Pleasing the Google Gods: Smart SEO for Small Business
There’s been whispers in the tech world over the past year about Google’s upcoming
“mobile-first algorithm”. This algorithm update will shift the focus of SEO ranking data from
desktop traffic to mobile traffic.
While desktop traffic has far outweighed mobile traffic, our mobile devices -- cell phones
and tablets -- are starting to bring in more traffic than ever before with users conducting
searches from their mobile devices at a higher rate. In Google’s current algorithm, desktop
traffic is prioritized while mobile sites are considered secondary. Well, that’s all about to
change.
Google’s new goal is to have one search index based on mobile content that will contain
listings for both mobile and desktop users. Although it was initially supposed to roll out in
2017, now there’s word that the full transition won’t happen until 2018. So, what does this
mean for small businesses?
Well, the upcoming algorithm update is one of the reasons that we at DBI decided to
revamp our website. Now more than ever, having an online presence is vital to small
business. Now that that presence includes mobile platforms, we had to upgrade to stay
competitive. After all, you have to make Google happy these days when you rely on the
internet to reach your current and potential clients!
If you own a small business, but don’t have the time or resources to do a full-scale website
refresh, don’t worry. We’ve compiled some tips to help boost your SEO and stay relevant
(and ranked!) amidst all the recent changes in the search engine world.
1) Make Your Website Mobile Responsive
Responsive is the key word here. A mobile responsive website automatically
changes to fit the device for which you’re reading. This makes your site more user
friendly, but also qualifies it for Google’s new rules. Google’s Gary Illyes explains, “If
you have a responsive site, then you’re pretty much good to go. Why? Because the
content on your desktop site will be pretty much the same on your responsive site. The
structured data on your desktop site will be the same.”
2) Create Relevant Content
Content is king when it comes to SEO. Whether through blogs or web copy, adding
content to your site will drive your search engine rankings. Consider starting a blog about
relevant topics in your industry. This will not only increase your SEO, but help you
connect to your clients through storytelling. Make sure your keep it fresh -- updated
content will help keep your website relevant.
3) Use Keywords
If content is king, than keywords are its queen. Using industry-specific keywords
throughout your website will help rank your site higher. Consider researching the most
relevant keywords in your industry and craft your web content using those words. This is
a great way to think about how your clientele or target market conduct their searches and
how you can keep your business top of mind.
Mobile optimization, content, and keywords are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to
navigating the wild waters of SEO. Whether you’re already a small business owner, or thinking
about opening a Delaware LLC, using these tips are a great way to get ahead with SEO. For
more ways to optimize, check out tips here and happy SEO-ing!