In the ever-changing internet age, it can be challenging for any business to keep up with technology. This hardship especially falls on small businesses, which are more often limited by time, money, and resources. Larger companies have usually been engaged in the technology game longer and have built their infrastructure, websites, team, software, and resources. However, though your business may be small, there are still ways you can grow your online footprint.
What is Search Engine Optimization?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the technique and science behind getting your web page to rank higher on various search engines. Search engines such as Google, Bing, and other popular sites have become the entry point to the internet. Searching on these pages is one of the primary ways web users connect with the content they seek. Websites that rank high on these search engine results pages (SERPs) often receive increased traffic.
How Does SEO Work?
SEO works by organically incorporating keywords into your website content. Often, keyword research is done in advance to discover your target audience’s frequently searched terms. Then, these relevant keywords are employed to create optimized content for your website to connect with your ideal demographic. Ideally, over time, your website and business become increasingly visible on search engines in an organic manner. This ranking method differs from pay-per-click advertisements because it is free, organic, and targets relevant users.
What are the Key Benefits of SEO?
Search engine optimization must be done organically and over time. It also must be well-maintained and continuously updated. However, this method of connecting with customers brings many benefits to large and small businesses.
Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing is a business methodology that draws in customers by creating valuable content tailored to their specific needs. This strategy is the opposite of outbound marketing; which is the traditional strategy of advertising which reach out to potential clients whether they want to engage with you or not.
When properly utilizing SEO, inbound marketing connects you with active, engaged customers who are already searching for a business, product, or service like yours. Since these targeted clients already want to buy your products and services, they need far less convincing than other methods, such as cold-calling or outreach advertisements. This means they are far more likely to engage with your content and purchase your products.
Increase Your Customer Base
Websites are designed to help get your brand name out there and to differentiate yourself from your competitors. They tell your company story, explain your services, and provide a place to connect with potential customers. Statistically, businesses that optimize keywords on their websites bring in more new customers and grow up to two times as fast as businesses that are not using these techniques. Search engine optimization delivers one of the most efficient modern internet marketing strategies.
Brand Awareness
A keyword in the SEO world is SERP, search engine optimization page. When you enter a term or question on a search engine, like Google, you get pages and pages of results. Those are your SERPs. The higher your website ranks on a SERP the more likely customers are to trust your brand. Big, established, reputable brands usually rank highly on these pages. If your page doesn’t have a strong presence, it will get lost in the second and third SERPs – and be honest – no one clicks to the second page of Google results! To build brand awareness, getting ranked highly for your key terms is crucial to reach new clients.
Competitiveness
Search engines like Google and Bing are the most influential websites on the internet. It is like a phone book or an operator. However, you can use them to your advantage. You will rank at the top of your field by creating relevant, keyword-rich blog posts and content about your business, industry, and area of expertise. When you do that, you have the power to be the answer to consumer questions that they are asking the search engine. Seeing your company and product first draws them in and increases your competitive advantage.
User-Friendly Website
Previously, this technique was solely about a website’s place on a SERP. However, now, it encompasses the entire user experience. A modern take on the method is to focus on having a clean, decluttered, structured website that is easily navigable. It should be a space where a casual visitor wants to explore and linger – this increases views and decreases bounce rate. Highly relevant content and links help readers identify your site as a resource that helps them solve their problems and where they should return.
If this method is executed successfully, your website should be developed with user ease and happiness at the forefront. This technique shows statistics about how often links are used, how long people spend on your page, and how often they return. Increasing these numbers makes search engines happy because they view it as a high-quality website and information, ultimately causing your site to be ranked even higher!
Conversion Rates
SEO-rich websites are not only favored by search engines for their keywords. Optimized websites are easier to navigate, read, and display on most devices. Pages that link to other useful resources such as blog posts or other websites about the topic can be a wealth of information for your clients. These websites also are more engaging for visitors and readers. These surfers are more likely to continue to engage with your content and subsequently return converted into repeat clients, subscribers, or account holders.
How Spotted Fox Digital Can Help Your Search Engine Optimization
Does your business need assistance with professional search engine optimization? Do you want to increase visibility and conversions for your commercial business website? If so, contact Spotted Fox Digital Marketing for the best search optimization services in eastern Washington! Our team has years of experience doing keyword research, content optimization, and maintenance. We provide services for any size business, so visit our website today to get in touch. We can’t wait to help you optimize your web content and search engine rankings!
