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Start Your Search Engine Success by Knowing the Preparation Needed
When a business seeks SEO help, they want to see results right away, but it doesn’t work like that. Take charge of reality by understanding what needs to happen before improvement can begin.
In our weekly blog posts, we talk a lot about “first steps” and “low-hanging fruit” because our readers are usually eager to make an immediate update and see some progress. Even modest improvements, such as claiming their Google Business Profile, can make a big difference to a small business. As businesses mature and grow, however, their marketing strategies need to mature as well. That’s when it’s time to get serious about your SEO.
Serious SEO requires more work and more time, which can also mean a bigger slice of the marketing budget. This commitment is important, because, as Confucius said: “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” Preparing beforehand means less wasted time and money, two things no business can afford to lose. Read on to understand what needs to happen when prepping for SEO success.
Gathering the right information
We know the struggles of business owners – we’re a business, too! There are way more tasks on your list than you will ever complete, and you may always be pivoting on a dime just to stay open for another day. After a while, your business plan may no longer be accurate and details such as whether you are known as “Acme Company” or “Acme Co.” may be inconsistent.
Serving your customers is, of course, the most important use of your effort, but not controlling those particulars about your business is hurting your online presence. The very first assignment for our clients is to provide us with the correct information about their business, which can be more difficult than it sounds!
It takes a little time, back and forth, to record and clarify the information, but nothing further can be done before this essential task is completed. While the Sprocket team has tasks to complete here, they also rely on the client partnership for collecting the right material in a timely manner.
Researching the trends
Once the client’s information is in hand, the Sprocket team gets to work. They track down where the client’s business is currently showing up online – and where they aren’t but should be. Competitors are looked at and industry developments are noted. Research is conducted on both existing and prospective customers to discover search trends and search terms.
As you might expect, that’s a lot of data to collect and sort through. Fortunately, there are tools that assist with this research. Unfortunately, the cost of these tools can be prohibitive for those who want to do-it-yourself and the training and practice to use the tools effectively can be daunting. Hiring an expert makes the most sense for this step.
Strategizing the fixes
None of the work up until this point has made any difference in a client’s online presence, which can be frustrating for a business owner who just wants to see progress. Now, however, is the time!
We prefer to work in partnership with our clients, so once the detailed research report is completed, a strategy consultation is scheduled. Based on our expertise and experience, the Sprocket team will make recommendations on what steps to take next, but client input is encouraged.
Recommendations might include website updates or keyword implementation. Cleaning up directory listings and social media accounts might be necessary. Other strategy suggestions could include content creation, online advertising, or backlink building. We explain which fixes will best move the needle, how long it might take, and which fixes can wait if budget constraints are an issue.
Search improvement doesn’t happen instantaneously, and it requires ongoing effort, which is why the Sprocket team regularly stays in touch. We know you’re busy with your own business, but we’re happy to remind you of the strategies we decided on together and explain the reports used to measure your SEOs progress.
Instead of being pretentious about some proprietary Search Engine Optimization method that we do in a silo, we prefer business owners to understand and be part of the SEO process. Working together means we are both invested in success. Take a look at our SEO services to see what we offer. If you are ready to partner with us, call now to get started.
Photo by Allan Mas
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Kate Gingold
I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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