3 simple SEO practices to get your startup noticed

As a young startup, the business needs to be put in the line of sight of your target customers. While location is everything for a brick and mortar store, online is all about being on top of the search engine algorithm.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a survey showed that 25% of internet users click the first link that appears on their search engine results. And, users usually do not even bother to check the search results beyond the first page.

So whether you are running a cafe or a pet grooming business, you need to know how to optimise your site to get the right views. Here are three simple search engine optimisation (SEO) practices for you to follow:

Tip 1: Put your business on the map

Getting your business on navigation maps is a simple SEO practice that all start-ups should do.

Google Maps has become a useful navigational tool for many people. But so has the “Place near me” function.

When you go to Google Maps, you can click on “cafes near me”, “shops near me”, and so on. If you have placed your business there, it’ll likely show up in an online search.

Most people try to search for similar services nearby when they run errands. Therefore it makes sense to make sure that people can access your business information when navigating on Google Maps.

You just need to ensure that your business information is updated. Take a look here at how to add your business to Google Maps.

Another important Google Maps function is the Review page. You can see the comments left by previous users and respond to them accordingly.

Plan key moments in the customer journey where you think they are the most happiest with your product – reach out, and request for a review.

It’s a nifty tool that helps others know what to expect when they interact with the business, and it also provides feedback to you as the business owner.

Waze, popular in Philippines, has a similar business-targeted advertising platform. Wherever your startup might be based, find out the popular navigational map in that area and make sure your business is searchable on that map.

Tip 2: Make sure your website has quality content

If your business already has an online presence with details of its location and services or products, go a step further and include a blog.

A blog with original and educational content about topics related to your business will showcase your expertise. Furthermore, this SEO practice also builds a relationship with your site visitors. So, apart from just selling to them, you’re positioning yourself as a key opinion leader in your field, while educating your community. 

More importantly, search engine algorithms want to find good content to push to their search engine users. Therefore, original content which answers people’s questions will captivate their attention, and rank your page higher.

Moreover, try to keep the content evergreen because it can remain relevant over a long period.

For instance, if you sell party items, an evergreen post on how to put together a party will be more helpful than a seasonal post on “Mother’s Day 2021”. This blog post will not need constant refreshing and will continue to generate traffic without your input. 

Don’t have a website at all? No stress if you’re apprehensive about managing your website while juggling your offline store.

Opt for Qashier’s cloud-based smart pos system so you can integrate Shopify or WooCommerce for your online orders with your offline inventory. 

When customers purchase at your store, Qashier Cloud instantly updates your inventory across different channels. As a result, you can reach customers who prefer to browse and buy online without worrying about your in-store inventory.

Tip 3: “Keywords are key” 

You’re probably heard of this term tossed around when you try to look up online marketing. 

So, what exactly are keywords? These words or phrases are the terms that you want to anchor to your website, and they are also the phrases that the search engines will pick up to feature. 

Keywords are critical when it comes to SEO practices. Learning how to use them effectively helps you create content that attracts visitors to your website.

But without going into the technicalities, before you identify your keyword, you need to be clear on your page focus, your brand identity and what you offer for products and services. 

Once you have clarified all of these, it’s easier to find the topics, and subtopics, that you want to cover. 

Many SEO tools can help you write better content for search engine rankings. Or you can pay for someone to write your webpage content comprehensively, or tailor your blog content accordingly to rank better on Google.

Either way, while you don’t have to know about SEO keyword practices extensively, it does not hurt to read up and learn about them to hire the right agency or person for the job. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, going online and knowing about SEO practices will benefit your startup. But, it’s not just limited to technological startups. 

Digitalisation is the new wave of maximising operational efficiency for any business, whether it’s a beauty salon or a bakery.

At Qashier, we want to deliver smart POS solutions that support your business, whether online or offline.

Qashier offers multiple digital solutions, including QR code table ordering, table management (F&B), employee management, customer relationship management (loyalty programs), inventory management, data analytics, and cashless payments, in an all-in-one device.

Additionally, you’ll be able to seamlessly set up within 10 minutes, without any need for technical expertise. It boasts a user-friendly interface that is simple for anyone to learn and use. If you require assistance, you’ll find 7-days-a-week responsive technical support from the team.

Qashier is also affordable, with prices starting from as low as RM4.40/day, and this includes hardware, software, setup, training and 7-days-a-week local support.

Speak to us to see if Qashier’s Smart POS can meet your business needs. Schedule a meeting with us here, contact us at +63 927 087 2441 (Viber) or email at [email protected].