How to Create an Effective SEO Strategy for Your Business
We all want our website to rank on the top of Google search results. Luckily, this is possible but not easy.
Sure, you can run a paid search campaign to drive more traffic to your site. However, this is not a long-term solution. What truly works is an efficient SEO plan. It can greatly enhance your online presence and incoming traffic.
So, if you haven’t started utilizing SEO yet, you are making a mistake. But it’s never too late. Here’s a 5-point SEO plan to help you improve your online presence and achieve better organic search rankings.
Run a website audit
Before we proceed, it is important to know how your website currently ranks in terms of SEO. Conducting a website audit will provide a thorough analysis of your website, helping you understand where to start. You can refer to our full guide on how to conduct a website audit for a comprehensive range of tools and common issues to be aware of.
If you want a quick way to start your audit, consider using a tool like RankWatch. It offers a free website analyzer that examines your website and provides a detailed SEO report in minutes. This will help you identify on-site SEO issues that may hinder your rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). By addressing these issues, you will see improvements in your organic search rankings and website traffic.
If your website is error-free or has only minor errors, you can proceed with the 5-point SEO plan. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Pick and use keywords wisely
Keywords are the foundation of SEO. To ensure you target the right keywords, conduct comprehensive keyword research.
There are two ways you can do this:
1. Use Google Search.
2. Utilize SEO tools.
Using Google Search
When you type search query words, the search bar displays suggestions. This is Google Autocomplete, which suggests keywords. In addition, you can find more keyword ideas at the bottom of the search results page in the ‘Related Searches’ area.
From here, you can list relevant keywords for your website and use them in your content. (These keywords are from Google, so people are searching for them). While you may want high-volume short-tail keywords, start with long-tail keywords that have lower difficulty. They are easier to rank for and can drive organic traffic by ranking for variations. People who search long-tail keywords are more likely to become customers as they have specific queries. However, also list more difficult short-tail keywords. By ranking for long-tail keywords, you have a better chance of taking on short-tail variations. Ensure a balance of long tail and short tail keywords.
Another way to extract keywords is by using SEO tools. There are many available, including the free Rankwatch Keyword Research Tool. Enter the target keyword to get keyword suggestions, search volume, CPC, and difficulty. Choose relevant keywords from the suggestions for your website. Keywords alone won’t do any good; you need to work on your content.
Optimize content for search intent. Content is the second most important part of any SEO plan. Including keywords is just the start, but it’s crucial to consider the user’s needs. Listing what they’re searching for won’t be enough if your page lacks useful information. To optimize content for search intent, create high-quality content and satisfy the search intent.
When I mention quality content, it doesn’t mean writing an interesting fictional piece. Instead, give readers what they’re looking for. For example, if someone searches "best dentist near me," they want information about the clinic’s address, fees, timings, offered treatments, and reviews.
If you target this keyword, provide information about the mentioned pointers in your content for high-quality content. Creating high-quality content will do two things: more people will click on your website and it will reduce the bounce rate and increase dwell time. When writing, satisfy the search intent. Search intent is the what and why behind a search query – it helps us understand the purpose or goal. For example, a search for ‘price of an iPhone X’ indicates the intent to purchase an iPhone X. There are four types of search intent: informational, navigational, transactional, and commercial. Cluster your target keywords into these groups and write accordingly. Retain users with outstanding UX. Your website’s design is vital for users and organic search rankings. Retaining users by providing a great user experience is a must. The three factors contributing to a good user experience are mobile-friendliness, faster page loading speed, and easy layout and navigation. Make your website mobile-friendly, optimize page loading speed, and offer easy layout and navigation. Perfect your on-page SEO. On-page SEO is crucial for ranking on search engines. It consists of elements like title tag, meta description, and alt text. Keyword placement is important in places like the first 100 words, meta descriptions, URL, title, and headings, and the rest of the content. Write compelling meta descriptions, use appropriate heading tags, include internal links, create short and descriptive URLs, add alt text to images, and keep content length between 800-2000 words. Go for targeted link building. Backlinks are powerful for boosting search rankings. For effective results, go for targeted link-building. Research your competitor’s backlink profile, find email addresses associated with those domains, reach out to them with your link-building proposal, and earn backlinks to your web pages. Keep in mind that all good things take time, including SEO. It can take 3 to 6 months to show measurable results. With consistent efforts and this 5 point SEO plan, you’ll see a difference. Keep an eye on Google’s algorithm updates and adjust your SEO plan accordingly.
Hello!
I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.
Welcome to my digital space, where every piece of advice is a step closer to financial clarity and success!