Why SEO matters and how it can boost your website
SE“what”? I hear many clients say. For most this unknown probably feels more like SOS, mainly because you have no idea what it is and if you need it? Simply put, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) matters. It helps your website show up when people search for things related to your business. Think of it like this: SEO is what helps you get noticed on Google, bringing more people to your website without having to pay Google for ads.
Why SEO Matters for Your Business
Imagine you’re a bakery in a bustling city. There are tons of people out there who love what you offer, but if they can’t find your bakery, they’ll go somewhere else. SEO is like putting up a bright, welcoming sign on Google’s main street, guiding people to your website when they search for things you offer.
Not only does SEO help bring in traffic, but it also brings the right people to you—people who are already interested in what you offer.
What Can You Do to Improve Your SEO?
I know SEO can sound technical, but here are a few simple steps you can take to make a difference:
- Pick the Right Words (Keywords):
Think about what your customers might type into Google to find you. If you’re a bakery, they might search for “fresh bread near me” or “best cupcakes in [your city].” Use these phrases in the content on your website. Try to work them into your titles, page descriptions, and even blog posts. - Create Content That Helps People
Google loves websites that answer people’s questions. If you’re a baker, consider writing a post on “How to Choose the Perfect Birthday Cake” or “The Secret to Freshly Baked Bread at Home.” Your content doesn’t need to be long or fancy—it just needs to be helpful and authentic. - Make Sure Your Site Loads Fast
No one likes waiting for a slow website, and Google doesn’t either! There are free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights that can show you where your site might be slowing down. Consider resizing large images or checking in with your website host if it feels slow. - Be Mobile-Friendly
More than half of all searches are done on phones. If your website looks great on a computer but is hard to use on a phone, Google might not rank it as high. Most website platforms offer mobile-friendly options, so take a look at how your site looks on a phone and make adjustments if needed. - Get Listed Locally
If you have a physical location, creating a Google Business Profile is a big win. When people search for services “near me,” Google often shows these local listings first. Fill out your profile completely, and be sure to ask happy customers to leave reviews!
In my next post I’ll explore Google Ads: the Pros and Cons. Keep an eye out in December 2024 for it!
