Today’s average person is surrounded by technology and uses the internet daily. Users can explore many products and services online with search engines like Google in just a few clicks. This is why search engine optimization (SEO) should be integral to any digital marketing strategy.
SEO can help you become more visible to search engines if you are a small business owner in Las Cruces. Partnering with a local SEO company to create strong content can drive relevant traffic to your site.
At WSI Web Enhancers, we have the knowledge and expertise to help guide you through local SEO strategies. Below, we have outlined the basics of SEO and how we can help small business owners in Las Cruces succeed.
What are SEO basics, and how can an SEO company help?
SEO is optimizing your content to rank higher in search engines and increase organic traffic to your site. The higher you rank in search engines, the more likely the searcher will click on your website link and explore your products and services.
An SEO company can guide you through all optimization processes to save time and resources. They have digital marketing experts with insider knowledge of best SEO practices.
Some of these SEO practices are as follows:
- Improving website design
- Creating quality content
- Fixing technical issues
As you can see, many of these best practices involve creating the best possible user experience for your website. Your customers want a professional and user-friendly website with content relevant to them. And, of course, they want to be able to access your site without any roadblocks or errors.
However, keyword research and implementation are some of the most important aspects of SEO. This strategy is when you research the queries your target customers are searching for to spread specific keyword phrases throughout your content.
The Idea Behind Keyword Optimization
On the surface, keyword optimization is a deceptively simple practice. If you are a company that sells hats, you might think optimizing for a keyword phrase like “hats for sale” is enough to attract customers through search engines.
Using any keyword research tool, like Semrush or Google Keyword Planner, you can check the search volume of any phrase and see how many times it gets searched per month.
In this case, “hats for sale” is such a broad phrase that it will always get a high number of searches per month. These general phrases are known as head terms and appeal to people nationally.
While a keyphrase might have many searches per month, your website will not rank highly if the competition is too high for that query. Any site with an established reputation and authority in that industry will outshine you in a search for “hats for sale.”
This idea means keyword implementation is complex, especially for upcoming companies. Small business owners in Las Cruces have to think carefully about which keywords are worth targeting. They can’t rely on head terms to carry out their advertising.
SEO companies can help simplify this process by conducting keyword research to help your company stand out.
What can small business owners do to stand out locally?
Instead of catering your content to a general audience, it’s better to stick to your ideal target audience and optimize for them. Having a focused and niche audience that is more likely to convert is better than having a broader audience unwilling to commit to your brand.
Here are 3 methods SEO companies use to help adjust your marketing plan for local SEO.
1. Keyword Implementation
Previously, we discussed head terms and why they are not ideal for small businesses. This time, we’ll discuss what works in regional marketing—long tail keywords.
Keyword implementation in local SEO involves targeting specific long-tail keywords that contain your location in them. For example, “best sunhats in Las Cruces” would be one phrase to target over “hats for sale.”
While a search like this has fewer monthly searches, they’re far less competitive to rank highly for. This idea means you can potentially take the first organic search result, which is often the most trusted and relevant. You can naturally build up your brand’s reputation this way.
Additionally, the crowd that you attract will be the right customers.
This query will only attract those who reside in the Las Cruces area. Customers who want your product fast or want to see your product in person are likely to stop by your store. This step means they’re closer to purchasing and can see what else you offer in the store.
2. Online Directories
Another way upcoming entrepreneurs can optimize for local SEO is by listing their businesses in online directories, which list organizations with helpful information about them.
These listings include basic information about a store’s hours, location, and contact information. The listing might have reviews, coupons, and videos depending on the directory.
Uploading your listing into a local directory will allow those in your community to find your online presence quickly. A popular directory to upload your listing to is Google Business Profile, which allows your business to show up on Google Maps and Google search engine results.
When customers search for a business near them in Las Cruces, an updated and accurate listing will make you more likely to show up. In addition, keeping your listings consistent will build trust with your customers and search engines. Partnering with an SEO company can help you ensure your business information is ideal for each directory listing.
3. Mobile Optimization
Nearly everyone has a mobile phone in this digital age. According to a Statista survey in 2019, 56% of customers have searched for local business reviews using a mobile device. Local companies can take advantage of this by making their website mobile-friendly.
Creating your website with responsive design in mind–when your site adjusts to devices automatically–will ensure your user gets the best experience possible.
It also helps Google understand that your website is reliable on all platforms, which can help your business perform better in search results. An SEO company can ensure your website seamlessly transitions across all devices.
Empower Your Small Business With Our SEO Company
At WSI Web Enhancers, we understand how important it is for your business to have a successful content marketing plan. Our SEO company has the extensive digital marketing knowledge needed to keep up with the local competition and help your Las Cruces business grow.
Contact us today to see how our SEO company can empower your local business!
Jukka founded WSI Web Enhancers in 2012. His progressive and pioneering SEO approaches help businesses increase traffic while improving conversion rates. As an accomplished digital marketing authority, he spins effective web design, SEO, and social media engagement into winning strategies for local and national companies.
