15: Common SEO Challenges, Expectations & Misconceptions

Summary

In this podcast episode, Meredith and her husband provide valuable SEO advice specifically tailored for small business owners, particularly photographers and solopreneurs. Meredith's husband simplifies the often overwhelming and confusing world of SEO, making it more accessible and less intimidating for those who aren't SEO experts. Their lighthearted and humorous dialogue, filled with personal anecdotes, makes the conversation engaging and easy to follow.

Main Topic:

The episode focuses on demystifying SEO and breaking down the key steps to improving website visibility on search engines like Google. Meredith's husband explains that SEO is a gradual, ongoing process that requires patience, likening it to fitness training or baking a pie—there's no instant success or magic bullet.

Key Takeaways for Website Owners:

1. Patience is Key: SEO takes time, much like getting into shape or perfecting a recipe. Website owners need to manage their expectations and avoid seeking instant results.

2. Start with the Basics: The first step involves setting up the right tools (like SEMrush) and doing basic research on your website’s performance. Understanding where traffic comes from and how your website is performing is essential.

3. Quick Wins: After the initial setup, there are often "quick wins" or easy fixes to make, such as addressing broken links or optimizing pages that are not performing well. These can lead to immediate improvements in traffic and conversions.

4. On-Site SEO: This involves making sure that the technical aspects of your website are in order. Meredith’s husband explains how tools like SEMrush can help identify technical issues (e.g., missing meta tags, slow loading pages) and offer suggestions for improvements. These tweaks can improve rankings over time.

5. Off-Site SEO: This part of SEO is ongoing and focuses on building external links to your site. While more challenging, it is crucial for long-term SEO success. Meredith's husband encourages developing a rhythm for content creation and link-building efforts.

6. Competition: The good news is that photographers are not competing with SEO professionals but with other photographers, many of whom are not well-versed in SEO. This means that even small improvements can yield significant results.
   

Resources:

• SEMrush: A tool for identifying and fixing technical SEO issues, as well as improving site optimization.

Overall, this episode encourages website owners to view SEO as a process that takes time and persistence, offering practical advice and a step-by-step approach that makes SEO more approachable and less daunting. The fun, conversational style keeps listeners engaged while delivering essential insights.