What You Don't Know About Google SEO
Search engine optimisation (SEO) stands as a cornerstone of online success. However, SEO is often shrouded in mystery, and many businesses are unsure if it's the right investment. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of SEO, what it entails, and help you decide if it's the right move for your business. We'll also dive into the specifics of what a local studio offers vs a large agency to ensure your SEO strategy is both effective and sustainable.
What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter
SEO is the process of optimising your website to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). The higher your site ranks, the more visible it becomes to potential customers, which can lead to increased traffic and, ultimately, more conversions, store visits and / or sales. However, SEO is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It involves various strategies and techniques, both on-site and off-site, to improve your online presence.
SEO work can be divided between on-site SEO and off-site SEO, and both are important. I liken on-site SEO to aligning the wheel of a boat. It most likely won’t get you to where you want to go, but without it, you mostly like won’t be heading in the right direction when you apply acceleration. Off-site SEO is the fuel behind your on-site SEO; it is confirmation to Google that you are truly who you say you are.
On-Site SEO, the steering
On-site SEO focuses on optimising the content and structure of your website. This includes:
Meta Tags: Title tags and meta descriptions help search engines understand the content of your pages and are crucial for ranking and click-through rates.
Schema Code: Structured data markup helps search engines better understand your content and can enhance your SERP listings with rich snippets.
Robots.txt: This file guides search engine crawlers on which pages to index and which to ignore, ensuring that the right pages are prioritised.
Off-Site SEO, the accelerator
Off-site SEO involves activities conducted outside your website to improve its authority and relevance. The primary focus here is on building high-quality backlinks. Backlinks are links from other websites to yours, and they serve as votes of confidence in your site's content.
White Hat Backlinks
Unlike black hat SEO techniques that can result in penalties from Google, we employ white hat strategies to build backlinks safely and sustainably. These include:
White hat listing creations created regularly and consistently to avoid a one off hit that would be a red flag for Google
Creative digital file uploads to listings to seperate you from the competition in the eyes of Google
Digital PR: Engaging in online public relations efforts to get mentions and links from high-authority sites.
Guest Blogging: Writing informative and valuable content for other reputable sites in your industry.
Content Marketing: Creating compelling content that naturally attracts backlinks from other websites.
Our creative approach involves leveraging unique opportunities that many other providers overlook. For example, we can identify niche forums and communities relevant to your industry where your content can provide real value, fostering organic backlink growth.
Why Is SEO Sometimes Easy?
You may have heard of someone creating their own website years ago and their ranking going to the top and staying there. Google’s rules and guidelines were very different years ago, and it’s easier to stay up then it is to get up when it comes to a Google ranking. A Google ranking typically feeds into itself over time due to the targeted traffic reinforcing the position. Another possibility if it’s a relatively new website is a lack of competition in the area. If this is the case, it is possible for a business to be able to more easily get to the top for a local search, however oftentimes some SEO work is still needed.
The Risks and Rewards of SEO
SEO is a long-term investment, and while it can yield substantial rewards, it also comes with risks. The landscape of SEO is constantly evolving due to algorithm updates and changing best practices. This uncertainty means that results can vary, and not all efforts may lead to immediate success. However, with the right strategies and continuous optimisation, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks.
Why Choose a Local Marketing Studio Over a Large Agency?
Our team as example works hands on with SEO and regularly. We understand the complexities and nuances of SEO. However a large agency will typically hire a sales manager, an accountant manager and then a button pusher; this drives up the cost of the service and none of them are likely to be personally experienced in managing the entire process, and rarely understand how to problem solve or take initiative when it comes to your Google ranking. They are typically following a scripted process that is cookie cutter, and doesn’t look at the unique scenario and unique competitors for a particular business, and how to operate and adapt the SEO strategy accordingly.
A small business typically ensures a holistic approach that covers all bases, and allows room for adaptation and research specific to each business.
Is SEO Right for Your Business Right Now?
Deciding whether SEO is right for your business depends on your goals, resources, and willingness to invest in a long-term strategy. If you're looking for a way to enhance your online visibility, attract more traffic, and build authority in your industry, SEO is a powerful tool. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand the journey and the potential outcomes. I encourage small business owners to consider to risk of SEO and if you can afford such a risk. Why is it risky? Because you may pay for 6 months of SEO while 10 of your competitors pay for 2 years worth of SEO. You likely will not be competitive despite creative methods, due to the sheer regularity of their work building trust with Google over a longer period of time. However, it can just as easily go the other way, where you rise above the pack in your desired searches and enjoy a high ranking for years to come. Our suggestion is if your business will need to rely on the success or failure of your SEO, it is not the right thing to do right now. If you are dedicated to the long term success of your business, and you have a marketing budget dedicated to moving the business forward, then SEO may be the perfect option.
Feel free to contact us if you would to learn more about how SEO can serve your business.
