Articles

The Definitive Guide to DIY Local SEO

What is SEO?

SEO = Search Engine Optimization. The goal is for your pages to rank higher than your competitors in keyword searches, preferably in position #1 or at least the top 3, and certainly above your competitors. The benefits are free website traffic and thereby free customers. A frequent side benefit is better page usability and site navigation, leading to increased visitor retention and conversion.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO is the same as regular SEO, with an additional emphasis on data about your and your customers’ location. It is vital for brick-and-mortar businesses, especially for mobile users. You should always be in position #1 for your business name plus location, and in the top 5 for most of the important keywords in your business sector and area.

Read more: The Definitive Guide to DIY Local SEO

How to Respond to Online Reviews

If your company receives online reviews* (Google My Business, Yelp, Angi, etc.), here are some guidelines for handling them.

You should always respond promptly and politely, address the reviewer by name, thank them, and add a bit of personalization – unless it’s a fake review. Make the review succinct and grammatically in an active voice.

Read more: How to Respond to Online Reviews

SEO Link Opportunities

A number of the directories offer a free listing service. Some don't, and some make it difficult to find. Persevere, opt-out of any upsells, emails lists, etc. Some may offer a free listing in exchange for a reciprocal link on your home page - those may be worthwhile on a case-by-case basis.

A number of both types of directories offer the ability to create specials, coupons, etc. Again they may be an upsell, but if they're free they may be useful.

Read more: SEO Link Opportunities

Web Design Process

There are a number of definitive and essential stages to designing or upgrading a web site. The answers to why do you want a web site, what should it say, what will users get out of it, how it should look & feel, how will users get around it, and how will you market it all need to be decided before even the first draft layout.

Over the years, HawkFeather Web Design has developed a process that can easily find the answers to these questions, without using overwhelming technical lingo.

Read more: Web Design Process

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