A keyword is a word or phrase that people type into search engines like Google when looking for something online. Think of it like a matchmaker between what users are searching for and what your web page offers. For example, if someone searches “how to clean running shoes,” those exact search terms are the keywords. Using the right words helps search engines understand your content and show your page to the right audience. But that doesn’t mean having them literally everywhere, it’s about putting them in the right places naturally.

Yes. SEO is changing fast. In 2025, Google focuses more on user intent, high-quality content, and page experience. Keyword stuffing is out — and relevance is in.
That means instead of forcing in as many keywords as possible, you should:

• Focus on longer, more specific words
  
• Use related phrases and variations
  
• Write naturally while answering real questions
  
• Place keywords in strategic places like title tags, meta descriptions, and alt attributes
  

Before you can add your keywords, you need to know which ones your audience is actually searching for.
Here are three simple ways to find great keywords:

• Try Google tools: Start typing into Google and look at autocomplete suggestions. Scroll to the “People also ask” section for popular questions. Use Google Trends to track keyword popularity over time.
  
• Try keyword research tools: Tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and Google Keyword Planner give insights into how often people search for certain words and how competitive they are.
  
• Check your competitors: Look at what queries are driving traffic to their site. You’ll often discover useful gaps you can target.
  

Once you’ve done your research, here’s how to where to put keywords for the best SEO results:

• Page Titles: Make sure your main keyword is in your page title. This is the first thing both Google and users see.
  
• Meta Descriptions: Write a short, compelling sentence that includes your keyword. This helps your page stand out in the search results.
  
• Headings (H1, H2, etc.): Add your main keyword in your H1 (main heading), and use related search terms in subheadings.
  
• First 100 words of text: Its important to include your keyword early on in your content. It signals relevance of your site to both users and search engines.
  
• URLs: Keep them short and keyword-rich, like /how-to-use-keywords.
  
• Image Alt Text: Add relevant descriptions to your images. This improves accessibility and helps Google index your images.
  
• Internal Links: Link to other relevant pages on your site with keyword-based anchor text. For example, use “learn SEO basics” instead of “click here.”
  

Want to take your SEO strategy further? Here are some expert-level tips:

• Answer FAQs on your page: This helps your site show up for voice search and question-based queries.
  
• Create content around buying intent: Use keywords like “best,” “top,” or location-based phrases like “SEO agency in Cornwall.”
  
• Add structured data (schema markup): This helps Google understand your website better and show rich search results.
  
• Update old content: Don’t forget your old blog posts. Refresh them with new keywords to keep them relevant. Tip: update old content with yoru own images too!
  
• Leverage Natural Language Processing (NLP): Modern search engines use NLP to better understand the context and intent behind search queries. By writing clear, natural, and conversational content, you can align with how NLP interprets language, improving your chances of ranking for relevant words or phrases. Incorporate related terms and answer questions in a way that reflects how people naturally speak to make your website content more discoverable.
  

Including keywords to your site can go wrong if you're not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

• Keyword stuffing: Don’t repeat the same phrase within your page text too often. It feels unnatural and may hurt your rankings.
  
• Duplicate content: Make sure each page has unique text, titles, and meta descriptions.
  
• Targeting the same keyword on multiple pages: This can confuse Google and dilute your rankings.
  
• Forgetting your users: If your content doesn’t help or engage real people, search engines won’t reward it.
  

​The best websites keep improving. Use tools like Google Search Console to see how your website is performing. Test new text, watch what’s working, and adjust based on results, if the search engines aren't rewarding you with more traffic, you need to improve. Keep in mind, great SEO isn’t just about including the word you want to rank for. It’s about helping people find exactly what they’re looking for and making sure your site delivers, think about the next 5 questions a user may have and answer them within this blog text or in a new blog article.

​If you want to improve your SEO in 2025, start by focusing on the right keywords, learn to place them smartly, and writing for people, not just algorithms. Get started today by identifying one or two key topics your businesses audience cares about. Then build content around those topics and optimise the way search engines (and customers) see your pages. When you take it step by step, the results will follow, more traffic, better visibility, and higher rankings.

