seo-processWhy SEO?

As use of the Yellow Pages declines as users are searching the internet, it is becoming increasingly important to be listed in the top three of search result page. For local business, this is doubly important as users habitually click on the #1 listing, view the site and make a quick decision if the page meets their needs. If not, they’ll click back to the search page and look at the second listing. Research shows that many users will only review the top three listing. If they don’t find what they’re searching for, they’ll modify their search and start the process over.

As a business owner, you have to ask yourself how much business is going to your competitors if your site isn’t listed in the top three positions of the results page? By starting a SEO program today, not only are you creating visibility, but long term you’ll be able to protect your top position from new competitors.

Where To Start?

Simple Biz Support starts with keywords – those are the words that users type into the search engines like Google and Yahoo. Simple Biz Support uses a four-step approach to keywords research, providing the client a complete market overview of the online competition.

Step 1 – Keyword Research
The first step is always to find out what users are searching for as it relates to you website. Without knowing what users are searching for, it is impossible to know what your website needs to talk about. Many business owners when creating a website make the mistake of “telling” people about their business. Instead, find out what user are search for – this way the website can speak directly to the users needs.

Step 2 – On-page Optimization
Now that we know what users are searching for as it relates to your business, it is time to evaluate your website and determine which changes will need to be made to better optimize your site for the search engines. On-page optimization is the foundation for an ongoing SEO program and needs to be done before performing any off-page optimization such as social media.

Step 3 – Competitive Analysis
The most important piece of information a client wants to know is, “When will my site be on the first page of Google?” This question is largely going to be determined by your competitors SEO practices. By evaluating your competitors websites for the keywords determined in the step 1, a game plan can be created for getting your site on page one of Google. Personally I have case studies in very weak markets where the client went from page 10 on Google to page one in less than two weeks. On the other hand, in very competitive markets, it can take three, six or longer to enter page one of Google.

Step 4 – Off-page Optimization
Once the foundation is in place, it is time to start off-page optimization also referred to as a backlink program. Backlinks are very important as each backlink is like a yes vote for your website. The more votes you have, typically the better you website will rank. Over time, by creating backlinks on a monthly basis, your site can dominate the top ranking of the search engines by having the most yes votes.

By understand what people are searching for as it relates to your business, making sure your website “speaks” to what user are searching for and then promoting your business online with backlinks, you can can feel confident that your website can climb the search engine results. For more information and a complimentary SEO review of your website, contact us at 707-520-4792.