Having a strong online presence is essential to the success of any small business. Search engine optimization can help your business website become more visible online. Here are three SEO tips that no small business can afford to overlook.

1. Research Keywords Carefully

Keywords are the words or phrases that people type into Google and other search engines when they are looking for information online. By including the right keywords in the content that appears on your website, you can ensure your pages appear higher up in search engine results pages. Use Google Keyword Planner to explore which keywords people use when searching for businesses like yours online. The best keywords are those with high search volumes and relatively low competition.

2. Include Long-Tail Keywords

Dominating a single-word keyword, such as “shirts,” is almost impossible for a small business. You can’t compete against big brands with huge SEO budgets who are also targeting those keywords. A better strategy is to focus on long-tail keywords, which are much more specific. For example, a long-tail keyword like “custom-fit men’s dress shirts” faces much less competition than a more general keyword like “shirts,” and also attracts customers who are looking for exactly what your business specializes in. Long-tail keywords play an important role in all successful small business SEO strategies. Include them in the content that appears in your site, using them as naturally as possible.

3. Focus on Local SEO

If your small business has a brick-and-mortar location, local SEO can help you to attract web traffic from your local area. Use local keywords, such as “men’s tailor Chicago,” to boost your site’s visibility for people who are searching for businesses in your area. In addition, it is a good idea to list your business on local listing sites and to encourage loyal customers to leave reviews there. These listings will provide backlinks to your website that increase its rank in search engine results pages, as well as increasing your online visibility. Be sure to check your business listings regularly to ensure that the contact information, opening times and other information given there is correct.

 

Make Print Easy. Get Time Back.

Order brochures, flyers, posters, and other materials to engage your customers more professionally. Learn more about no order minimums and Small Business Pricing.