5 Things to Boost SEO | That You’ve Been Putting Off
One of my favorite services that Creative DSM does is strategy sessions for bootstrapping entrepreneurs and small businesses. In these findings, the most often response is “I just don’t have time”. So now with COVID-19 forcing many of our physical doors, now is the time to work on your business rather than in. Let’s talk about 5 things you can do today in your closed door time to help your search engine optimization.
Organize Your SEO Keywords
Keywords are Literally the Key to SEO
When I ask most business owners about their keyword list, it is usually followed by “it’s in my head.” During this COVID-19 shut down, I am challenging businesses to actually write down their ideal keywords to boost SEO. This list should be posted beside your desk so that all copywriting endeavors involve checking for inclusion.
To take it a step further, keyword lists shouldn’t just be built on your intuition. While it’s a great starting point, keyword research is a science. One of the best tools I have found is to use a simple spreadsheet with organization of keyword themes, such as this download. Right now I am offering it as a free download for small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
>> Use Code “WorkIn” at Checkout for the Free Keyword Planner Tool. <<
Promote Shoulder Industries & Get Links
Get Backlinks that Matter
Backlinks have been proven to be one of the most intricate strategies in search engine optimization. Each one of these links are a targeted strategy that builds a root system to your website, but if your backlinks aren’t built where your ideal customers are, then it could just be a waste of time. That is where shoulder industries come in.
Shoulder industries are businesses that share an ideal customer base with you, but are not competitors. For example, a bridal dress store might use a florist for a shoulder industry. They will not be competitors, but oftentimes they get business from the same customers. Make a list of your shoulder industry partners, follow them on social channels, and start coming up with ideas of how you could partner together for backlinks and promotions.
>> Read More About SEO Backlinks Here <<
Create a Content Calendar Template
Get Organized, and Stay Accountable
A content calendar is a great way to batch out your content in advance. Some businesses prefer to do it weekly, some monthly, and some really ambitious marketers do quarterly planning. The best content calendars include little hashtag holidays, themes of the day, and channels to mark out execution.
For example, if you’re a baker, you’ll want to know when it is national cake day. Maybe send out your monthly newsletter that day, put a blog post about your favorite cakes, and possibly even a promotion in store. Keep your team in the know by sharing this calendar throughout the marketing team, and keep a cohesive message through all of your marketing channels.
>> Download a Free Content Calendar Template Here <<
Marketing Automations to Set Up
Now that You Have Content, Map it Out
After you set up your planned content, you’ll want to share your hard work throughout multiple channels. There are many plugins that can help you do this, so let’s review some of the favorites of Creative DSM:
Tailwind app started as a Pinterest Marketing platform that also let you post to instagram, but has also grown to Facebook.
Planoly is a favorite of our creative content creator, Kayse from The Riverbend Collective. It’s visual layout and ability to cross post on Instagram and Facebook makes everything beautiful.
Meet Edgar seems to be a favorite amongst B2B marketers, as it re-plugs blog posts to multiple social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and more.
This was one of my favorites when I was first starting out because of the simplistic nature of the web based platform. It has simple commands such as “Post your photo anywhere and see it everywhere”
Claim Your Google My Business
It’s Free, It’s Easy - It May be More Important Than Your Website.
I might sound like a broken record here, but Google My Business is one of the easiest ways to get noticed on Google these days. If you haven’t claimed yours yet, do it now. It’s free and fast and then allows you to take up more real estate in local search results. Post relevant keyword information there once a week and keep your customers informed. Certain industries are even allowed to upload services and products right to the front page of their profile. And I don’t even have to mention the good karma of great Google Reviews.
About The Author
Andi Fagen of Creative DSM
Andi has been assisting in brand launches and business growth since her time at Iowa State in 2009. The journey brought her to Los Angeles, Miami and eventually back home to the Midwest-Best, Des Moines. She opened Creative DSM to continue helping small businesses launch and scale their businesses in the Des Moines community. Using creative digital marketing strategies, Creative DSM manages small business web design, search engine optimization, email marketing, pay-per-click campaign management, and social media optimization.