The Secret Sauce to Getting Found Online

The last piece of this puzzle is an annual website SEO check-up. Let’s talk about SEO for just a second – the unsung hero of your website. I don’t like SEO either, friend. I find it confusing and hard to maintain, but without it, your site is a needle in the haystack that is the worldwide web. Here are some ways I’ve found to help make sure you’re not just found, but loved by search engines.

On-Page SEO Best Practices

Keywords, meta descriptions, and title tags – oh my! Sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your content, but don’t go overboard (Google frowns upon keyword stuffing). Use your keyword (or keyphrase) evenly throughout your content. Keyword density will depend on your total wordcount. I find the YoastSEO WordPress plugin super helpful in this area. Write compelling meta descriptions that make users want to click. And don’t forget to use your keyword or phrase in those header tags (H1, H2, H3). They not only structure your content but also tell search engines what’s important.

Implementing SEO Data

Every page and post is an opportunity to optimize your search engine presence. Use SEO plugins or built-in tools to add keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text for images. Believe it or not, these little details can make a big difference in how search engines index your site.

Tracking with GA4 and Search Console

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Search Console could be your new best friends. GA4 helps you track user behavior, while Search Console ensures your site is indexed and highlights any issues. I know from experience that these tools can seem a little above our pay grade. If you can figure them out (there are some great free online SEO courses out there) these metrics can give you an idea of how you’re doing and allow you to adjust your strategy as needed.

Search Engine Marketing

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention SEM. If you have a marketing budget then paying for a few impressions and clicks can go a long way in boosting your website’s visibility. Even if it isn’t an all-year piece, it may be worth it to run an ad campaign a few times annually to boost those visits and remind Google that you’re still kicking.

The Value of a Pro

Leading out of that last bit, I’ll just say that SEO is a beast. If you find yourself overwhelmed, it might be time to bring in a pro. An SEO expert can optimize your site, keep up with algorithm changes, and help you climb the search engine rankings. Sometimes, it’s worth it to let the pros handle it. If you’d like a recommendation on a great SEO professional, reach out and I’ll send you my faves.

SEO is just another ongoing piece of website maintenance. It’s a long game and it takes some patience and maybe a bit of trial and error. It’s also more important than ever for businesses trying to be seen online. SEO isn’t just about getting found; it’s about making sure visitors find exactly what they need. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to search engine stardom.

Let me know what you thought of my Annual Website Check-Up blog series or reach out to get started improving your website today!