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Search engine optimization (SEO) remains one of the most powerful ways to attract sales leads to your website when properly done. Not all startup entrepreneurs have the skills and knowledge to execute these strategies. Even more so, not everyone has the resources to learn and pay for expert talents.
A reliable startup marketing agency can help you cover all bases of optimizing your website to convert leads into sales. This will take the burden of training staff and going through sharp learning curves for a reasonable fixed fee or a monthly subscription charge.
Anyone serious in their game but is limited on a budget can benefit from beginner-friendly hacks and SEO tools. The tip is to keep an open mind and always try something a little out of the ordinary.
Treat Google as Your Master
Google can make or break the traffic on your website depending on how you use SEO. Your main goal is to get on top of the search results or at least on Google’s first page.
Accessibility
To do that, understand how you need to position your site according to Google’s standards. You will be surprised by the number of online businesses that do poorly on web accessibility. It refers not only to the ability to connect to the internet but also to how fast and easy users consume your content.
Nine out of 10 people may not complain about your site’s lack of accessibility features, but you are likely to lose potential income. More than 70% of disabled users tend to click away from sites they find difficult to use.
Consider adding transcripts to improve readability among people with disabilities. A case study by NPR Weekly Broadcast showed a significant increase in search traffic after the provision of transcripts.
Content
Focus on content. Quality means being unique and credible. Although you want to position yourself as an authority in the niche, you still need to backlink on reputable sources of information.
User Experience
Does your website take longer than it should when loading texts or images? This is greatly affecting your audience’s user experience, and it simply won’t sit well with Google’s standards. Start working on the site’s mobile-friendliness and navigation.
Engagement
The fastest way to rank on search engines is to become the “talk of the town”. Turn your blog’s comment section on and proactively respond to each comment. Take time to build a social presence if you are into e-commerce. No better way to establish your online reputation than through word of mouth.
Optimization
Make your website searchable with the help of targeted keywords. Long-tail keywords work best as it gives you a better understanding of your audience’s search history and behavior. Here are helpful tricks and tips to get you started with SEO even when you have no excess time and money to spend.
8 SEO Hacks for Startups on a Budget and Limited Time
1. Take Advantage of Free SEO Tools
You do not have to pay for tools to do SEO, at least for the first few weeks that you are still hammering your way through it. There are plenty of free tools that will help you cover the basics.
Google Analytics is a free tool that tracks website traffic and other key performance indicators. You will have a bird’s eye view of what’s working and the aspects you need to improve on.
Google Keyword Planner helps you plan out content based on specific keywords. It will give you an overview of keyword performance which allows you to make decisions.
Yoast is a powerful WordPress plugin that analyzes your content’s SEO-worthiness based on certain criteria. With Yoast, you are confident your article is both SEO-ready and friendly.
2. Actively Engage with Audience
Americans spend an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes on social media. It is easier for users to engage in online conversations with increased access to mobile devices. Direct engagement gives your followers the confidence that a real person is running the show.
Google ranks your website higher due to active user engagement. Commenting is also a great way to promote backlinks especially if you intend to guest post on websites with a huge following.
3. Blog on Long-Tail Keywords
Blogging is the fastest way to gain organic traffic. However, do not just blog using any relevant keywords. Long-tail keywords are key to target specific audiences who are likely to take action. Use tools like Google Adwords Keyword Planner to test some keywords that bring in traffic and engagement.
4. Don’t Scrimp on Infographics
People are naturally visual and the best way to get attention is through graphics. You can always publish stock photos and improve your site’s aesthetic appeal. In fact, 75% of the information the brain processes are derived from visual formats.
Infographics are great for marketing. It reduces bounce rates and increases click-through rates, according to renowned online marketing strategist Neil Patel. It gives your post the attention it deserves the most. With web-based tools like Canva, you can make your infographics without spending too much time in front of a computer.
5. Encourage user-generated content
Do you want free content? Ask your followers to take a photo of your product or vlog a review about it. In return, you can send them freebies or give an affiliate link that they can use to advertise their own site.
Most startup entrepreneurs gain traction and an online following through social media. If the majority of your audience comes from Facebook or Instagram, it is only natural to build your presence there. Besides, your social media account is a convenient way to promote your website.
7. List your products on Amazon or eBay
This may not be your priority at the moment but listing products on e-commerce sites can drastically improve your traffic. This is an effective way to target people who are interested in buying the same or similar products. Soft selling is the new way of doing sales.
8. Learn from Competition
It is easy to get lost with the overwhelming amount of information online on how to do SEO. To simplify things, look at your top competition and emulate their strategies. Copy a thing or two and eventually, you will tailor-fit it to your site’s needs.
Final Words
You can do perfectly fine with SEO even as a startup business owner. At this point, you are probably occupied with the nitty-gritty of running a business that becoming an SEO lifehack master is the least in your long list of priorities.
Time is of the essence so spend it doing what works best for others. These simple tips are proven to yield results if you are looking to drive traffic to your website using SEO.
Author: Daniel Martin
Bio: Dan has hands-on experience in digital marketing since 2007. He has been building teams and coaching others to foster innovation and solve real-time problems. Dan also enjoys photography and traveling.
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