When it comes to SEO or search engine optimization, the first thing that people usually think about is website traffic. It is a crucial component that no digital marketing strategy can be without, after all. But not unlike the services of the best Lexington SEO companies, there’s more to it than generating exposure over the World Wide Web and establishing an online presence for the brand. It can also enhance the user experience to maintain engagement. And this can make all the difference to a business not only in getting repeat customers. But in attracting new consumers through word-of-mouth advertising. And we’ll discuss five ways in which SEO can improve the customer experience and some tips on how to get started.
- High-quality content will engage users
Content marketing has become commonplace amongst many businesses, and it’s easy to see why. The production and distribution of materials online - from articles to videos for targeted audiences - won’t just elevate a website’s position in search rankings. It also offers people valuable content that will keep them engaged with the business too, making it an effective tool in enhancing both experience and the SEO efforts of the business. For example, a dental clinic can write a piece on what to expect after the removal of wisdom teeth, which will give people a better idea of what to be prepared for regarding this common operation while improving its visibility with the help of SEO experts.
- Interlinking will enhance discoverability
Building internal links is as relevant today in search engine optimization as it was in the past. Basically, the process involves the creation of links that connect the web pages of a site together for search engine crawlers to better prioritize them. However, this method can also be utilized to allow users find content that they would’ve missed otherwise. With internal links that are strategically placed around the website, a business can create a map to help visitors with their journey. And, in turn, enhance the engagement metrics and elevate its SEO.
- Website speed matters
One area of SEO that is rarely touched upon is the speed in which the website loads. Since 2010, it’s been a ranking factor in Google and matters much more to SEO than most people realize. But it doesn’t just impact search engine optimization. Surveys show that web pages that load slow are one of the leading causes of frustration online. And most users are likely to disengage from sites with long loading times. So to keep this from happening, it makes sense to take all measures to keep the website loading at a reasonably fast speed. From compressing its web pages and limiting the plugins that it uses to choosing a different hosting service provider, speeding up the website will go a long way in both SEO and the experience of the users.
- Mobile optimization can improve accessibility
These days, it’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t browse the World Wide Web using a mobile device. They’re as accessible as they’re convenient, after all. And now that online browsing through smartphones and tablets have eclipsed their desktop and laptop counterparts, it makes sense for businesses to make their websites more mobile-friendly. Not only will inbound traffic increase by doing so, but it’ll make navigating the website much easier too.
- Accurate contact details are a must
One of the simplest yet most effective ways that a business can improve consumer experience is the inclusion of accurate contact details throughout the website. The ability to find out how to get in touch with a company can have a surprisingly positive impact on the experience of browsing through its web pages and can lead to quick sales. And because the NAP or the name, address, and phone or are essential details for search engine optimization, it can also help a business to elevate its rank in the search engine results pages or SERPs.
Tips on how to get started
Now that the effects of SEO on the customer experience have been established, the next step is to get started on its implementation. Conceptually, the idea behind search engine optimization is simple. However, execution can be more than a little complicated. And to help businesses get on the right track, I’ve listed down a few tips below on how to begin.
- Partner with SEO experts. Search engine optimization might look easy on paper, but it isn’t as simple as it appears. And a business that chooses to handle SEO solely on its own is likely to cause damage to its brand rather than elevate it. To ensure that it achieves its intended purpose, it’s always a good idea to start by hiring the services of a professional agency from the best Lexington SEO companies. Doing so will relieve the company of the burden of handling its internet marketing efforts and allow it to concentrate on its business operations.
- Research on what the target audience is looking for. It’s impossible for an organization to optimize its website if it doesn’t know what the intended consumers are looking for. And the best way to find out is by researching the common keywords they use in their search. By looking for phrases and terms relevant to the business, a company can improve its visibility on the selected search engine significantly.
- Check on the competition. SEO is similar to many other digital marketing strategies in a way that it’s constantly changing. And methods and practices used now may not be as effective in the future as they are now. Fortunately, you can stay on top of the current trends in search engine optimization without doing the legwork by checking on the SEO efforts of the competition.
With its positive impact on user experience and brand recognition, it’s essential for businesses of any size or industry to have a search engine optimization strategy in place and the services of the best Lexington SEO companies at their disposal. Not only will this help them stand out from their competitors. But it’ll also help foster better engagement from their target market.