Ecommerce SEO has evolved from a nice-to-have extra to an essential part of a successful online businesses. Companies of all sizes now rely on robust ecommerce platforms to sell their products and services online, reach wider audiences, and grow their revenue streams. But simply having an online store isn’t enough, in fact that is just the start! To avoid paying for advertising like PPC, you’ll need a site that’s optimised for search engines to stand out from the competition.

The best ecommerce platforms for SEO don’t just facilitate transactions, they come equipped with powerful SEO features designed to improve your search engine rankings and drive consistent organic traffic to your virtual storefront. Selecting the best e-commerce platform is crucial as it can significantly impact your online visibility, website traffic, and overall revenue. Search engines like Google have become increasingly sophisticated in how they evaluate ecommerce sites, making it essential to choose an ecom platform for SEO that provides comprehensive tools to help businesses optimise every aspect of their online stores. These platforms also integrate seamlessly with existing websites and offer SEO-friendly features like customisable metadata and SEO-friendly URL structures, enhancing online visibility and user experience. (Theres no affiliate links in this article just helpful information)

SEO isn’t just a buzzword - it’s the lifeblood of successful online businesses. For ecommerce stores in particular, strong SEO strategies are absolutely essential for improving visibility in Google and driving qualified organic traffic to your products. Without proper optimisation, even the most beautiful online store will remain hidden in the depths of search results, never reaching its target audience. In all honesty if your on page 2 your website is basically hidden and wont receive hardly any traffic as theres 10+ options all ahead of you.

A well-optimised ecommerce site does more than just rank well - it improves SEO performance and creates a better overall user experience that, if you’ve got all your other factors in line, like pricing and product market fit, will lead to higher sales… hopefully! When your site is easy to find, navigate, and use, visitors are more likely to trust you and become customers. This is important because positive user experience sends strong signals to Google that your site is valuable, creating a virtuous cycle of improved rankings and more traffic. User signals is one part of SEO that if difficult for SEO agencies to improve on as, we don’t set product prices, choose the products, take product images or control branding.
​
Choosing the right platform for your ecommerce business is crucial for enhancing your SEO efforts. Various e-commerce platforms offer specific SEO tools and features designed to improve online visibility, which can significantly affect your ecommerce store's traffic and sales results.

Selecting the right ecommerce platform is vital for building a successful online store. With numerous options available, it's important to focus on factors like ease of use, customisation options, payment gateways, and SEO features. An ideal platform should include built-in SEO tools such as customisable URLs, meta tags, and product pages to enhance search engine rankings. Consider mobile responsiveness, site speed, and analytics tools to ensure a seamless user experience. Popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce offer a variety of features to support online success. By choosing the right platform, you can set your store up for long-term success and drive more organic traffic.

Ecommerce platforms offer a range of features to help businesses build and manage their online stores. Some key features to look for include customisable product pages, meta tags, and URLs, as well as built-in SEO tools and plugins. A good ecommerce platform should also have a user-friendly interface, mobile responsiveness, and fast site speed to ensure a seamless user experience. Don't forget to consider the platform’s integration with social media, Google Analytics, and other marketing tools to help drive traffic and sales. Advanced features like product reviews, customer testimonials, and loyalty programs can also help increase conversions and customer retention. When evaluating ecommerce platforms, consider the features that are most important to your business and choose a platform that meets your needs. By leveraging these features, you can create a successful online store that attracts more organic traffic and drives more sales.

Shopify
​Shopify has made a name for itself as one of the go-to ecommerce platforms for SEO, and it’s easy to see why. This website builder could be the best ecommerce platform for SEO, because it offers a wide range of SEO and essential e-commerce features right out of the box, including customisable URLs, meta tags, meta descriptions, and alt text fields for all products and pages. Most of Shopify’s themes are designed with clean code and mobile responsiveness in mind, both of which are crucial for website performance. We’ve worked on a few Shopify themes and overall it’s a great platform that’s built for beginners and can easily grow with your business no matter how big you get!

