What is SEO and Why is it Significant for Small Businesses?

understanding search engine optimisation and using it to expand your business.

for PIA POPPY WALTERS
01 MARCH 2023

As a small business owner, you may have heard the term SEO thrown around in discussions about online marketing and digital presence. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so significant in today’s world?

What is SEO?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving the visibility and ranking of a website or web page on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. In other words, it’s the art and science of making your website more attractive to search engines, so that it shows up higher in search results when people search for relevant keywords or phrases.

Why does it matter?

But why is this important for small businesses? Well, the truth is that most people today turn to search engines when they need to find a product, service, or information. In fact, most online experiences begin with a search engine. And if your website doesn’t show up on the first page of search results for relevant keywords, chances are that potential customers won’t find you and you’ll miss out on valuable business opportunities.

This is where SEO comes in. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can improve its chances of ranking higher in search results and attracting more visitors. This, in turn, can lead to more leads, sales, and revenue for your small business.

open laptop with Google search tab open

How do I apply SEO?

So how does it work, exactly? Well, there are many factors that search engines consider when ranking websites, including:

  1. Keywords: The words and phrases that people use to search for information on search engines. By using relevant keywords in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs, you can signal to search engines that your website is relevant to those keywords.

  2. Content: The quality, relevance, and uniqueness of your website’s content. By creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that’s relevant to your target audience, you can attract more visitors and improve your website’s reputation and authority.

  3. Backlinks: The number and quality of other websites that link to your website. By earning backlinks from reputable and relevant websites, you can signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and authoritative.

  4. User experience: The usability, speed, and mobile-friendliness of your website. By creating a website that’s easy to navigate, fast to load, and optimized for mobile devices, you can improve the user experience and reduce bounce rates.

These are just some of the factors that search engines consider when ranking websites. And while SEO can be a complex and ever-changing field, the basic principles remain the same: create high-quality, relevant, and engaging content, use relevant keywords, earn backlinks from reputable sources, and create a website that’s user-friendly and optimized for search engines.
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Should I hire a professional to do my monthly SEO?

In general, it can be a good idea for a business to have a professional handle their SEO on an ongoing basis, as SEO is a complex and ever-changing field that requires specialized knowledge and skills.

By having a professional handle your search engine optimization on a monthly basis, you can ensure that your website stays up-to-date with the latest and best practices and trends, and that your website is continually optimized to rank higher in search results. This can lead to more visibility, traffic, leads, and revenue for your business over time.

However, it’s worth noting that not all businesses may need to have a professional handle their SEO on a monthly basis. If your website is relatively small and simple, and you’re not targeting highly competitive keywords or niches, you may be able to handle your SEO in-house or with the help of basic SEO tools and resources. A SEO audit is a nice starting point as you will have a professional set up your website’s basic SEO and will give you more insight as to where you need more support.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire a professional for ongoing SEO depends on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of your website, the competitiveness of your niche, your budget and resources, and your own level of expertise and comfort with SEO. It may be helpful to consult with an SEO professional or agency to assess your specific needs and determine the best course of action for your business.

In conclusion.

So, if you’re a small business owner looking to expand your business and digital presence, SEO is a crucial tool that you can’t afford to ignore. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can attract more visitors, generate more leads, and grow your business in today’s competitive online landscape.

Curious about SEO?

Chat to me today to learn about SEO and how certain applied strategies will get you a higher ranking on search engines. Services range from monthly management packages to SEO audits.