How to master SEO and skyrocket your website traffic (without breaking the bank)
Are you tired of watching your competitors dominate search results? Does your marketing plan for your business in 2024 include attracting a tidal wave of qualified leads (and sales) through organic traffic? Then read on for an introduction to the world of SEO.
Forget the “one magic trick” myth
There’s a myth out there that SEO can be “hacked” with a single keyword or the perfect phrase. We hate to be bearers of bad news, but organic SEO success isn’t about a single keyword hack. It’s about a symphony of web elements and marketing choices playing together in harmony. This means your website’s content, design, and backend maintenance all need to be working together.
Top tips to choose winning SEO keywords in 2024:
Building a fresh website? Don’t guess at the right keywords.
Don’t just try to guess what people are searching for. You know your business best, so take what you know and let data-driven keyword insights guide your content creation. The combination of thoughtful SEO with your natural brand voice will help you stake your claim in search results and stay there.
1. Become a keyword detective.
Forget aiming for generic Google searches – you’re about to become a keyword detective, cracking the case of attracting your ideal customers. Remember, who knows your business better than you? Nobody! So, get out your metaphorical magnifying glass and brainstorm a treasure trove of relevant keywords and long-tail phrases that describe your brand.
Be thorough with this step. This collection of keywords is a data goldmine: revealing hidden opportunities and potential roadblocks.
Let’s get practical with an example:
Imagine you own an outdoor adventure store in a mid-sized US city. What search terms would lead outdoor enthusiasts straight to your door? Here are some ideas to spark your creative brainstorming:
- Location, Location, Location: City, county, even neighborhood names – paint a clear picture of where you are.
- Who’s Your Tribe? Young families seeking budget-friendly adventures? Twenty-something thrill-seekers? Tailor your keywords to their specific needs.
- Seasonal Sleuthing: Does summer bring a rush of kayaking enthusiasts? Highlight seasonal activities your store caters to.
- Brand Power: Are you a Patagonia haven or a North Face hub? Let your brand partnerships shine through relevant keywords.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget long-tail keywords! These multi-word gems might have a lower search volume, but they pack a punch in terms of conversion rates. Think “best waterproof backpack for weekend camping trips.” Now that’s a customer ready to buy!
2. Create your secret weapon – the keyword spreadsheet.
Compile your keywords from Step 1 in a spreadsheet (Excel / Google Sheets) and share it with your SEO team if you’ve chosen to engage one. Or, if you’ll be handling SEO on your own, use this spreadsheet as an essential resource. This is a living document that you will be updating regularly as you stay on top of changing market trends.
3. Know Your Competition
Who are your competitors in the market and how are they showing up in web searches? Analyze their keyword performance and compare traffic volume (low, medium, high). This information helps you prioritize the keywords with the biggest impact.
4. Strike a balance and optimize costs
- Cost in Mind: Not all clicks are created equal. Include cost-per-click (CPC) data in your analysis. This shows the advertising cost per keyword, giving you a holistic view of organic website visits vs. paid traffic from advertising.
- Strike the Perfect Balance: It’s about relevance, not just volume. Focus on high-value keywords with search volume aligned with your ideal customer profile.
5. Remember – organic growth is a long game
Building organic traffic takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see overnight results. It’s important not to rush the process, or you will have to spend precious time correcting mistakes down the road. Work closely with your SEO team if you have one engaged, analyze data regularly, and keep refining your approach. Remember, small, consistent steps lead to monumental results in the long run.
6. Don’t go it alone – experts are available to help you
Whether you’re revamping your current site, or building a fresh one, the process can be daunting. A pro SEO team will guide you in actionable strategies to optimize your site for these golden keywords.
Remember, Marketing EQ is always here to support you, with our combined 80+ years of marketing expertise. If you are looking to improve your SEO and would like a helping hand, get in touch! We offer a free consultation to get you started.