Compared to other e-commerce platforms like Wix and Squarespace, Shopify offers more robust SEO and scalability options, making it a better choice for businesses planning to expand.

One of Shopify’s biggest strengths is its app ecosystem, which lets you enhance the platform’s native features with specialised plugin tools for things like schema markup, redirects management, and in-depth keyword research. The platform also automatically generates sitemaps and handles canonical tags, helping you avoid duplicate content issues that can hurt your visibility online. Remember note to add to many plugins as this will bloat the code, potentially causing issues like slower loading times.
​
Pro: Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem provides flexibility and additional SEO tools to enhance the platform’s built-in features.
Con: Shopify’s transaction fees can be a downside unless you use Shopify Payments, which might increase overall costs.
Pricing: From £19 per month plus transaction fees
Our Rating: 9/10

WooCommerce
If you’re already using WordPress, WooCommerce is a powerful ecommerce platform that can transform your WordPress site into a fully functional e-commerce store with advanced features. Since it’s built on WordPress, you get to enjoy the excellent SEO foundation that comes with the world’s most popular content management system. WooCommerce benefits from WordPress’s strong permalink structure options and works seamlessly with popular SEO plugins like Yoast and Rank Math, both huge names within the SEO world with free and paid versions.

This platform gives you detailed control over product pages, allowing for rich product descriptions, custom fields, and attribute management that you can use for keyword optimisation. WooCommerce’s flexibility means you can customise your store’s structure and content as much as you want, giving business owners and SEO experts the freedom to implement sophisticated optimisation strategies without being held back by technical limitations.

Pro: WooCommerce offers unparalleled customisation and flexibility, making it ideal for implementing advanced SEO strategies.
Con: WooCommerce requires more technical knowledge and maintenance compared to other platforms, which will be challenging for beginners. If your going alone you’ll need to watch a few Youtube tutorials. Find out why SEO is worth it for small businesses here.
Pricing: WooCommerce is free to use, but costs can arise from hosting, premium themes, and paid plugins, making total expenses variable depending on the setup.
Our Rating: 7/10

BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a standout choice for enterprise-level solutions (hence the name) with impressive built-in SEO features. The platform offers customisable URLs, automatically creating SEO-friendly URLs for product and category pages. BigCommerce also provides microdata implementation for products, helping search platforms better understand your content and potentially getting better search engine rankings with star ratings and pricing information. Additionally, BigCommerce's SEO-friendly features include clean code and fast loading times, which are critical for enhancing online visibility and user experience.

Social media integration is another area where BigCommerce shines, with built-in tools for sharing products across various platforms and automatically implementing Open Graph tags. The platform’s content delivery network ensures fast loading times globally, and its mobile-optimised checkout process helps reduce cart abandonment rates - both factors that positively impact search engine visibility and help drive more sales.

BigCommerce also supports creating high-quality content, which is essential for effective SEO strategies. By providing robust tools for content management and optimiSation, it helps businesses improve their conversion rates and overall SEO efforts.
​
Pro: BigCommerce provides robust built-in SEO features without the need for additional plugins, simplifying the optimisation process.
Con: The platform’s complexity and enterprise focus might be overwhelming for smaller businesses or those without technical expertise. BigCommerce offers a lot of features, some users may find the customisation options more limited compared to open-source platforms.
Pricing: BigCommerce offers a range of plans starting £21.68 per month
Our Rating: 7/10

​When it comes to the technical aspects of your ecommerce platform, they’re like the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring search engines give your site a thumbs up. One of the biggies here is URL structure. Think of URLs as the roadmap that helps Google navigate your site and get a sense of its layout and content. So, you want a platform that lets you whip up neat, SEO-friendly URLs without a bunch of confusing numbers or extra bits.

Then there’s page load speed, which has become crucial for ranking highly on Google. Googles all about speed, and they give faster sites a boost. Your ecommerce platform should be all about optimising things like image delivery, caching, and cutting out any code clutter to make sure your pages load super fast on both mobile devices and desktops. The truth is, even shaving a second off your load time can make a big difference in both rankings and how many users stick around to shop.
​
For the bigger ecommerce players out there, having advanced features like schema markup and handling canonical tags properly is key. These technical goodies help online engines understand your complex product offerings, variations, and overall site structure, so you don’t run into hiccups that could mess with your positions in search results.

