SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process whereby influencing the visibility of a website in search engine results. The practice of SEO allows owners of websites to position their site higher up on the search results list and appear more often in search engine results thus generating more traffic to their sites. In order to understand how this works, it is important to understand how search engines work.
A search engine is a site that allows users to input terms or keywords into a search field and scours the Internet for relative content. It publishes the sites it thinks the user will want to see, in order of relevance, based on the way the site is indexed in its databases. This practice was originally based on keyword density alone but keyword density is only one factor in a search engine's algorithm in today's models.
SEO companies work with site owners and webmasters to optimize their site for search engine crawling. This means that they may add or revise content, update HTML coding and remove indexing barriers to make sites more visible to search engines. The intent is to ensure that sites that are full of relevant content are seen by users.
There are two main categories when it comes to SEO practices for small businesses: local SEO and non-local SEO. Local SEO focuses on getting your business and website noticed by those within a short radius of your location. This is the type of SEO that is done when a small business has a local physical presence and offers an online presence in order to boost visibility.
Search engine optimization companies utilize a different set of techniques to promote local SEO than they do non-local SEO. They focus on things like local business directory exposure, creating links between your business and other established, recognized businesses from your local area and more. There is still a focus on creating quality content that is keyword friendly as well as social media, however the focus is much narrower and more defined, targeting customers that have the ability to patronize the business's physical location.
SEO companies will employ a number of techniques to optimize a site for local traffic and increase visibility including:
• Creating Original Content
• Updating Existing Content
• Ensuring Appropriate Keyword Density
• Providing Back-Linking by Other Sites
• Creating a Buzz Through Blogging | Posting
• Creating Link Structure
• Optimizing Headers
• And Directory Placement
Having a website is essential to the success of any small business. Using an SEO company that understands how important local SEO is to the success of a small business is vital. Without these two elements, small business owners will struggle in today's digital environment. As a small business owner, one of the best things you can do as part of your marketing strategy is to have your website built by a company that is experienced in local SEO and using an SEO company that can help you increase your local visibility and your sales.
