Want to get 'SEO' fit in 7 easy steps?!

SEO also known as Search Engine Optimisation, is defined as 'the process of growing the quality and quantity of website traffic by increasing the visibility of a website or a web page to users of a web search engine'(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization) The reason why this tool is so valuable for businesses is that if the amount of visitors to your webpage (traffic) is increased than so becomes the opportunity for greater sales. With the growth of dependency on technology, 94% of consumers are known to google the product/ service before they buy. Often users will interact with the top 1-3 available sites, which is why as an owner, you want your page to be in that position and you need SEO.

See the below video for a visual illustration of how SEO works...

So how can businesses get on board? I'll take you through 7 simple steps to getting SEO fit!

1. Define your goals

Our first step is to understand what the business is trying to achieve and compile that into a goal. Having goals is essential, they provide direction and give clarity to the project that is useful when the operational side can become consuming (https://thepeakperformancecenter.com/development-series/skill-builder/personal-effectiveness/goal-setting/benefits-of-goal-setting/ ). An example of this for a sportswear company such as Nike would be to 'increase website traffic by 10% from the last quarter, by the end of the next quarter'. The important elements of the above are that it is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.

2. Identify keywords

Keywords that are pulled out from a world of industry jargon and relevant to consumers are the foundation of SEO. These words will be recognised by technological systems when processing information consumers input to into their web browser. Therefore it is critical to think like a consumer, think 'what would a consumer search about my product?', rather than from an inside business perspective. Working in with our Nike example, keywords could be, crop top, running, training, runners, skins, spray jacket and sport.

3. On-page SEO

On-page SEO focuses on optimizing parts of your website that are within your control (https://www.digitalthirdcoast.com/blog/on-page-off-page-seo-difference).

4. Content Marketing

This step is all about creating content that is valuable to the consumer and to Google. Content creation should be eye-catching and creative, the viewer should be drawn in instantly, however, it is also difficult to cut through the clutter of the internet. Cutting through billions of content is a difficult part of this step. An unadvised tactic for Nike would be to simply plaster their logo with 'buy now', alternatively, an advised idea for content creation would b to create a diversified campaign (gender, culture, body size & shape) where individuals are modelling the sportswear while being active or doing activities you would expect consumers to engage in running, swimming etc.

Left image: (https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/33143747247691910/)

Right image: (https://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/07/24/nike-targets-women-chase-summer-campaign)

5. Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO focuses on increasing the authority of your domain through content creation and earning backlinks from other websites (https://www.digitalthirdcoast.com/blog/on-page-off-page-seo-difference). An example of this for Nike would be to leverage social media and not being afraid to try new applications such as Tik Tok or inbuilt app. features such as Instagram TV (IGTV) and Instagram reels.

6. Metrics

Referring back to our goal setting SMART elements, this metrics step encourages and reminds users to assess their results and learn from them.

7. Learn

Following a procedure is essential for the benefit of bettering an outcome. It is important that despite the hard facts of the results, to never stop learning! Making mistakes and adjusting what was done before ensures greater development in the project, understanding and success.

My question to you is, what keywords would you identify for one of the following brands; Frank Body, Mercedes, Rip Curl and NBA in an effort to improve their SEO?