The URLs of your ecommerce pages communicate important information to both users and Google. Effective ecommerce platforms allow you to create SEO-friendly URLs that incorporate relevant keywords naturally. The best practice is to keep URLs short while still clearly indicating what the page contains.

For example, a good URL for a women’s running shoes page might look like this: www.example.com/womens-running-shoes. This URL is concise, descriptive, and includes relevant keywords, making it easy for Google to understand the page content.

On the other hand, a bad URL example might be: www.example.com/product-12345?category=shoes&type=running&gender=female. This URL is cluttered with unnecessary parameters and lacks clear, descriptive keywords, which can confuse both users and search engines.

​URL customisation should extend beyond just product pages - category pages, blog posts, and informational content should all follow a consistent, logical structure. Look for ecommerce platforms that allow URL rewriting capabilities, which let you easily update legacy URLs to a more SEO-friendly format while maintaining proper redirects to preserve existing rankings. Shopify does this well with auto redirects, this allows you to update URL’s quickly without the worries of leaving a trail of 404 errors behind, which we see a lot of beginner ecommerce stores do.

Schema markup is becoming a game-changer for ecommerce SEO. Think of it as a secret code that helps Google get the full picture of your content, beyond just the words on the page. For online stores, using product schema can display essential details like prices, availability, and customer reviews directly in search results pages, giving your listings a significant boost in click-through rates.

The best ecommerce platforms either automatically handle schema markup or offer out of the box SEO tools that let you add it without needing a tech wizard. This structured data creates those eye-catching rich snippets in search results, making your listings pop with star ratings, pricing info, and availability updates. These enhanced listings typically draw in more qualified organic traffic with a higher chance of converting into sales. Implementing schema mark up isn’t a ranking factor so it wont help you rank higher but it can increase clicks to your site which is what we all want.
​
But don’t stop at product schema! Look for ecommerce platforms that also support organisation, breadcrumb, and FAQ schema implementations. These additional markup types help search engines better understand your site's SEO and content, potentially boosting your visibility for relevant searches.

Adobe Commerce (Formerly Magento)
Adobe Commerce offers enterprise-level capabilities with extensive SEO features. The platform provides granular control over every aspect of your online store’s SEO, from URL structures to advanced meta tags management, including customizable meta tags that enhance online visibility. Its layered navigation system can be optimised to create SEO-friendly category pages that target valuable long-tail keywords.

The platform’s Page Builder tool allows for the creation of rich content experiences that can be optimised for specific search terms while maintaining an engaging user experience. Adobe Commerce also excels at handling large product catalogs with sophisticated attribute management that can be leveraged for better rankings.
Our Rating: 7/10

​
Squarespace
For medium-sized businesses looking for simplicity without sacrificing SEO capabilities, Squarespace offers an attractive solution. The platform automatically generates clean, search-friendly URLs and handles technical SEO elements like canonical tags and sitemaps. Squarespace’s built-in blogging capabilities enhance SEO by making content marketing straightforward, allowing for more content creation and keyword optimisation, which ultimately improves rankings.
The platform’s mobile-responsive designs ensure your online store looks great across all devices without additional configuration, satisfying search engines’ mobile-first indexing requirements. While not as feature-rich as some other options, Squarespace provides a solid foundation for smaller businesses that might prefer ease of use over advanced features that aren’t necessary to start with.
Our Rating: 7/10

So you think you've found the best ecommerce platform for SEO and want to switch! Switching ecom platforms with a live website is not for the faint-hearted. It involves a complex process that, if not executed correctly, can lead to significant drops in traffic or even result in your website being temporarily dropped from Google’s index. This transition requires meticulous planning and careful execution to ensure that your existing rankings and traffic are preserved. Use an agency to help you do this its not for beginners!

