Are You Prepared for Small Business SEO in 2022?
If you are still trying to formulate a strategy, you are not alone. The uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic-related business downtime and changes in consumer behavior keeps marketers and SEO professionals on their toes.
To help SMBs and marketing specialists, we asked our network of experts, “What’s the best SEO tip for SMBs for early 2022?”
From establishing business contacts to sharing customer stories, here are top tips for small businesses looking to improve their search rankings.
Contents
1. Tap Emerging Search Trends
Jeff Riddall, senior product manager at OneLocal, advises all businesses to focus on optimization around thematic intent-based keyword groups at each stage of the customer journey as Google continues to refine its algorithm and ability to identify what content searchers are really looking for.
“Small businesses should look for keyword opportunities and content gaps where they can add value by answering specific questions from their customers,” he says.
Additionally, Riddall advises small businesses that roll out e-commerce through Shopify, Amazon, or other similar platforms to realize what is necessary to optimize their product pages in these environments and the content required to complement and support their products.
“Modern SEO is primarily optimized content marketing; and those who are able to provide their customers with up-to-date, relevant content and answers to their product questions are most likely to improve their visibility in the search engine, he adds.
2. Plan Your Content Wisely
Clarentino Aduk, Managing Director at Clarini Online Marketing, recommends local businesses to regularly create content for their website, if they are not already doing so.
“They need to start thinking less like a local company and more like a media company,” he explains.
SEO consultant Anatolij Ulitovskyi says: “SEO is a long game, but it is possible to increase speed with the right strategy and implementation.”
“Go deep, not wide, into your content strategy. Create authoritative content. Location is the key to discovery, ”says Sigharth Iyer, head of SEO at resulta.
She adds: “Be a thought leader in your niche and showcase your knowledge. Confidence signals will be crucial for domination. Get those reviews, testimonials, and industry recognition. Prioritize availability, integration and user experience in messaging, sales and customer journey. ”
Rebekah Conway, Content Manager at Sweet Digital, recommends a holistic approach to small businesses.
“Combine email, social, PPC, and content strategies to increase reach and engagement, and increase the chances of meeting your campaign goals,” he says.
3. Use The Right Keywords
Shiva Kumar Vogalaboyina, Senior Digital Marketing Analyst (PPC expert) at Visaka Industries Limited, suggests small businesses focus on long keywords when creating content. This strategy will help you get more featured snippets that will drive high traffic to your website.
Ulitovskyi agrees and adds: “Content and links are still major ranking factors. So, embracing these keywords helps you get ranked faster. The paid tools do a good job of finding those keywords. Then check manually and filter out irrelevant topics. “
“The last step is to choose your priorities. Less, but quality is still the key, ”she emphasizes.
Rod Loop suggests that when you send your customers review links to Google, you should use a background search query to associate your brand with your main keyword and watch your listing fly apart.
In addition, “You will get 100/100 when you have a matching keyword domain url. Having fewer than eight modifications to any page makes SEO easier, ”says Anna Evans.
4. Connect With Businesses In Your Area
Svetlana Stankovic advises small businesses not to copy big ones.
“Find your niche and connect with other small businesses in your area. Get involved with others in doing something for your community. No matter how small the company is, there are always unique topics that need to be discussed in a meaningful way, ”he explains.
Digital organic growth consultant Suhrud Potdar encourages entrepreneurs to write short stories about their daily interactions with customers at every stage of their business, from inquiries and product comparisons to actual sales or after-sales service.
“Make these stories part of your website with basic SEO and share them on social media. No matter how simple and small a step may seem at first glance, it can attract more people to your brand and take you a long way, ‘he adds.
Riddall agrees and tells companies, “Make it easy for customers by including reminders and links to your business profile on Google, Facebook, or other relevant feedback sites.”
In fact, Amanda Leeman, SEO Manager at Adept Marketing, says that your business profile on Google may be more important than your website for generating leads.
Make sure it’s completely full. Make sure you use keywords in your business descriptions. Ask for reviews and don’t forget to add and complete all of your services, ”he suggests.
6. Be Resourceful
“Everything you need to rank on Google is available when you conduct strategic searches on Google. The formula is there, ”says Brandy Harworth, owner of LocalAdz.
Riddall recommends small businesses and SEOs harness the power of tools that automate and manage online review requests, as reviews have a significant impact on the visibility of a local search or map suite, but can take some time to manage.
“Review requests can be easily triggered based on specific customer actions, such as purchases or completed appointments.
Similar solutions can be used to help respond to reviews, which is also important from the point of view of showing the responsiveness of the company.
In addition to increased organic authority and visibility, obtaining and responding to online reviews is an increasingly critical driver of business growth, ”he explains.
The only thing that is certain about 2022 is that it brings constant uncertainty. However, those small businesses that are tuned and able to respond to the needs of customers and search engines can make the biggest profit this year.
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