When it comes to improving your digital marketing and online visibility, SEO is one of the most effective tools in your arsenal. It’s a great way to get the right attention from search engines and attract an audience inclined to need your services. SEO is a flexible tool that works for any business, including home improvement services, but there are some ways to adjust your approach to work more effectively for your field. Some useful tips to help strengthen your SEO strategy include:

    1. Focus on local keywords

Local keywords are an integral part of your SEO strategy. Specifying your location ties your business to a local area, and makes it easier for your pages to show up on results from the local area. Many users use local keywords in searches to narrow down their results to those most relevant to them. For example, users in Mississauga may search for “landscape lighting in Mississauga” when looking for businesses that can offer that service.

To make sure your pages match with relevant searches, insert your keywords organically into your content. Location-based keywords are particularly useful, as they specify where your business operates and matches your pages to nearby prospects. Keep in mind you can narrow down your location to very specific areas, like street names and local landmarks to correspond to a wider range of terms.

    2. Use local directories

One easy way to boost your website’s exposure is to use business directories like Google My Business and Yelp. Claiming your business on these directories costs you nothing, and it’s a great way to improve visibility and get some backlinks at the same time. Google My Business is particularly effective, as it also helps make you more visible on search results.

However, keep in mind that there’s more to using these directories than just claiming them. It’s a good idea to update your directories regularly to ensure the information you include (like contact information, operating hours, and address) is up-to-date. Making sure this information stays accurate plays a major role in helping prospects find your business. Update your information regularly (especially after major changes like moving) to ensure your customers can always get in touch with you. Contacting you becomes especially important when customers need services like installation of new fixtures or catering for lux events in Toronto. You can also update your information with something special, like photos and special deals, to give prospects an idea of what to expect.

If you need a helping hand updating the directory, it may be a good idea to get in touch with an SEO company to handle that task for you. A good SEO company can also contribute to your digital marketing and offer additional solutions you may not have considered on your own.

   3. Create quality content regularly

A common adage in SEO circles is that content is king. Quality content is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to get attention from prospects. Think of it as another service you can offer in addition to your regular services. Your customers are also looking for information and solutions to their problems. For example, you could create content concerning dos and don’ts when working with a contractor, or what homeowners need to know before starting a home renovation.

Your content is a great way to be of use to your audience and build trust and goodwill. Some businesses believe that offering information is giving service away for free, but it’s actually a prudent move. Sharing your expertise is a great way to show your clients the right way to proceed, and confirm their belief that you’re someone they can trust.

Most content businesses make is written (usually in the form of blog posts and articles), but don’t be afraid to try something new. You can use other mediums, like podcasts and videos, to give your audience alternate ways to explore your content.

    4. Improve your page speeds

Keywords and content can attract prospects to your site, but technical optimization ensures that they stay. The first thing clients look at is how quickly it takes to load your pages and their content; 40% of users tend to leave a website if it doesn’t load within 3 seconds. Check your pages to ensure they load quickly and give your clients the content they’re looking for.

There are a few things you can do to improve your page speed, like choosing the right images and web host. Too-large images can significantly slow your page speed, so double-check any images on your pages to make sure they aren’t affecting loading times. It also pays to use quality web hosting that has enough bandwidth to support your traffic. Higher traffic means more visitors, but it also means you need a web host that can accommodate that much traffic.

    5. Consider mobile users
Another thing to consider when optimizing your site is accommodating mobile users. More and more users tend to look for essential services on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It’s a good idea to update your site to make it more accessible to users on mobile. Consider looking into responsive design. Responsive design adjusts your pages to fit differently-sized screens, creating a more convenient experience for your visitors. You can also look into using larger fonts that are easier to read, as well as using images sparingly to save space on smaller screens.

    6. Optimize your site for conversions
At the end of your pages, it’s customary to include a call to action to remind your audience to give you a call. Providing useful content, an easily navigable, and an appealing website are great for attracting prospective clients, but there’s more to it than that. It’s also vital you remember to subtly ask for sales. Include a call to action at the end of your pages so your clients remember you’re just a phone call or email away from offering your services. Always remember to optimize your pages for conversion, old and new, to turn your viewers into paying customers.

SEO is a useful tool, whether you choose to handle it yourself or find a local SEO service in Montreal to assist you. Handling SEO on your own is doable, but it helps to have some ideas to guide your steps. Keep these tips in mind to improve your approach and ensure your clients know how to find you when they need you.