Low-hanging SEO opportunities you can do yourself
There’s nothing proprietary about marketing. No secret formula, no secret sauce (we all know it’s just a mix of ketchup, mayo, and BBQ sauce) – just the prioritization of your time and skills. This blog post is packed with actionable insights for your business. If you don’t have time to read it all now, save or share it for later.
Feeling Overwhelmed with Your Online Presence?
“I need to post on social media!” “I need a website!” “I need to show up at the top of Google!”
Pause.
Take baby steps.
These are tools, not necessities. It’s natural to feel pressured, but let’s start with SEO today. Specifically, we’ll focus on SEO strategies for businesses in North Georgia, including Canton, GA.
Why Focus on SEO?
Not because it’s the most important or the easiest, but because there are many low-hanging fruits to get you started.
🔗 Backlinks: Building Trust with Google
Backlinks are essential to show Google that you’re trusted by a network of others. It’s not technical: a backlink is simply a link to your website from another.
Easy Backlinks for North Georgia Businesses:
Online Directories: Start with these free options:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Google My Business
Bing Business
Yelp Business
Nextdoor
FourSquare
Yellow Pages
Apple Maps
Waze Maps
MapQuest
Local chambers of commerce (these might cost money but are worth it for backlinks and networking connections)
Local.com
MerchantCircle.com
Pro Tip: Join your local Chamber of Commerce or specifically Cherokee Connect for additional networking opportunities and valuable backlinks.
⭐️ Google Reviews: Boosting Your Credibility
Get lots of reviews, preferably 5 stars. Create incentives like discounts for customers or bonuses for employees mentioned by name.
How to Encourage Reviews:
Offer discounts on future purchases.
Run a monthly contest for the best review.
Provide excellent customer service to naturally encourage positive reviews.
📍 Google Local Service Ads: Standing Out Online
Sign up for Google Local Service ads to get a green check mark next to your listing if eligible. This adds a layer of trust for potential customers.
Sign Up Here: Local Services Signup
🔍 Content Optimization: Matching Intent and Context
Include words and phrases that match the intent and context behind searches. For example, instead of just “Canton plumbing,” use specific terms like “canton plumbing kitchen renovation” or “clogged drain canton plumber.”
Example Keywords:
“Canton GA SEO expert”
“SEO tips for small businesses in Canton”
Don’t be overwhelmed. If you need a step-by-step plan or help with execution, reach out. Conversations are free; I want to support you and our community.
TLDR;
Backlinks: List yourself on online directories and local chambers of commerce.
Google Reviews: Encourage reviews through incentives.
Local Service Ads: Sign up for Google Local Service ads.
Content Optimization: Use specific keywords matching search intent.
SEO can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. If you can use Facebook, you can implement these tactics easily. Don’t be shy; reach out if you need help.
