SEO Explained In 8 Simple Steps

Let me explain what SEO is all about by outlining the basic steps of an SEO campaign.

SEO isn’t magic. It’s a strategic formula that involves technical website bits, keywords and valuable content — the most important element.

When I initiate a conversation about search engine optimization (SEO), some prospects assume it’s magic. This is likely due to the endless noise among hack digital marketing agencies.

 Step 1: Technical Audit/Implementation

In order for your website to produce results, it needs a strong technical foundation. Think of it this way. Would you build a house on a foundation that is crumbling or has leaks. Of course not. Before starting any type of campaign your website foundation needs to be assessed for its site speed, site architecture, code, content, just to name a few things.

Once everything is diagnosed, a plan can be created to address the issues. Audits can take anywhere between 10 and 50 hours of work depending on the size of the website. They are a must to get things running smoothly before anything else.

Step 2: Keyword Research & Mapping

Keyword research is next. Keywords must be properly mapped to the website, which connects the page’s purpose and the audience’s needs by placing the optimal keywords in just the right places.

 Step 3: Title Tag/Meta Description Rewrite

Title tags — the main titles you see in search results pages — are simply the headlines of stories, and some of the most essential elements for search engines and users. They should be keyworded to attract the curiosity of the reader.

The tiny description beneath the title — typically 160 characters long — is the meta description. Reputable SEOs rewrite all existing title tags and meta descriptions to include keywords and drive marketing messages.

Many restoration companies I have dealt with have had their meta descriptions automatically generated. This is a huge missed opportunity; you can quickly attract attention if descriptions are created wisely.

Step 4: Existing Content/On-Page SEO Revamp

Next is to revamp all existing content, through traditional editing, adding more valuable info and refining on-page SEO elements. This includes proper headlines, internal links (words that are linked to other pages on the website — this is another strategy that can drive spectacular results), keywords related to the “target” keyword that your title focuses on and calls to action.

Step 5: New Page Creation

When keyword research and mapping is complete, there’s always a need for new pages. These should be created not only to fulfill SEO needs, but to provide valuable and educational material for the reader.

Step 6: Aggressive Blog Strategy

My clients thrive due to blogging. This is a huge win for any type of restoration business and allows you to build relationships and trust early on in the sales cycle.

RDMS creates content that addresses many of the questions and concerns that consumers have about the services you offer. Answering questions feeds the SEO machine because you can target more and more long-tail keywords.

Posting quality content on a consistent basis shows search engines like Google that you care about sharing valuable information with readers. This positively affects your overall organic search rankings.

 Step 7: Amplification Of Content

• Next is amplifying all that content, from your service page to your blog, through social media, newsletter and PR efforts. It’s as simple as sharing content on your business’s social media pages.
• Highlighting your best content through paid ads on Facebook is one of the most cost effective ways to increase consumer and brand awareness in your service area.
• Creating an awesome and shareable newsletter.

Many SEO agencies sell link-building services where they get other websites to link to yours, which helps drive your website’s authority (think of each link as a vote for your website: The more, the better, but they have to be from quality websites).

RDMS believes strong content naturally acquires backlinks. That’s why we put our efforts into building valuable content and then amplifying it.

 Step 8: Ongoing SEO/Content

Ongoing SEO involves monthly (or more frequent) reporting to recognize threats and opportunities and track keyword rankings. This provides opportunities to strategically update content.

Ongoing SEO includes technical updates and audits, and RDMS also revisits and refreshes older content with new links/keywords.

Ongoing content is necessary, and can be created through a blog strategy. This is vital if you truly want to garner the most “free” organic traffic available. Blogging is much cheaper than constantly paying for Google paid ads, and posts last forever and continually build strength.

While they can vary, these are steps of a typical SEO campaign. 

About Restoration Digital Marketing Solutions (RDMS)

RDMS are digital marketing, content marketing and SEO experts specializing in LONG TERM lead generation solutions for disaster restoration contractors! 

1. Our approach focuses on building lasting relationships early on in the sales cycle.
2. We don’t believe in gimmicks or short-term solutions.
3. We excel at building meaningful relationships that translate into leads and customers, laying the foundation for sustainable sales and profitability. 
4. We have many happy customers who rely on us to manage their digital marketing needs. 

To learn more book a free 30 minute consultation! :-)