A step-by-step guide for successful & organic SEO reach.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has the potential to elevate your small business, connecting you with your ideal clients and customers online. If you understand the basics, it’s an easy investment to make in your business for long term growth.
Despite common misconceptions, mastering SEO can be straightforward and approachable. (*without paying for ads) 💯
Organic SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is an essential element of any successful marketing strategy, focusing on enhancing your website's visibility in search engine results without relying on paid advertising. Organic SEO revolves around building your online presence naturally through strategic content, keywords, and user-friendly design that appeals to both search engines and your ideal audience. By consistently applying these techniques, you can climb higher in search rankings and attract the right clients—all without spending on ads. Investing in SEO means clients can find you more easily and engage with your brand. While paying for ads is an option, organic SEO offers powerful results at no cost—just a bit of time and strategy. Remember, SEO is a gradual process, so steady, consistent effort pays off over time.
✅ The SEO Foundation Checklist
Invest IN a professionally designed Brand & website
Having the foundation of a strategic brand and intuitive website is imperative in seeing results from SEO. Without it, while your ideal audience may find you online, they will not convert into clients without a strategic brand. Ensure your visual brand, messaging, and offerings are clear and consistent and reflect your unique perspective, resulting in automated lead generation from Google and other search engines. Professionals will integrate SEO keywords & phrases into the content, behind imagery, and pages to ensure a foundation to be found online upon launch.
Create a Google Business Account & Add Maps location
Even if you work from home, add your location to Google Maps. This boosts local SEO and helps customers find you easily, confirming to Google that your business is a legitimate presence.
Get Glowing Reviews
Google rewards real customer feedback from platforms like Google Business, Yelp, and Facebook. Encourage happy clients to share reviews. Positive, five-star feedback helps build credibility and can improve your ranking.
Leverage Mentions & Backlinks
When other websites, blogs, or media mention your business, it builds authority. These “backlinks” indicate credibility to Google, boosting your ranking. Collaborate with others to get featured or referenced in articles, interviews, or guest blogs.
Blog Regularly & intentionally
Consistent blog posts show Google that your site is current and valuable. Aim for one post a week, incorporating keywords naturally. Focus on topics that interest your target audience and provide helpful information relevant to your industry.
harness the power of Pinterest
Create a Pinterest profile with images linked to your website. This drives traffic directly to your site and signals to Google that your business is mentioned on a trusted platform. Add relevant keywords and your website link to each pin to strengthen your reach.
✍🏻 Tip: Mastering Keywords
Google relies on keywords to understand what your business offers. Use keywords naturally in sentences, like: “Perspektiiv Design Co. is a creative studio in Portland, Oregon.” This makes it easier for Google to recognize what your business is about. Start by listing about 30 words or phrases that represent what you do, who you serve, and where you’re located. Some examples include “Graphic Design,” “Logo Designer Portland,” and “Website Design Oregon.”
Don’t Skip the Alt Text: Small but Mighty
Alt text (short for alternative text) is a simple yet powerful way to boost your SEO and make your website more accessible. When you upload an image to your site, adding alt text tells search engines what that image is about — and helps people using screen readers understand your content, too.
Here’s the magic: search engines can’t “see” your images, but they can read your alt text. By writing clear, descriptive alt text that naturally includes relevant keywords (when it makes sense), you’re helping your site rank better in image searches and supporting an inclusive web experience.
Build an SEO Optimized Website with PDCO
we design websites with SEO foundations, so you can attract and convert your ideal audience.
