The basic premise of SEO is that it incorporates the use of techniques designed to use search engine algorithms, keyword searches and other elements to boost the ranking of websites and thus increase visibility, which ultimately drives targeted traffic and boosts sales. Studies have shown that the higher up a website ranks on a search engine results page, the more likely users are to click through to the website.
However, in order to reap the benefits of SEO, you need to understand how to perform it properly.
The fundamentals of SEO
Search engine optimization is a term that refers to a number of different techniques. SEO can consist of updating your website to a new, more user friendly design to incorporating the use of related search terms in your content to releasing quality press releases and claiming your business profiles on various business directories.
For example, dentists in Sacramento, CA should have articles and blog posts on their website that includes the terms that their target audience is searching for on the internet such teeth whitening or dental implant surgery. They should provide answers to commonly asked questions such as "Does basic dental insurance pay for root canal surgery?" Or "What can I do at home to improve my dental health?" You want local individuals in Sacramento to be able to find your practice if they search for dental practices in Sacramento. In order to do this, you need to make sure that you are using the right SEO techniques in order to elicit the right results.
Global SEO
Global search engine optimization refers to the techniques that marketing professionals use to boost your website's visibility during global searches. Global SEO consists of optimizing your website and marketing your business for a worldwide audience. And while this is great for websites that cater to customers all over the world, this approach doesn't work well for businesses looking to address a local population of customers. Global SEO consists of redesigning your website so that it's easier to use, optimizing it for related keywords, ensuring that your images and posts are targeted for your keywords and more. This approach, however, isn't right if you are looking to bring people to your doorstep in a specific area.
Local SEO
Local search engine optimization, or local SEO, is the approach you need to take if you are looking to appeal to a more local population. Going back to the dentist in Sacramento example, there isn't much to be gained by advertising your services to readers in Seoul, Korea. But, if you can snag the attention of someone who has recently relocated to the Sacramento area who is looking for a new primary dental health provider, you have a great chance of landing a new patient for life.
Local SEO techniques are different from those required for global SEO. Local SEO concentrates on promoting a business based on its geography. In order to do this, you need to do things like claim your profile in various online business directories, add the name, address and phone number to the bottom of each page of your website and more. This boosts your visibility in association with your location, improving the chances that someone will find you who can actually patronize your business.
It's important that you know the difference when choosing an SEO company to help you with your SEO efforts. This ensures that you get the right services for your needs.