Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for small business success in 2023. With 93% of online experiences beginning with a search engine, ranking high in search results is essential for driving traffic, leads, and sales.
While hiring an SEO agency has clear benefits, an DIY approach can work for small businesses on a tight budget. This article will provide actionable tips on implementing basic SEO best practices yourself, without expensive consultants.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Choosing the right keywords to target
- Optimizing on-page elements like titles, content, and images
- Creating keyword-focused blog posts and website copy
- Technical considerations like site speed and mobile optimization
- Tracking your SEO results and progress
Let’s dive in!
Choose Focus Keywords and Conduct Keyword Research
The first step is selecting strategic keywords and keyword phrases to target that align with your business goals. Ideal SEO keywords have high search volume, low competition, and commercial intent.
Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest to find keywords related to your products, services and location. Long-tail versions like "SEO services Toronto" often convert better than single generic terms.
Focus on 3-5 primary keywords, and 10-20 secondary long-tail versions. Track keyword performance in analytics to double down on what drives traffic.
Optimize On-Page Elements for SEO
With your targets in mind, optimize key on-page elements starting with the page title tag. Include your primary keyword in the title, and keep it under 60 characters.
Write meta descriptions of 155-160 characters that compel searchers to click. Use target keywords naturally in your H1 and H2 headings.
Embed keywords in image file names and ALT text. Compress images to improve page speed, which boosts rankings.
Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and loads fast. Slow sites get lower SEO rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to diagnose issues.
Create Useful, Keyword-Optimized Content
Search engines want to see regularly updated, useful content focused on your keywords.
Aim for at least one new blog article per week, whether written in-house or outsourced affordably. Embed target terms naturally throughout posts.
Promote all content through social channels. Link internally to relevant pages using keywords as anchor text. Be helpful, not promotional.
Implement Technical SEO Best Practices
Technical SEO establishes the SEO foundations. Set up Google Search Console to monitor crawl errors, sitemaps, and performance.
Optimize your site architecture with descriptive category pages and carefully planned internal linking structures. Eliminate broken links.
Enable HTTPS and speed up load times by minifying code, optimizing images, and using caching plugins. Do this yourself or use tools like WP Rocket.
Measure and Monitor SEO Results
Track your SEO efforts over time in Google Analytics. Monitor rankings for target keywords, organic traffic growth, and conversions from organic search.
Build dashboards to connect SEO activities like new content to results. Continually expand keyword targets and optimize pages. SEO is an ongoing process.
Conclusion
With focus, planning, and persistence, DIY SEO can be successful for small businesses. Use this guide to start optimizing your website and content step-by-step without breaking the bank.
The investment of time will pay dividends in the form of more qualified organic traffic and new customers. Combine these best practices with local SEO tactics like reviews and citations to build a localized SEO strategy that drives growth.
