Where do you go when you need answers? Information? Help? Solutions? Products? Services? Google or another search engine! Most (68%) online experiences begin the same way. Further, 80% of major purchases start with online research, even if consumers then go on to buy in person.
We can throw statistics at you all day, but the bottom line is that a strong online presence is a must in today’s competitive marketplace. Critical in this endeavor is a search engine optimization strategy that propels you to the top of the results pages. What do you need to know when it comes to SEO guidelines for 2022?
While there are always changes, SEO guidelines for 2022 start with the tried-and-true fundamentals:
Whether you are new to the world of SEO or a veteran hand, it makes sense to start with keyword research. This will tell you what people are actually searching for - not what you think they’re entering into search engines. Research also uncovers which keywords are ripe for the picking (i.e. you can rank well) and which your competitors are ranking for.
You can use any number of keyword tools available online, but it’s helpful to consult with an SEO agency to make strategic selections. And remember, any keywords for which you want to rank should always fit naturally into your content. Google will tank your rankings if you “stuff” keywords in at random, and consumers will distrust your content as inauthentic.
When it comes to placing the keywords into your content, focus on:
Building links is one of the most worthwhile steps you can take to boost your search engine performance. Strong backlinks indicate to Google that your site is reliable, trustworthy, and authoritative. With that in mind:
No, on its own, social media is not a ranking factor. So why does this make it one of our top SEO tips for small businesses in 2022?
You don’t need to have a presence on every social media channel. Instead, think about your target audience. Where are they spending their time? Pew Research has some helpful demographic data to help you decide where to focus your efforts.
Google’s goal is to deliver the most relevant results to its users. When you offer a clean, easily navigable, engaging website with informative content, it looks better in the eyes of both search engines and consumers. To improve the user experience:
On-site SEO is essential, but don’t neglect the more technical aspects, such as:
Not sure what some of these items are? You’re not alone; it is a complex area of SEO. Consulting with a search engine optimization expert is a great step forward.
A local SEO audit can uncover a wealth of information regarding your current performance, as well as areas for improvement. THAT Agency will examine everything from page speed to mobile performance and provide targeted strategies to propel your business forward.
Take the first step: contact THAT Agency for an SEO audit.