Taking on Google, the Internet Giant
Have you ever heard someone say “Oh, I’ll just yahoo that.” or, “Can you bing that for me?”
If you’re hearing crickets, that’s because when it comes to search, no one in the history of ever, has ever said those two phrases… probably.
What they are asking for, is a Google. Yep, Google search engine has become the branded name for what used to be a simple search.
When someone is looking for something online, whether it be an answer to a question, a local product or service, or something else that a consumer might need, there’s a very high likelihood that they are in fact, Googling it.
With a staggering 92% global search engine market share, it's clear that Google plays a pivotal role in how people discover and access information online, including how they find small businesses.
For small to medium-sized businesses looking to thrive on a budget, understanding and leveraging Google's dominance is crucial. In this blog, we will explore three key topics related to Google's influence and provide specific marketing strategies tailored to help Indiana businesses succeed in this digital landscape.
Your Small Business Strategy: Optimize Your Online Presence for Google
Given Google's unrivaled position in the search engine market, it's essential for Indiana businesses to optimize their online presence for Google's search results. There will be some variability depending on your geographical location and target audience, but in general, here’s how you can optimize your online presence as a whole:
Website Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Google prioritizes mobile-friendliness and page speed in its rankings.
Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience is likely to search for. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website content.
Google Business Profile: Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing. This can significantly boost your visibility in local search results.
Quality Content: Create high-quality, informative, and engaging content on your website. Google rewards websites that provide value to users. (Hello monthly blogs!)
The truth about search is that you are at the mercy of Google’s design. So, how can your small business succeed in a world of endless updates and changes?
Your Small Business Strategy: Stay Informed, Be Adaptable
Google updates its search algorithms frequently to provide users with better search results. These updates can impact your website's visibility and rankings, so learning to navigate these changes is essential. Here’s how:
Stay Informed: Regularly monitor industry news and updates from Google to understand algorithm changes. Follow reputable SEO blogs, companies, and specialty forums for insights.
Adapt Your SEO Strategy: Adjust your SEO tactics in response to algorithm updates. Focus on providing valuable content, improving user experience, and following best practices.
Diversify Traffic Sources: Relying solely on Google for traffic can be risky. Using a holistic approach, such as including social media and email marketing to help drive traffic to your website can be extremely beneficial.
Your Small Business Strategy: Strategy: Optimize for Voice Search
Voice search is becoming increasingly prevalent, with 50% of U.S. consumers using it daily. Voice search is often inputted differently than traditional searches. Aka, the way people talk affects their results. To keep your website in the running for voice search, consider these strategies:
Conversational Keywords: Optimize your content for conversational keywords and long-tail phrases that mimic speaking language. Think about how your audience might phrase voice queries, and use those longtail keywords in your content.
Structured Data Markup: Implement structured data markup (schema.org) to provide context to search engines about your content. This can enhance your chances of appearing in voice search results!
FAQ Pages: Create FAQ pages that address common questions your audience might ask. Voice assistants often pull answers from such pages, so this can drive people to your website, and alleviate their questions later.
Local SEO: Optimize your local SEO efforts, as voice searches often have local intent. Ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date on platforms like Google Business Profile.
Google's dominance in the search engine landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for small to medium-sized businesses. By optimizing your online presence for Google, staying informed about algorithm updates, and embracing voice search optimization, you can position your business for success in the digital realm.
At Stillwell + Co, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these challenges and harness the power of Google to achieve their marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your small business grow!