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining your site’s SEO during the migration. You’ll need to ensure that all URLs are properly redirected to the new platform, preserving the link equity you’ve built over time. Any missteps in redirecting URLs can lead to 404 errors, which can negatively impact your search engine visibility and user experience.

Another critical aspect is ensuring that your new platform supports all the SEO features you’ve been using, such as customisable URLs, meta tags, and schema markup. Some platforms have limited features, which can be a significant challenge for businesses anticipating growth. Failing to replicate these elements on your new ecommerce site can result in a loss of rankings and organic traffic.
It’s essential to conduct thorough testing before and after the migration to identify any issues that could affect your site’s performance. This includes checking for broken links, ensuring all pages are indexed correctly, and verifying that your site’s speed and mobile friendly responsiveness remain optimal.
​
Ultimately, changing ecommerce websites with a live website requires a strategic approach and, often, the expertise of SEO professionals to minimise risks and ensure a smooth transition. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully migrate your site without compromising your visibility and traffic.

Choosing the best ecommerce platform for SEO is crucial for your online business. The platform you select can significantly impact your search engine visibility and traffic. Focus on SEO features like customisable URLs, built-in SEO tools, and technical performance to ensure long-term success. Different ecommerce businesses have unique needs. A small boutique might thrive with Shopify's user-friendly interface, while a large enterprise could benefit from Adobe Commerce's extensive customisation. Assess each platform based on your current and future requirements. Ultimately, the best platform for SEO aligns with your business goals and marketing strategy. By selecting a platform that enhances optimisation through a comprehensive SEO strategy, you'll attract organic traffic and boost sales from your online store. Find out how much ecommerce SEO costs here.

SEO is about showing up in Google searches naturally, while PPC is when you pay to be seen at the top. Having a solid digital marketing strategy is like having a compass to navigate the seas of business success. At our SEO agency, we know firsthand that both search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising are the wind in your sails. Understanding the difference between search engine optimisation and pay per click advertising is key to steering your marketing investments in the right direction. Both SEO and PPC aim to boost your online visibility on Google results pages, attract potential customers, and drive traffic to your site, leading to those all-important conversions. But they each have their own unique way of getting you there. Let’s dive into each approach and see how they can work separately or together to boost your business’s success.

Ah SEO, our bread and butter! SEO is all about improving your website’s visibility in organic search results. It’s like planting seeds that grow into a lush garden of online presence. SEO focuses on enhancing your website’s relevance and authority, helping it climb the ranks when users search for terms related to your business. SEO also offers the opportunity for free traffic (kind of) and supports long-term growth, making it a crucial component of any marketing strategy.
A well-rounded SEO strategy includes:

1. Keyword research to discover what your potential customers are searching for
2. On-page optimisation, which involves creating compelling content, crafting meta descriptions, and making technical tweaks
3. Off-page SEO through link building and establishing your authority across the web

The beauty of SEO is in its ability to drive organic traffic by earning visibility, rather than paying for every click that comes to your site. It’s a long-term investment that compounds over time to build credibility and sustainable results.

Keyword Research
Keyword research is a cornerstone for SEO and Google ads marketing strategies. It involves identifying and selecting relevant search terms and phrases that align with your business’s presence online and target audience. By conducting thorough keyword research, you can uncover what your customers are searching for, allowing you to create content that meets their needs, matching search intent and driving organic traffic.

Using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush, businesses can identify relevant keywords, analyse search volumes, and determine keyword difficulty. This data helps in crafting a targeted SEO strategy that improves search rankings and attracts the right audience. In PPC marketing, keyword research is equally crucial, as it informs which search terms you should be bidding on and which to avoid, ensuring your ads reach new customers actively searching for your products or services.

By understanding the search volume and intent behind specific keywords, you can tailor your marketing strategies to address the needs and interests of your audience, ultimately driving more traffic and increasing conversions.

On-Page Optimisation
On-page optimisation is a vital aspect of SEO that focuses on enhancing your website’s content and structure to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This process involves optimising various elements of your web pages, including title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and the content itself, to make them more Google friendly.

Ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly, has a fast page speed, and is secure (HTTPS) are also critical components of on-page optimisation. These technical factors not only improve user experience but also contribute to better rankings. By strategically placing the best search terms in your content and meta descriptions, you can signal to Google what your page is about, increasing the likelihood of appearing in organic search results.

On-page optimisation is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and updates. By continuously refining your website’s content and technical aspects, you can maintain and improve your visibility in search engine results, driving more traffic and hopefully more conversions.

Off-Page SEO
Off-page SEO is all about building your website’s authority and reputation through efforts that happen outside your own site. Think of it as your website's social life, making friends with other reputable sites! This involves getting high-quality backlinks from these sites, which shows Google that your site is trustworthy and relevant. Key strategies include link building, social media marketing, and content marketing.

By earning backlinks from authoritative sites, you can boost your website’s credibility and improve its rankings. Off-page SEO helps search engines see your website as a valuable resource, deserving of higher placement in search results. This, in turn, drives more organic traffic to your site.
​
Off-page SEO is an ongoing journey that requires consistent attention and optimisation. SEO is not a set it and forget it service, by continuously building high-quality backlinks and engaging in content marketing, you can enhance your website’s online presence and authority, leading to better search engine rankings and increased conversions.

Now, let’s talk about PPC. While SEO is a slow-burner, PPC is like a turbo boost for your visibility. With pay-per-click advertising, you’re paying for prime real estate in search results or on other websites. Unlike SEO, which focuses on organic Google rankings, PPC buys you instant visibility through paid online advertisements and search ads.

PPC ads are great for getting immediate attention, while SEO takes time to show results, PPC campaigns can start driving traffic right away. Advertisers pay each time someone clicks on their ad, making it a performance-based model. The bidding process for keywords is a significant aspect of PPC, where increased competition can lead to rising costs per click. This intensified bidding process can strain advertisers' budgets, particularly for smaller businesses, necessitating careful strategic planning and effective keyword selection to maximise ad positioning within financial constraints. Google Ads, the most popular PPC platform, allows you to display ads on Google search results and partner websites. When users search for the best keywords, your ads can appear at the top or bottom of the results, marked as “Sponsored” or “Ad” to distinguish them from organic listings.

Beyond Google, PPC offers a smorgasbord of options, including social media advertising, display networks, re-marketing, shopping ads, and YouTube ads. Each platform lets you target new customers based on demographics, interests, and behaviours, providing a precision tool for reaching your audience.

Google Ads
Google Ads is a powerful paid advertising platform that allows businesses to create and display ads on Google search results pages and other websites. By leveraging Google Ads, you can drive targeted traffic to your website, increase conversions, and achieve your marketing goals.

Google Ads offers a variety of ad formats, including search ads, display ads, shopping ads, and video ads. These formats enable you to reach your target audience in different ways, whether they’re searching for specific products, browsing websites, or watching videos. The platform’s precise targeting options allow you to tailor your ads based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that your message reaches the right people.

One of the key advantages of Google Ads is its cost-effectiveness. Don't confuse this with meaning its cheap though as it can be very expensive, however you will only pay for ads that are clicked, making it easy to set budgets and estimate the amount of clicks you will receive. This ensures that your ad spend is directly tied to the results you achieve. By using Ads, you can increase brand awareness, drive sales, and achieve a strong return on investment.
​
Incorporating Google Ads into your digital marketing can provide immediate visibility and drive targeted traffic, complementing your long-term SEO efforts and helping you achieve your business objectives.

When comparing PPC and SEO, several important distinctions emerge:

Timeline and Results
SEO is a long-term plan that requires patience, typically taking 4-6 months to see significant results in organic Google rankings. Paid search, on the other hand, delivers immediate visibility and traffic as soon as campaigns launch. PPC and SEO require ongoing management, but with different pacing and expectations. Understanding the composition of search engine result pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords is crucial for making informed marketing decisions, as modern SERPs offer a variety of features beyond simple organic links.

