Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the practice of making changes to your website so it shows up higher in search engine results on sites like Google. When a South African customer searches for a service you offer, you want your business to be one of the first they see. This guide covers the basic steps to get you started with SEO.
1. Find Your Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into Google. Your first step is to figure out what terms your potential customers are using. Think about your business from their point of view. A plumber in Durban should target terms like “plumber Durban” or “geyser repair Ballito.” Free tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find popular search terms related to your business.
2. Set Up Your On-Page SEO
On-page SEO refers to the content on your actual website. You need to make sure your keywords appear in the right places.
- Page Titles: The title of each page should be clear and include your main keyword. For example, “Affordable Guesthouse in Stellenbosch.”
- Headings: Use headings to structure your content. Your main heading (H1) should contain your primary keyword.
- Content: Write helpful, clear content that answers your customers’ questions. Naturally include your keywords in the text.
3. Focus on Local SEO
For most South African businesses, local customers are the main source of income. Local SEO helps you appear in geographically-related searches. The most direct way to do this is to create a Google Business Profile. This free listing shows your business name, address, phone number, and hours on Google Maps and in local search results.
4. Build Backlinks
A backlink is a link from another website to yours. Search engines see backlinks as votes of confidence. When a reputable website links to you, it signals to Google that your site is trustworthy. You can get backlinks by listing your business in local directories, writing guest articles for industry blogs, or getting mentioned in local news sites.
5. Check Your Results
SEO takes time, so it’s good to know if your efforts are working. You can use tools like Google Analytics to see how many people are visiting your website from search engines. By watching your traffic, you can see what keywords are bringing in visitors and find areas to adjust.
These five steps provide a foundation for your business’s SEO. To get a detailed look at your website’s current performance, ask MLG-Digital for a free SEO audit.