One of the fastest ways to grow organic traffic is by leveraging a comprehensive content marketing strategy focused on creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content. This includes keyword research, on-page SEO optimization, consistent content creation, and effective promotion. Check out our SEO FAQ page (starts off with “What does SEO even mean?”–for the new folks.
Want to stay ahead of your competitors? 58% of businesses do not optimize for local search (Ahrefs) which means you have an opportunity to out performn your competition. Additionally, improving technical SEO, building high-quality backlinks, and optimizing for user experience can significantly boost organic traffic.
SEO Strategy
- Do keyword research and optimization. (We use Semrush for all of our clients. It allows us to do amazing competitor research and track progress when SEO is being implemented. The reporting is amazing.)
- Optimize content based on the list relevancy and search volume.
- Maintain a consistent content creation schedule. Make sure to bring value in the content by addressing the audience’s pain points. This will create engagement that will increase your credibility.
- Pay attention to “technical SEO”. This basically means:
- Fast load times
- Great mobile experience
- Schema markup
- Link building
- Great overall user experience on the website.
- Clear call to action
- Easy navigation
- Engaging design
Local Competition
Small businesses often face intense local competition. SEO helps them stand out in local searches and attract nearby customers. A significant number of businesses neglect their SEO efforts. According to recent statistics, 58% of businesses do not optimize for local search (Ahrefs). This neglect can lead to missed opportunities in attracting local customers and growing their online presence.
How to do “local SEO”:
- Optimize your “Google My Business” Profile
- Add complete information
- Select the most relevant categories and attributes
- Keep your profile updates with new photos, posts, and offers
- Encourage customers to give you reviews
- Integrate local keywords naturally into your website’s titles, heading, meta descriptions, and content.
- Create dedicated landing pages for each location you serve
Limited Marketing Budget
Unlike enterprises, small businesses usually have limited marketing budgets. SEO is a cost-effective way to reach potential customers without expensive advertising campaigns.
Achieving a High Rank on Google (Online Visibility)
Many small businesses rely heavily on online visibility to attract customers. Effective SEO ensures they appear in relevant search results. Achieving a high ranking on Google is a significant accomplishment, but maintaining that position requires continuous effort. Here are the primary risks associated with losing your Google ranking:
- Google Algorithm Updates
- Core Updates – Google frequently updates its search algorithms. These updates can significantly impact rankings as they aim to improve search quality by prioritizing different ranking factors.
- Specific Updates – Updates targeting specific aspects like mobile-friendliness, site speed, or quality of backlinks can affect your ranking if your site doesn’t meet the new criteria (Ahrefs) (SEOwind).
- Content Staleness
- Outdated Content – Content that becomes outdated or irrelevant can lead to a drop in rankings. Regularly updating content is crucial to maintain its relevance and authority.
- Lack of Fresh Content – Not adding new content can cause your site to lose its competitive edge as search engines favor fresh and relevant content.
Brand Awareness
SEO helps small businesses build brand awareness in their community and beyond by appearing in search results for relevant queries.
Customer Trust
High-ranking websites are often perceived as more trustworthy. SEO helps small businesses build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Mobile Search
Many local searches are conducted on mobile devices. SEO ensures small businesses are optimized for mobile search, capturing this growing segment of users.
Google My Business
Optimizing Google My Business is crucial for small businesses to appear in local map packs and attract local customers.
Targeted Traffic
SEO drives targeted traffic to a small business’s website, attracting users who are specifically looking for their products or services.
Long-Term Results
SEO provides long-term results, ensuring continuous visibility and traffic without ongoing advertising costs.
Competitive Edge
By investing in SEO, small businesses can compete with larger enterprises by ranking for niche keywords and local searches.
Content Creation for Local SEO
SEO encourages small businesses to create valuable content, which helps engage and retain customers while improving search rankings.
- Write blog posts that mention local information (events, news, activities) related to your industry.
- Highlight your involvement in local community events or sponsorships.
- Share customer testimonials and case studies from local businesses.
- Provide resources specific to your local area that might be of value.
- Partner with local businesses, influencers, and organizations. This can earn backlinks to your brand.
- Share news with the local media about your business in the form of press releases.
User Experience
SEO involves optimizing website performance, improving user experience, and ensuring faster load times, which benefits small business websites.
Social Media Integration
SEO strategies often include social media integration, helping small businesses leverage social platforms to boost their online presence.
Local Citations
SEO involves building local citations and backlinks, which enhance a small business’s online authority and visibility.
Analytics and Insights
SEO provides valuable data and insights into customer behavior, helping small businesses refine their marketing strategies.
E-commerce Growth
For small businesses with e-commerce platforms, SEO drives organic traffic and increases online sales without hefty advertising fees.
Reputation Management
SEO helps small businesses manage their online reputation by ensuring positive reviews and content appear prominently in search results.
Adaptability
Small businesses can quickly adapt their SEO strategies to changing market conditions and customer preferences, unlike larger enterprises with more rigid structures.
Community Engagement
SEO encourages small businesses to engage with their local community through content, reviews, and local events, fostering a strong community presence.