It’s hard to go viral for the right reasons. For every video of a dog and a horse that became friends, there are literally millions of informative clips barely cracking a dozen views.
Recognition on the internet may seem intangible, but search engine optimization (SEO) can be a reliable boost through the journey of digital marketing. While it may seem as simple as getting your name at the top of a list, as the basics of SEO and its algorithms have evolved, it has become a more complex tool than you may have realized.
Still, with a few simple steps, we can cover some basics of SEO and how they can improve your recognition with prospects.
1. Content is King
Valuable and engaging content will help address the basics of SEO tremendously. As a financial professional, your followers are mostly other financial savvy individuals or prospects and clients. What can you provide that they want? Financial advice, credibility, community appreciation, honesty, and integrity.
There are various types of content you can embrace to help spread your brand. Blogs, informational graphics, videos, images, and polls are all great ways to utilize SEO. In your content, present your financial knowledge, update your community, capture your office culture, or showcase strategies you are going to implement for your clients. Be sure every post provides value, engagement, and a call-to-action.
2. Be Socially Present
Social media traffic is a large driver for, and a component of, the basics of SEO. Social media accounts such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram should be used to make regular posts and should provide a link back to your website. For example, share a link of your blog posts, new landing page, or your website’s appointment form. These links will increase the traffic on your business’ website and aid in your reach for potential leads.
On certain platforms like X and Instagram, #hashtags are great for SEO. When people search or click that hashtag, your post will be affiliated with it. Try to use hashtags that are popularly used or unique enough to set you apart from others.
Also, be sure to share posts. This will also heighten your SEO because you will be socially circulating, meaning that you might start trending among users. Trying to be as socially present as possible will gain you recognition. However, it will take time to build such a presence.
3. Utilize Google
To state the obvious: Google is frequently used to search for local financial professionals. It’s perhaps the most basic of all the basics of SEO. Try to utilize all of Google’s features that help businesses, such as registering your business and its location. This will aid prospects and clients in finding your office via Google Maps, but it will also verify your legitimacy as a business and not spam. Now, customers have the capability to leave Google reviews about your business too, adding credibility.
3.5. …and AI
With the advent of programs like Chat GPT and Microsoft Copilot, more and more people are using AI as a form of search engine. It’s a similar process to appearing on a standard Google search, but you’ll still need to orient your material to be discoverable. Review your current site content and see where you can tweak your language for the better, like adding numbers to titles or utilizing alt text in relevant images.
By keeping our tips in mind, you’ll go a long way toward topping those search results lists. If you want more SEO optimization tips, check out Impact’s YouTube page and subscribe today!