Cost Structure
SEO involves investment in content creation, optimisation, and link building, building lasting assets that continue generating organic search traffic. Google ads requires ongoing payment for each click, with traffic stopping when advertising ends. Both approaches can be cost-effective when properly managed.

Trust and Credibility
Users often trust organic results more than paid advertisements. Many searchers skip past ads to reach organic listings, perceiving them as more credible. However, well-crafted search ads targeting relevant keywords can overcome this bias, particularly for commercial queries.

Control and Flexibility
With SEO, there’s no guarantee of specific rankings despite your best efforts. PPC offers precise control over ad placement through bid management and targeting options. Google ads campaigns can also be quickly adjusted or paused based on performance data.

Targeting Capabilities
​SEO primarily targets keywords related to your business, though content can be created for specific audience segments. PPC platforms offer extensive demographic and behavioral targeting beyond simply keywords, allowing precise audience selection. Accurately targeting keywords aligned with search intent is crucial for driving conversions and creating content that effectively meets the needs of searchers, depending on if users are seeking information or looking to make a purchase.

Organic visitors finding your website through unpaid search results typically demonstrates higher trust levels and engagement metrics. Once established, organic search traffic continues without per-visitor costs, making SEO valuable for long-term sustainability.

Paid traffic offers different advantages, including immediate visibility, precise targeting, and complete message control. New businesses, seasonal promotions, or product launches particularly benefit from Google ads ability to generate immediate results and increase website traffic.
​
Most successful businesses leverage both traffic sources. SEO provides sustainable, trusted website traffic across a wide range of terms, while PPC delivers immediate, precisely targeted visibility for high-priority commercial searches. Neither SEO nor PPC alone typically provides complete market coverage, if budgets allow you should use both!

Rather than viewing SEO and PPC as competing approaches, consider how they can work together in a comprehensive digital marketing plan:

1. Use Paid search for immediate visibility while building your SEO foundation
2. Test target keywords with Google Ads campaigns before investing in SEO content
3. Share keyword data between channels to improve overall performance
4. Retarget organic search visitors with paid ads to increase conversion rates
5. Create consistent messaging across both paid and organic channels

​
The most effective digital marketing strategies leverage SEO and PPC together, using each approach’s strengths to compensate for the other’s limitations. Additionally, aligning these strategies with your overall marketing budget allows for effective investment in both channels, optimising resources and enhancing coordination.

Whether traffic comes from organic search or paid search, landing pages play a crucial role in converting visitors. Optimising your content, including creating dedicated web pages for PPC campaigns aligned with specific ad messaging, improves relevance and quality scores. These pages should address the promise made in advertisements with clear calls-to-action.

Optimising these pages for relevant keywords supports both paid and organic clicks. Including target terms in strategic locations improves ranking potential while increasing quality scores for PPC accounts. Technical performance factors like page speed and mobile responsiveness impact SEO rankings and also PPC quality scores.
​
Well-optimised landing pages improve quality scores for PPC ads (lowering costs) while also supporting organic Google ranking goals. This dual benefit makes landing page optimisation valuable for comprehensive marketing strategies.

When planning your digital marketing approach, consider both immediate needs and long-term goals:
Short-term revenue needs might prioritise Google ads for quick results. Businesses facing immediate challenges can’t afford to wait months for SEO to deliver traffic.

Brand building often requires the credibility that comes with strong organic search rankings. Appearing prominently in organic results builds trust and establishes your business’s online presence as an authority.

Competitive industries may demand investments into SEO and Google ads working in tandem. When competitors invest heavily in both channels, limiting yourself creates visibility gaps in Googles results pages.
​
Budget constraints might suggest starting with one approach and gradually expanding. A phased long-term strategy might begin with PPC for quick wins, then shift more resources toward SEO as organic rankings improve.

Remember that digital marketing strategies should evolve as your business grows and market conditions change. An effective SEO campaign involves ongoing efforts such as on-page optimisation, link building, and content production, requiring significant time investment before seeing substantial results.

