February 5, 2024 •Kassi Strong
1. SEO Insights for Montana Women Business Owners
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is designing your website and online content to be easily found by search engines (ie. Google). Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of neglecting SEO or misunderstanding its significance. Let’s be honest, the acronym is a bit intimidating. To optimize your website for search engines effectively, focus on:
Understanding Your Ideal Keywords: Keywords are words or phrases someone might type into Google or another search engine to find your products or services. For example, if you are a salon in Great Falls, keywords might include “haircuts in Great Falls” or “Great Falls balayage.”
Incorporating Your Keywords: Make sure the language on your website includes the keywords you identified above. Then, regularly update your website with high-quality, relevant content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. This might include information about new services or products, updates to your homepage, or blog posts on relevant topics.
Check for Mobile-Friendliness: Google prioritizes mobile-responsive sites in search results, so make sure your website looks nice on your phone and tablet.
Quick Action Item: Identify two to three local keywords that resonate with your business. Update your website's homepage to include these keywords in a way that feels natural.
2. Maximizing Google My Business (GMB):
You know when you search for a business on Google and their information pops up on the right side with a map and some images? That’s Google My Business. Google My Business is a powerful tool for local businesses, yet many Montana women entrepreneurs underutilize it. Here's what you should focus on:
Complete Your Profile: Fill out every section of your GMB profile, providing accurate and comprehensive information about your business. If you run your business from your home you can exclude your address.
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Respond to reviews, whether positive or negative, to show engagement and build trust.
Add Photos and Visuals: Upload high-quality photos showcasing your business, team, and products/services. Visual content can significantly impact customer perception.
Quick Action Item: Google your business and “claim” your listing if you haven’t already. If you already manage your business listing, add one new photo or post for customers to view.
3. Embrace Google Analytics:
Understanding your website's performance is key to refining your online strategy. Google Analytics offers valuable insights into visitor behavior. Monitor metrics such as:
Traffic Sources: Identify where your website traffic is coming from – whether it's organic search (i.e. Google), social media (i.e. Facebook), or referral links (i.e. partner websites).
User Behavior: Analyze which pages users visit the most and how long they stay on your site. Use this information to make sure your website is set up in a way that gives the reader the information they are looking for.
Conversion Tracking: Set up conversion tracking to measure the success of specific actions, such as form submissions or product purchases.
Quick Action Item: If you haven't already, set up Google Analytics for your website. Take a quick look at your traffic sources and identify one area for improvement. For example, if social media traffic is low, consider posting engaging content or running a targeted promotion to boost visibility.
Use These Free Google Tools to Grow Your Business
For Montana's women business owners, taking advantage of everything Google has to offer to businesses can make a world of difference. By refining your SEO strategies, optimizing your Google My Business profile, and reviewing Google Analytics, you'll position your business for growth.
At the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center, we're here to support you on your journey to success. Keep exploring, learning, and implementing these Google tips to unlock the full potential of your business. Here's to your continued growth and prosperity!
