byBridget RobertsonWith Search Engine Optimisation, there are certain things your web developer will do to optimise your website. If you are a business owner with a limited SEO budget, there are some tasks you can do yourself to improve your search engine ranking. Signing up for Google business, fixing minor issues and optimising your pages will increase your visibility and get more traffic.
Our SEO Checklist for Small Business has some tips to help.
1. Create a Google Business Listing
One of the best things you can do to improve your local visibility is to sign up for a Google Business Profile. Once you have claimed and verified your business, you can complete your details. Google Business listing shows your location, contact details, and reviews. Make sure you fill out as many fields as possible and include images.
2. Optimise your Pages
On-page optimisation is about having high-quality content that incorporates your targeted keywords. Make sure you have included (where possible without being spammy) keywords in the headings, introduction paragraph, body text, meta description, internal links, images and videos. There are some helpful tips here- Beginner’s Guide to SEO.
3. Fix Broken Links and Redirects
Broken links can have a detrimental effect on your SEO ranking. They may prevent search engines from indexing your website and deem your site as low quality. Tools like Dead Link Checker can search for broken links on one page or your entire website.
4. Online Listings
Listings in business directories can be a helpful way to boost SEO. Websites such as Yelp, City Search and Yellow Pages can help people find you online. Remember to be consistent and accurate with the information you submit, as it can affect your SEO if details are different.
5. Optimise your Images
Optimised images will improve your SEO ranking. This includes file size and format. Large images slow down page loading time and this can affect your ranking. This Beginner’s Guide to Image Optimisation has some great tips and recommendations for free tools.
6. Internal Links
Search engines favour internal links that lead to other pages on your website. Internal links create a better user experience. If people spend more time on your site and engage with your content, it signals to Google that your content has value, which will improve your SEO.
7. Encourage Sharing on Social Media
Social Media activity can improve your SEO ranking. If people are sharing links to your website on social media, it improves your organic search results. Make sure you include social media sharing icons on all your content.
