Alchemy. Centuries ago, it was the “science” of the day that tried to accomplish tasks like turning base metals into gold. While alchemists never quite replicated the yellow metal, they were successful in a number of other applications – even if those successes couldn’t be explained.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is kind of the same concept. People know it works, but few know how it works.
We won’t lie. SEO is a million miles away from an exact science, and Google definitely loves to keep everyone on their toes by changing the rules every few months. However, despite its inexact nature, we’ve nailed down a few small business SEO tips that give you a better-than-average shot at climbing the search rankings.
Content Is King
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: dynamic content is the best SEO tactic for your small business website. It doesn’t matter if you’re a brick-and-mortar shop, a professional consulting firm or an Internet startup – a regular stream of relevant content is crucial. You absolutely need it. And if you don’t already have it, quit reading this article and contact our content development team immediately.
Anyone can make a website. Put up a pretty picture, a phone number and an address, whatever – but if you don’t have content, you’re not going to rise to power under the current Google regime.
That being said …
You Need Quality Content
The days of keyword stuffing are over. The Google Panda rollout in 2011 (and several updates since then) made sure of that. No more auto-generated content, no more spinning articles, no more outsourcing to the cheapest bidder. If you want good search engine placement today, you’ve got to work for it.
You need high-quality content that’s unique, sharable and ultimately informative. Written content is great but if you’re really looking for a return on your marketing investment, make sure you include pictures, videos and infographics, too.
Take Your Time
Search engine optimization offers no instant gratification. It’s not going to get your small business website to #1 (or maybe even #101) on the first day.
A lot of companies have a tendency to get so wrapped up in SEO that they forget they’re marketing to real people — which goes against every principle of the concept. While SEO is, and will continue to be, important, marketing directly to your customers/clients is far more beneficial. Create dynamic, unique content. Optimize your site for mobile browsing.
In short, don’t get so caught up trying to turn metal into gold that you forget the importance of the mental itself.
We don’t know the first thing about alchemy, but we can help your small business on its quest to be the gold standard for your industry. Drop Mischa Communications a line today and let us show you how to incorporate SEO best practices into your marketing strateg