your online content you can achieve a higher internet ranking.
It’s even possible to overtake bigger companies and longer-established rivals.
Google prioritizes sites that are mobile-friendly. This means your website should display and function just as well when someone is using a smartphone as when they are using a PC, laptop, or tablet.
You can also increase your SEO ranking by using pictures wisely in your online content. This is because they will appear in Google images searches.
Another way to increase your visibility in the search results is by having a multiple internet presence.
If you have a website, Youtube channel, Amazon page, and Facebook profile they will all appear separately when someone searches for your company.
Further Research
Specialist websites and third-party companies provide lots of helpful free information for small businesses like yours.
In terms of SEO, you can discover how soon you will see the results, and learn how to do key expression research.
If you want to know whether organic SEO will increase the number of your referrals, find out this and moreover the internet.
You Can Identify Your Target Audience
Whether you are trying to sell a product or service, it is important that you identify what kind of customer is looking for what you have to offer.
You need to know their age, sex, location, and interests. SEO specialists use analytical tools to collect this key data about the people using Google to find your website.
Knowledge is power because your website and online content need to be designed for these people, using the words that they would understand.
It can help you ensure your marketing campaigns are worded and styled in the most appropriate and effective way.
For instance, an advert for retired women should be different from something designed for young people aged 18-24.
It Can Steer Your Marketing Campaigns
SEO research can reveal when people are making their searches, so any marketing campaigns can overlap these times (e.g. evenings, weekends) to make them more productive.
Once you have a full picture of your potential customers, you can tailor your marketing activities accordingly.
Google Ads
Using Google Ads can help your business be found by more people. They are paid advertisements that appear on Google search results, Youtube videos, and partner sites.
They range from text to image links with a maximum of three lines of 25 characters each. The price you pay for the ad is determined by how many times it gets clicked on.
Facebook Ads
Facebook ads are another way to reach more people. You can choose to target people according to their ages, sex, interests and location (the information gained through your SEO research).
There are analytical tools you can use to gain up-to-date information on the success of your campaigns and you can amend them in real-time to make them more effective.Â
Another advantage of using social media platforms is that they allow you to get in front of your followers or potential customers when they’re already engaged and receptive.
You can use images and videos that will grab their attention, as well as those vital search words.
It Can Increase Traffic To Your Website
By including links to your website in all your advertising and regular content, you can attract people to your sales pages to make money.
Social Media
Your regular social media content can benefit from your SEO research, including the search words.
It can be used to lure people to your website by discussing discounts, the latest products and more.
If you regularly post Youtube content the video titles and descriptions can be SEO-optimized too.
Interestingly, Google and Youtube are owned by the same company – and this is why your video content can help you be discovered more on Google.
Blogs
They are another tool you can have SEO-optimized, and they can redirect your readers to your website.
Post regular quality content in the same way as you do on platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. You could also consider contributing to discussion forums such as Quora or Reddit.
It’s a great way to help people view you as a specialist in your field, and a company they can do business with.Â
Email Marketing Campaigns
Ensure you have regular newsletters that are sent out by email, and that they are SEO-optimized. Whilst text and photo content will engage your readers, video content trumps them both.
Remember that people want free content and other freebies, too, such as downloadable e-books, discounts, free trials or samples, etc.Â
We have now discussed four major ways that Search Engine Optimization can benefit your small business.
If you don’t have the knowledge and expertise to do this, it’s worth employing a consultant or external agency to help you.
These services will cost you financially, but they could be an investment that will pay off sooner than you think.
Thousands of businesses are harnessing the power of SEO to get ahead of the game, and perhaps this is the time for you to do the same.
