How do you make sure your business is getting found on Google.
Let's face it, these days most people find businesses online. Need a plumber? Google it. Craving a coffee? You guessed it, Google.
But if your business isn't showing up in search results, it's like having a shop with the lights off and the door locked – no customers! That's where SEO comes in.
So, what exactly is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation.
In simple terms, it's about making sure Google (and other search engines) understand what your business is all about, and then showing your website to the people who are looking for what you offer.
It’s about making sure your business appears on page one of search engine pages – and that’s done through ‘optimising’ your digital presence. Optimising is making sure your website is relevant for specific search queries to increase the likelihood of appearing on the first page of search results.
But wait, aren't there other search engines besides Google?
Sure, there are Bings and Yahoos of the world, but Google is the king of search engines. It holds something like 92% of the market share in Australia, so if you want to be found online, Google is where you need to focus your efforts.
The good news is that SEO best practices for Google often translate well to other search engines too. By optimising for Google, you're putting your website in a strong position to be seen by potential customers across the web.
Search Engines are Getting Smarter (Thanks, AI!)
Search engines like Google are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence (AI) to understand what people are really looking for when they do a search and deliver the most relevant results.
We are also seeing the emergence of platforms like ChatGPT which, while not strictly search engines, are examples of technology continuing to evolve, constantly learning and adapting how users interact with information.
Why Should You Care About SEO?
More website traffic
Good SEO means more clients.
When people search for businesses like yours, you want your website to be at the top of the pile. That way, potential clients see you, click through, and hopefully become paying clients.
The higher you rank in search results, the more likely people are to find you.
Builds trust and credibility
When someone sees your website at the top of the search pile, it subconsciously tells them you're a legit business worth checking out.
Google is the go-to information source for billions of people worldwide. They wouldn't put just any website at the top. So, a high ranking tells visitors, “Hey, Google trusts this site, so it must be okay.”
Also, ranking high means you've outranked other businesses vying for the same keywords. It subtly suggests you're a strong contender in your field, separating you from the less visible crowd.
Plus, Google prioritises websites with valuable, informative content. So, a top ranking implies your website offers something worthwhile, positioning you and your business as trustworthy and credible.
Levels the playing field
Even if you're a small business going up against giants, good SEO can help you compete for those valuable search engine spots.
Unlike traditional marketing that is aimed at reaching a broad audience, SEO targets people actively searching for what you offer. This means a small business can compete with industry giants by providing highly relevant content that directly addresses a specific need.
Large companies often cater to a wider audience, which can mean their content becomes generic. Small businesses, on the other hand, can leverage their expertise to create targeted content that resonates deeply with their ideal clients. This targeted approach can make your website a more valuable resource, potentially outranking the broader content of larger companies.
Getting Found on Google: Your SEO Checklist
Alright, now you’re convinced that SEO is important, here are some practical steps you can take to get your website noticed by Google and potential clients.
Keywords, Keywords, Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines. Think about what your ideal client would search for to find your business.
For example, if you're a plumber in Albury, some good keywords might be “plumber Albury”, “blocked drain Albury”, or “leaky tap repair Albury”.
Sprinkle these keywords throughout your website content, but don't overdo it – you don't want your website to sound like a robot wrote it.
Content is King (or Queen)
Having high-quality, informative content on your website plays an important part in getting found on Google.
This could be blog posts, service descriptions, or even “about us” sections.
Write content that answers your clients' questions and provides value. Search engines love websites with fresh, relevant content.
Mobile Matters
These days, most people use their phones to search online. And that means you absolutely have to make sure your website is mobile-friendly!
This means it should be easy to read and navigate on a small screen. A frustrated person on a clunky website is a lost client.
Technical Stuff
There are some behind-the-scenes technical aspects of SEO that are important too.
Things like website speed, image optimisation, and having a sitemap can all help your website rank higher in search results. If this sounds like gibberish, don't worry! That's what Starfish Marketing is here for.
Bonus Tip: Don't Forget About Local SEO!
If you have a physical store/office/location, local SEO is essential. This involves optimising your website and online presence to attract clients in your local area.
Make sure you claim your Google My Business listing, encourage client reviews, and get listed in local online directories.
SEO is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
When you start working on your SEO, don't expect your website to shoot to the top of Google overnight.
SEO is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort. But the good news is, the more you work on it, the better your results will be.
Think of it like planting a garden. You wouldn't expect strawberries the day after you plant the seeds, right? SEO takes time and commitment, but it’s definitely worth it.
The Takeaway
SEO isn't magic, but it is a powerful tool for getting your business found online. By following these tips and staying consistent, you can attract more ideal clients and watch your business grow.
Still Feeling Lost?
Starfish Marketing can help! I offer SEO services to a few select clients. I can help you develop a keyword strategy, create high-quality content, and optimise your website for SEO.
Contact me today to get you found on Google!
