Simple SEO updates to make your website stand out

Steal my strategy for simple SEO (search engine optimisation) updates that make a big impact.

Are you struggling to get your website noticed on Google? It can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're bombarded with advice about starting a blog and acquiring "high-quality backlinks”. But fear not, busy small business owner, I'm here to provide you with a practical SEO strategy that won't break the bank and can be completed in just a few hours. Plus, I'll share some valuable insights along the way.

The SEO Challenge

You want more people to discover your website through Google search, it’s just all a bit of overwhelming (who needs more to do as a small business owner?!) You're not interested in shelling out money for ads, and you're seeking a realistic SEO to-do list that can be accomplished within a reasonable timeframe.

The benefit of solving it

According to research done by First Page Sage, the top two factors that Google takes into account for its algorithm is consistent publication of high-quality content (21% of ranking) and keywords in Meta titles (15% of ranking). ‘Content Freshness’ is also a whopping 6% of determining factors - a big percentage when you consider how quickly you can make a few updates. Taking a few hours to update your website regularly, and keeping it relevant and useful to your audience will improve your ranking, and show it to more people on search engines. Best of all, these changes are free to make, and that’s a win in my books.

What you’ll need

When you have a few hours to spare, sit down with a cup of coffee and a good playlist, and follow these steps below. You can repeat this process as often as you like to keep your website's content fresh and optimised for search engines.

SEO is how your audience will find you online

Together with a holistic marketing strategy, you can get more people coming to your website without paying for ads or an agency.

1. Keyword Research

Start with keyword research using tools like Answer the Public and Uber Suggest. Avoid industry jargon like the plague; your customers are unlikely to use such terminology when searching. Instead, focus on the words and phrases they're more likely to use - put yourself in their shoes and use simple language. It can be great to have your customer profile handy for this step.

Keyword research helps you understand what your target audience is searching for online, so take note of any insights you find and keep a list of handy keywords to include later on. By incorporating these keywords into your website, you increase the chances of your website showing up in relevant search results.

2. Meta Titles and Descriptions

Next, review your page meta titles and descriptions. Do they include some of the keywords you've identified? If not, it's time for an update. Meta titles and descriptions play a crucial role in search engine optimisation, as they provide a brief but informative preview of your web page's content. Optimising them with relevant keywords can improve your click-through rate and search ranking.

3. Google Maps Profile

Don't forget about your Google Maps profile, as it can often be the first thing that shows up in location-based searches. Update it with fresh, high-quality images that showcase your business. Incorporate relevant keywords into your profile description, and make sure that it outlines what you do and who you serve super clearly. Encourage clients and customers to leave reviews - you can send them a personal email with the link directly to your review page. Online reviews not only influence potential customers but also impact your local SEO rankings.

Mobile-friendly website design

Remember to check how your site looks on a mobile as well.

4. Create an FAQs Page

Consider adding an FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page to your website. Populate it with questions and answers that incorporate the keywords you've researched. This not only provides valuable information to your visitors but also improves your website's search engine optimisation. Update the FAQs page whenever a real-life customer asks you a great question! This keeps your content current and reflects your customers' needs.

5. Monitor with Google Analytics

SEO isn't a quick fix; it's an ongoing process. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website's performance. Pay attention to which pages are getting the most traffic, where visitors are spending the most time, and which keywords are driving people to your site. This data will help you refine your SEO strategy over time.

6. Don't Forget to Resubmit Your Sitemap

Whenever you add new pages or make significant updates to your website, remember to resubmit your sitemap to Google Search Console. This ensures that Google's crawlers are aware of your latest content and can index it accordingly. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in how quickly your new content appears in search results.

Your checklist:

• Keyword research

• Update meta titles and descriptions

• Update Google My Business profile

• Create an FAQs page

• Monitor your site with Google Analytics and Search Console

• Resubmit your sitemap when you add any pages to your website

By following these steps, you can make meaningful upgrades that will help your site rank better on Google. Remember, SEO is an ongoing effort, so be patient and hang in there. Your efforts will pay off in the form of increased visibility and more organic traffic to your website.

If you have any questions or need assistance with these updates, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you succeed in the world of SEO!

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