Was a pleasure to be invited to the HighIntensity Business podcast to describe SEO, why it is important, and tips you need to focus on to drive traffic. Here is the episode!
Generating Leads With SEO: Proven Strategies for Success
Table of Contents
What is SEO?
If you want Google to recognize your website as the most relevant, optimizing for organic search is key. When somebody searches a term related to what’s on your page, yours shows up in their results. That means non-paid through the power of SEO.
However, Google’s algorithms use criteria like location, the intent of past searches, and more to determine which results deserve to be displayed first. While there may be some paid Ads alongside those organic results, strategic SEO tactics will ensure users draw attention to all that great content.
Why SEO is Important for Businesses
Gert has two-fold reasons why it’s important.
Reason 1: Attention equals importance
When it comes to getting noticed by users, attention is key. It’s the deciding factor for users trying to find information about topics. That’s why securing a spot in the limelight will ensure your content stands out when potential customers search online.
Being at the top of your mind and ready with relevant search terms puts you one step closer to becoming an industry leader!
Reason 2: It’s a local industry
According to Gert, this means people will search for a local provider. Even Google published this; 76% of people who conduct a local search are going to visit the place physically within 24 hours. This highlights the strong connection between an individual doing a search with local intent and taking action.
The challenge lies in encouraging them through that first step into your business or service. But with these insights at our disposal, doing so has become easier than ever before.
Although it may seem hard at first, with a little time and effort, anyone can master the basics of generating leads with SEO.
Tips to Improve Your Website Rankings With SEO
Getting to the top of search engine results pages doesn’t have to be a mystery! With effective SEO strategies, you can increase your ranking for greater success.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you dream of starting a successful business, the key is to stand out from the competition, emphasizing your unique strengths on your website. Creating a Google Business Profile is a vital first step. This will go a long way in inspiring potential customers to take that leap and try something new.
The Benefits
Google Business Profile is the new name for what used to be called “Google My Business”. This platform includes several features that can help businesses, such as:
- Providing your address, phone number, and website
- Listing your hours of operation, including days and times you’re open and closed
- Uploading photos and videos to showcase your products and services
- Customers can leave reviews on your Google Business Profile
- Messaging with customers directly
- Responding to reviews and seeing your overall rating
- Boosting your presence on the map as Google Geo locates where you are physically located
- Tracking data and insights on how customers are interacting
With a free profile, all essential pieces of information can drive local search intents! If you like to take advantage of the features of this platform, visit Google’s business profile website.
Steps to Create Your Business Profile in Google
The process is simple and can be done in a few steps:
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Go to create a profile.
- Enter the name of your business.
- Search for your business category.
- Click Next.
- Choose whether you have a location where customers can shop.
- Click Yes if you have a storefront staffed during business hours.
- Click No if you don’t have a storefront staffed.
- Click Next.
- Enter your service area.
- Enter your phone number and website URL.
- Click Next.
- Click Finish.
- Verify your business account.
Having a complete and accurate business profile on Google will make it easier for customers to find and contact your business.
Find the Best Keywords
A website is vital for any business seeking to gain market traction. Beyond this, optimizing your site so that it appears more often and higher up on Google search results can make all the difference. Investing time to come up with what queries potential clients are searching for is a game changer.
For example, you create content about personal trainers. Many may not realize that Strength Training is the ideal solution for achieving fitness goals efficiently. To help them reach this target audience more effectively with SEO, they can target phrases like “Strength Training in [Location/sub neighborhoods].” That way, when people type those words into search engines, they have a much better chance of finding qualified SEO leads.
Keyword Research
This analyzes the keywords and phrases people use to search for products or services. Aside from using paid keyword tools, Google is one of the best tools to give you suggestions on searches and phrases.
Here are Google sections where you can find potential keywords:
- People Also Ask. This is a Q&A section in which you can find a potential content topic you could be targeting.
- Related Searches. This section is a list of relevant keywords that Google has determined to be related to your initial query.
The most logical step to rank on Google is to check out what it is that actually ranks right now. Then, apply the 80/20 principle and list the best returns you expect. Otherwise, you could get on running Google ads.
Utilize Listings and Directories
If you’re in the personal training space, chances are that your customers will be searching for directories or lead generators. Search intent is key - what do they expect when they type their query into a search engine?
Leverage the power of existing directories to take advantage of search intent and gain visibility for your business. Reach out to those that already own this space and get listed on their platform. And then, use different search queries so you can rank your site through organic means.
Producing content is also about making search users happy. A lot of those top organic listings just take us straight to the scheduler or the home page for your competition. See if this works for you, and then you can still continue.
Optimize Homepage and Page Content
As competition grows, it’s essential to stay ahead of the game. Google is looking for the common denominator when ranking a website and trying to emulate it as much as possible.
To do this effectively, you must take a critical look at what sets your homepage apart from your competitors and see how their success can inform yours. Consider if they have something extra such as additional text or articles that make them stand out - then use these strategies yourself to improve rankings!
Google is going to connect the dots. So, here are things you can do:
- Make your address clear, that you’re located next to landmarks, and have a map on your site.
- Content design should be structured to build suspense and keep readers hooked.
- Link to your website in a context that’s locally and topically relevant.
- Use customer testimonials or a story approach.
Furthermore, tracking your SEO content result is important, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. With our SEOLeverage™️ app, keeping track of data has become easier than ever. It’s easy to use, fast and reliable – making it the perfect tool for everyone.
Let SEOLeverage™️ help take your business to reach the next level.
Use Technical SEO and Backlinks
Technical SEO includes optimizing website code to help search engines understand a site’s content. This can be done by adding structured data, schema.org codes, and other technical elements to a site.
Moreover, local authorities are a great way for businesses to gain trust and endorse their products or services. This involves getting other relevant websites to link back to your site. One way to do this is by partnering with other businesses in your industry and providing services. It’s also important to stay open-minded when it comes to opportunities like contributing blogs or magazines, which could result in more visibility of your brand!
If you’re hoping to ramp up your SEO strategy, it’s important to create quality content for your website and share this same type of information on social media platforms. Engaging with audiences across social media is still beneficial because they connect with those who may be interested in what they have to offer.
Parting Thoughts
All in all, businesses of any size should not underestimate the power of utilizing SEO as a method for generating more leads. Not only is it cost-effective and easy to use, but it can also create long-term business development.
Taking into account the importance of SEO and lead generation, there are many steps you, as a business owner, take advantage of. If you want to connect with a professional who specializes in SEO, don’t hesitate to connect with SEOLeverage™️.
