As a modern business owner, you’ve probably heard the term “SEO” repeated over and over again while researching marketing techniques. But what exactly is SEO and is it necessary for your business?
SEO stands for search engine optimization. It is the coding used by search engines like Google to find relevant content online based on keyword searches. This includes data, products, services, images, videos, and other content.
Your SEO rating determines your online visibility. The higher your website ranks on search engine results pages, the more likely you are to generate leads. The question then is how to use SEO marketing to improve your business?
Keep reading for a quick guide.
Research and Implement Effective Keywords for Your Niche
Keywords are the bread and butter of any effective SEO strategy. However, you need to incorporate effective keywords if you want them to work in your favor. Typically, this means finding more specific long-tail keywords for your business based on your niche.
For example, if you run a vegan bakery, your keywords should include things like “plant-based baked goods, dairy-free baked goods, and vegan baked goods.” If you’re only using generic keywords like “baked goods,” you’re not diversifying yourself enough.
This is especially effective for franchise SEO. If you own a franchise, it’s essential to use local SEO tactics to make sure you’re attracting local consumers to the right website.
Optimize Your On-Page SEO
Now, let’s talk about how to use SEO on each page of your website. Perfecting your on-page SEO is essential for indexing your site on search engines and driving quality traffic to your pages. Here are some quick SEO tips for your individual pages:
- Write effective meta descriptions (the blurb beneath your website link on search engines) for better search engine visibility
- Use descriptive title tags
- Maximize your loading speeds
- Embed images and videos with a descriptive alternative text
- Use keywords in your headings
- Use internal and external linking
Effective on-page SEO does not happen by accident. Take your time with each page to make sure you’re maximizing your search engine visibility.
Build Credibility and Generate Leads With Content
Learning how to use SEO means understanding the difference between effective keyword usage and “keyword stuffing.” Keyword stuffing is when you jam-pack your article with so many keywords that it becomes unreadable. Search engines will see this and penalize your site for it.
Instead, focus on the quality of your content. It must be:
- Well-written
- Easy to read
- Valuable to the reader
To accomplish this, concentrate on your message and use keywords organically within the text. If you know you’re not a skilled writer, consider hiring SEO services that offer content creation in their packages.
Use Link-Building to Expand Awareness and Make More Sales
Finally, use internal links, external links, and backlinks to increase your SEO ranking and generate more sales.
Internal links are links within your pages that lead elsewhere on your site. For example, you can use internal links in blog articles to direct readers to other articles, products pages, or contact information. Use internal links as CTAs to direct readers where you want them.
External links lead from your website to other websites. Typically, these are used to direct users to affiliate businesses, content resources, etc.
Finally, strive to get backlinks from other credible sites to your website. You can do this by guest-posting on other sites, affiliating with other blogs and businesses, and working with SEO services.
Looking for More Tips on How to Use SEO?
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits of SEO and SEO marketing. However, we understand that there is also a steep learning curve when learning how to use SEO to improve your website and generate more sales.
If you need more help, consider working with an SEO agency. Otherwise, spend a little more time on our blog and look through some of our other business marketing articles. We have a ton of content on digital marketing created to help entrepreneurs just like you.