Hey Moguls, Cody Sperber here…
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is kind of like online dating. I mean, first impressions are everything, right? If you don’t like what you see within a few quick seconds, you move on.
But the purpose of SEO is – in the simplest of terms – a way to make your website visible to online users. Some like to call it organic. I call it one of the most powerful (and cost-effective) marketing strategies in the business.
So just how much should you focus on SEO for your business?
If You Snooze, You Lose
Here’s the first thing about SEO that I want to share with you...
When it comes to SEO ranking, you don’t have to be #1 on the list of search results, but bet your boots that you better show up on the first page. Think about your own searches for a second... Do you search beyond the first page? Probably not.
We want instant gratification – quick answers – and we want to be wowed immediately. Over 91% of lead generations come from page one searches. That means very few people are clicking to page two and beyond. If viewers aren’t convinced within split seconds that you’re the guy or gal for the job, they move on. It’s that simple.
So if you want to drive traffic to and capture leads from your website (and/or your blog), you need to be sure that you’re popping up in prime internet real estate.
30 a Day Is Sperber Way
Want to stay on top of the search rankings - above the competition? You’ll be (pleasantly) surprised to know that it only takes 30 minutes a day – max. I spend half an hour every day on SEO practices, and yes – it’s a perpetual process that you must incorporate into your daily routine to stay on top.
But the good news is, the more you put SEO into practice, the more your brand will build over time. And the more your brand builds, the easier it becomes for people to find you naturally.
Remember, content is king. Take the time to renew and refresh your content, and be sure to create blog posts, messages and website content that speak directly to your target audience. Information that resonates with them is key, so do your recon. Find out who your target audience is, what they need and give it to them.
Oh, here’s a great tip: Always include a call to action as well. Key content is a must, but be sure to direct your audience to act and fact fast. Strike that nerve, create a sense of urgency, and then direct your audience to take action.
Need new content fast but don’t have the time (or the expertise)? Hire a ghostwriter, or find a blog post that speaks to you and rewrite it in your own words. Chances are, your version will be much improved anyway. Write with a purpose, and focus your writing on popular, local searches to maximize your SEO results.
No, it’s Not Rocket Science
Okay, so it may feel like rocket science sometimes – especially if you’re new to SEO – but if you keep it simple and focus on the basics, it’s not that complicated. Really.
Those with even the smallest amount of knowledge and experience can make a big splash with just a little SEO. Plus, free SEO education is just about everywhere, so get educated for goodness sake if you can’t figure it out on your own.
If you’re lucky enough to have the financial resources to hire a firm, you can go that route and take SEO off your plate. But for most of us, SEO remains a part of daily to-dos. Grasp the basic concepts and run with it.
Know this: A little SEO is better than none at all.
Patience Is a Virtue
Those searching online want instant gratification. This, we know.
But you… you’ll need to learn the art of patience. SEO generates results over time (like months and months) as brand awareness builds. So stay the course, refresh your brand’s creative content and stop watching the pot.
Trust me, it won’t boil.
Care the Share?
How do you SEO? Share in the comments section below.
Get more educated if you don’t know SEO from LOL.
Make SEO a part of your daily to-do checklist.
Spend 30 minutes a day dedicated to SEO.
Refresh your content often and when it makes sense to do so.
Be patient with SEO because results take time!
Cody Sperber
is founder and CEO of www.CleverInvestor.com. He's successfully closed many different types of real estate transactions including wholesale deals, short sales, multi-unit, subject to, lease options and my own proprietary investing strategy, the Reverse Short Sale. As a new investor he quickly gained a huge competitive advantage by mastering online lead generation, building one of the most successful real estate investing firms in the Arizona market. His companies have bought and sold hundreds of millions in properties and closed hundreds of real estate transactions. Before real estate, Cody served in the Navy and attended Arizona State, and he is now married to his best friend and has two beautiful children (Hudson and Brynlee).