If you’re a small business owner, search engine optimization (SEO) may feel like one more thing you don’t have the time or money for. However, whether you are a clothing retailer just getting started or a long-established accounting firm, optimizing your website could be the move that brings you the stability and prosperity you’ve been hoping for. SEO for small businesses is just as important as it is for larger ones!
1. SEO helps more visitors find you
Why is this the case? Well, for starters, browsers will never become customers unless they know you exist! SEO for small businesses includes trying to get your website onto the first page of Google’s search results, but don’t forget about optimizing your Google My Business profile and social media accounts. Often, it’s easier to get these profiles optimized organically than it is to bring your website to the top of the results.
2. SEO builds a user-friendly experience
Once potential customers are on your website, you need to hold their attention. This isn’t easy. If your site doesn’t load quickly and deliver what they’re looking for, visitors are likely to leave. Over half of visitors leave if a website takes longer than three seconds to load. What’s the good news? Fortunately, websites designed to be SEO-friendly also tend to present a very user-friendly experience. Optimized websites are faster, more intuitive, and easier to use. Search engines love them, and so do customers!
3. SEO creates brand awareness
Finally, SEO for small businesses means that local options are able to edge out the competition and build brand awareness. Often, users are looking for local businesses to support. If your website and social profiles are buried several pages deep in Google, they’ll never find you. However, if you have optimized your website, you will be able to compete with other local businesses and larger competitors for your market share. Over time, you can build brand recognition and trust in your community.
Ready to work on your website design and SEO? Check out these tips for essentials to include on your homepage.
