Small Business SEO
How to Grow Your Business Traffic

Big players now pose a serious threat to small businesses trying to get online visibility. Because of this, it’s critical for small businesses to master local SEO. But like developing a strong small business plan, it all starts with knowing who your target market is and what makes you different from the competitors.

Ninety percent of brands have seen that their ranking in local search results is influenced by online reviews. In general, you do better on Google the more positive reviews you have on your business listings. This is because Google ranks you locally largely based on the caliber of your Google Business Profile.

In this post, we’ll break down 10 simple yet powerful tips to boost your business website’s traffic, which helps you shine online and grab a top spot in search results.

What is SEO and How Does it Work?

Making your website more visible online without having to pay for advertisements is the main goal of SEO. Getting your website at the top of Google’s search results is the goal. This implies that more people will notice it when they look up terms associated with your company.

Key factors for great Small Business SEO include:

  • Generating quality content
  • Using the right keywords
  • Getting other sites to link back to yours
  • Making sure your site loads fast and looks good on mobile devices

10 Tips to Do Small Business Local SEO Right

Alright, let’s dive into these tips that’ll give you the lowdown on rocking SEO for your small business.

  1. SEO Isn’t Limited to Google Alone – While it’s essential for your small and growing business to have a presence on Google, don’t overlook the potential of other platforms where your audience might be active. Sites like Amazon, Reddit, Yelp, YouTube, and Instagram have their own SEO strategies and can be equally valuable, if not more so, depending on your target audience. Identify where your efforts will be most fruitful and focus on those platforms to maximize your visibility and engagement.
  2. SEO Takes Time but Pays Off – Small Business SEO is effective, but it’s not a quick fix. The timeline for seeing results varies based on your starting point. If you’re just beginning your SEO journey, anticipate waiting at least six months to see changes—especially if you’re launching a new website. Keep in mind that SEO is an ongoing process that gains momentum over time. The groundwork you lay in the initial months sets the stage for future success. The more you invest in SEO, the tougher it becomes for competitors to surpass you.
  3. Choose The Right Keywords – When creating online content, choose keywords that directly relate to your business. If you’re unsure which ones to use, try out keyword research tools like Ahrefs, SEMRush, AnswerThePublic, or BuzzSumo. Many of these tools are affordable. By targeting the right keywords, you make it easier for your ideal audience to discover your content and website.
  4. Put People Before Search Engines When Writing Content – Put people before search engines when creating content. Craft captivating, and useful content that includes your target keywords. This approach keeps visitors on your site longer and encourages them to engage with more of your content. Try addressing common questions related to your business and showcasing solutions your customers are seeking.
  5. Make The Most of Local Searches – Local searches can be a goldmine for your small business. When people look for things nearby, they’re often ready to buy. Nearly half of all Google searches have local intent, and a whopping 72% of those who search locally visit a store within five miles of where they are.
  6. Get your Google Business Profile Sorted – If there’s just one task you tackle as a small business owner, it should be claiming and sprucing up your Google Business Profile (GBP). This profile is your ticket to being found and understood by potential customers on Google search and maps. It’s completely free to set up and allows you to share vital information like your contact number, business hours, and what you offer.
  7. Get Your Business Listed on Relevant Directories – People don’t just rely on Google to discover small businesses; they also check out popular directories and trusted review sites. Sometimes, even if they start with Google, they’ll end up browsing through a directory that’s highly ranked in search results.
  8. Fixing Basic SEO Problems on Your Website Is Crucial – Technical issues can harm your rankings, so ensure your website is in good shape and address any major issues promptly. A simple way to do this is by using an SEO audit tool like Ahrefs’ Site Audit. You can access this tool for free with an Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (AWT) account. Sign up, follow the steps to scan your site, and then filter the All Issues report for errors.
  9. Provide Valuable Product and Service Details to Searchers – Simply having pages dedicated to your products and services isn’t enough; they need to offer the information searchers are looking for. If you understand your customers well, you’re halfway there. But it’s wise to do a bit of research to ensure you’re meeting their needs effectively.
  10. Get Some Backlinks – Backlinks are important for ranking your website higher in search results. The tricky part is getting good-quality backlinks, which aren’t easy to come by. (That’s why they’re so valuable!) For small businesses, start by leveraging existing relationships.
paul bies image

Paul Bies

President
MYSTIQUE BRAND COMMUNICATIONS
416-441-2666 Ext 14.

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