Have you heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and know that it can be beneficial for your business, but just don’t know where to start? Here is a checklist of our top 7 SEO tips to show you what areas you should focus on, what needs to be optimized, and what you need to do to fix any problems you may encounter to best position yourself for local search traffic and business.
1. Start with a comprehensive audit
When you create a complete snapshot of your current SEO efforts, along with an understanding of your competition, you’re able to curate a plan that is going to be more effective and sustainable. We recommend that you conduct regular SEO audits and maintain an organized worksheet to record and track your progress.
2. Optimize your Website & Landing Page
When it comes to organic and local search, having a properly optimized site is more important than ever before. Organic signals are now tied into the local algorithm and having a properly optimized website will help you outrank your competition.
3. Correct Basic Location Information
Correct all discrepancies and inconsistencies in your business Name, Address, Phone number (NAP) and other related information. Also, ask questions about previous business names or previous experience with SEO or SEO penalties.
4. Seek Reviews & Reputation Management
Reviews have a direct impact on local search rankings. They can make or break a local business regardless of how well their keywords can rank. So, you’ll want to spend some time acquiring them in a manner consistent with the directory or service, such as Google, Facebook, or Yelp. For any directory, we strongly discourage paying for reviews.
5. Analyze and Maintain “Google My Business” Page
Find the proper Google My Business (GMB) URL and record it in your Local SEO Audit Spreadsheet. Follow Google’s guidelines to assure your business NAP, category, and subcategories, and other items are represented properly on your Google My Business listing.
6. Create Organic Link Building & Avoid Penalties
You need to keep the site out of a penalty short term and long term. You need to identify any potential problems and prepare yourself to make effective business decisions. Google penalties can be brutal, and recovery is not a walk in the park.
7. Analyze your Social Profiles
Review your profiles – Facebook, Google My Business, Foursquare, Twitter, Linkedin, Youtube, Instagram, etc.- and verify they have consistent branding, NAP consistency, high-quality photos, a business description, positive reviews, effective geo-targeting, and other elements in accordance with the guidelines of the platform. It’s very important that you post regularly to these platforms for them to be useful in your SEO efforts.
At Advertising is Simple, we consistently stay up-to-date on the most effective methods of SEO, that’s why we call it Adaptive SEO. What works today, may not work a few months down the road. We monitor your advertising results through A/B testing and in-depth analytics to get you the highest rate of return on your advertising dollars.
We believe local SEO plays a big part in the digital marketing arena and we have no doubts it will remain for many marketing light years to come! If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how Advertising Is Simple can help you compete in the Digital Marketplace while managing your online presence, get in touch!
Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com
Kamran Malik is a Franchise Business Manager and a Digital Marketing Strategist at WSI. Kamran has mentored/advised 364 entrepreneurs across 60 cities, 18 countries and spanning 5 continents around the world. During his presentation, Kamran spoke about the past, present and future of Digital Marketing. Kamran touched on every aspect of Digital Marketing throughout his presentation, explaining what purpose each element of a company’s Digital Marketing Strategy serves to make it come together as a success. Kamran ended his presentation discussing what is to come in the future. TAKEAWAY: Technology continues to grow everyday around the world and the opportunities to come are infinite.
Beth Heller is one of Google’s Partner Enablement Managers in NYC. Before Google, Beth spent 10+ years in marketing – leading communications teams at PR agencies and serving as a media trainer for her clients. She also spent two years at a live video streaming start up where she ran the influencer marketing department’s operations and sales trainings. Beth’s presentation started with the word nomophobia – the fear of being without your mobile device. She focused on the importance of mobile marketing, as well as touching on information about Google AdWords. TAKEAWAY: “Be There, Be Useful and Be Quick.” In today’s world, consumers want information to be easily found, relevant and quick to access. It’s important to ensure that your online campaigns, website and such are all optimized and ready for your potential customers to utilize.
Michael Fanaro is the Co-Founder of Aardvark Video Works. He’s an experience owner with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Michael is skilled in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Copy Writing, Video Production and Integrated Marketing. During Michael’s presentation, he focused on the importance of video in a company’s Digital Marketing Strategy. A video is easier to consume than reading an article or deciphering what a picture means. One third of all time people spend online is dedicated to watching video. Michael also spoke about what elements make a good video. TAKEAWAY: One of the most important elements in a video is making sure that potential customers get what the whole point of the video is about. Entertainment is great, but if no one remembers what the purpose of the actual video was, you’re missing your opportunity to spread your message. 
