Are you looking to generate new business through your website and rank your page high in Google’s search results? Then this guest blog post from SEO specialist Caroline Phillips about the most important SEO Do’s and Don’ts is for you:
Let’s face it, search engine optimisation (SEO) is not usually the first thing you consider when you’re a new business. There’s a whole host of other things to deal with and that includes getting a website for your business.
But eventually, many companies realise that they need SEO so people can find their website on Google and to increase their traffic. For some people, DIY SEO is the only option available as they might not have the budget initially to pay for an SEO company.
If that’s you, then here’s a list of SEO Do’s and Don’ts that’s bang up to date for 2018.
SEO Do’s and Don’ts
1. Content Management System
DO build your website using an SEO-friendly content management system (CMS). Building a website using a free CMS like Vistaprint, for example, can lead to SEO headaches as it is not flexible enough to optimise fully.
2. Change of address
DON’T forget to update your contact details if your small business moves location. Google gets wary when they find too many business addresses for the same company.
3. Google My Business
DON’T forget to grab your Google My Business listing. Without it, you won’t be able to appear on Google maps. (Also make sure you get it verified).
4. Keyword research
DO find out what your customers are searching for. Google’s Keyword Planner will give you some insights but you should use other tools in conjunction to get a better feel for search volumes.
Find out how to define relevant keywords for your small business SEO.
5. Guest blog
DO write blog posts for other quality blogs and websites (like this one!). It increases your brand recognition.
6. Backlinks
DON’T get obsessed by the number of backlinks you have. It is quality not quantity which is important.
7. Content
DO write new engaging content for your website. Let your customers know what you are doing and keep it fresh.
8. Social media
DO use social media for your small business. Although Google denies that they take social media into account in their ranking algorithm, industry experts generally believe that social media influence counts.
9. Low-quality directories
DON’T add your website to every Tom, Dick and Harry directory. It looks spammy and could get you a penalty in the future. Look for human edited directories to add your business listing to.
10. Get help
Finally… DO get expert help if you don’t really know what you are doing. You could be doing more harm than good in the long run.
Are you looking for help with the SEO for your small business? Alba SEO Services is a local Edinburgh-based SEO agency which specialises in helping local small businesses grow big. Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. There’s more advice on SEO and digital marketing on their blog too.
FURTHER READING
If you are interested in reading more about this topic, have a look at these:
How to Get Started With Your Small Business SEO
Keywords for Beginners: What They Do & How to Use Them
How to Declutter Your Website for Quick, Easy Conversions
4 Steps to a Successful Web Copy