SEO and PPC require understanding your potential customers. Researching search queries and behaviours reveals insights about how people find businesses like yours. Identifying specific terms they use at different buying stages helps create relevant content and ads that suit them perfectly.
Understanding pain points and questions people ask online helps create compelling content and offers. By addressing specific needs, your website becomes more valuable to visitors and more likely to convert them into customers.

Mapping the decision-making process helps align marketing strategies with customer needs at each stage. Informational content supports early research phases, while comparison content and specific offers address later decision stages.
​
The more precisely you can align your SEO and PPC efforts with customer needs, the better your results will be. Customer understanding forms the foundation of effective digital marketing regardless of channel.

The ideal approach depends on several factors:
Business goals: Immediate sales might favour PPC, while building sustainable market position could emphasise SEO.

Budget availability: PPC requires ongoing ad spend scaling with traffic goals. SEO demands upfront investment with costs weighted toward implementation.

Industry competition: In highly competitive markets with expensive keywords, SEO may provide better long-term value. Less competitive niches might allow cost-effective PPC.

Sales cycle: Complex B2B sales processes often benefit from SEO’s credibility and educational content. Simple consumer purchases might see better results from direct PPC advertising.

Current website authority: Established sites can see SEO results more quickly than new ones. New businesses might rely more heavily on PPC while building organic visibility.
​
For most businesses, an approach that includes elements of both SEO and PPC delivers optimal results. The specific allocation should reflect your unique situation, goals, and resources. PPC campaign can be implemented rapidly, allowing businesses to reach potential customers who are ready to make a purchase in a short timeframe.

SEO and PPC represent complementary approaches to digital marketing. Search engine optimisation builds long-term organic visibility and credibility, while pay-per-click offers immediate exposure through paid ads. Rather than choosing between them, consider how SEO and PPC can work together to achieve your business objectives. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, you can develop comprehensive digital marketing strategies that maximise your online presence.

The most successful digital marketing programs integrate both strategies, using PPC for immediate visibility while building SEO for long-term sustainable organic clicks. With careful planning and consistent execution, both approaches can deliver significant returns and help your business thrive online through a combination of organic results and strategically placed paid advertisements. Got a local business? Heres 5 ways to boost local SEO!

How much does SEO cost for a small business? As the owner of an SEO agency I understand the importance of making SEO accessible to all businesses. The costs can vary wildly depending on things like your website’s size, industry competition, and specific business goals. For example if your a brand new business looking to target finance, gambling or medical industries you'll need a monthly budget of around £10,000 a month, yes thats not a typos, you'll need at least £10k pm! For smaller businesses SEO costs £200 to £2000 per month.

​n this article, I aim to break down these factors and help you understand how to budget for effective search engine optimisation without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide will provide insights into the various elements influencing costs. I'll explain how much SEO costs, different SE pricing models and how they align with your budget and business needs. Read this if you're considering monthly retainers, project-based services, or hourly rates, as this info will help you make informed decisions for your SEO investments. 

The size and complexity of a website is really going to determine the investment needed. Larger websites require more extensive optimisation work, leading to higher labour costs. Websites with numerous pages need more optimisation efforts, they may not be more complex but its just simply more work hours, which can significantly increase the overall SEO project expenses. For businesses, simpler website structures may result in lower costs, especially if localised efforts are sufficient, for example if you are a local service business with a 5 page website.
​
Outdated website structures may also require technical updates, which take time, and time is money. Regular SEO audits can help identify these issues early, allowing for more efficient optimisation efforts and better overall performance. A consultant or agency can effectively address both on page seo and technical SEO, enhancing website traffic and visibility.
​​

Industry Competitiveness
Industry competitiveness is another key factor influencing SEO pricing. In highly competitive markets, like the ones we mentioned previously a much more intensive and strategic SEO is required, which increases overall costs. New businesses in competitive industries often need to target highly competitive keywords, resulting in more intensive and costly SEO campaigns.
Businesses operating in industries with lower competition often find it more cost-effective to achieve higher search rankings. In these less competitive areas, companies can spend less on SEO while still seeing significant improvements in online visibility. This allows for a more streamlined approach, often involving basic keyword research, on-page, and just a small amount of link building. Businesses in these industries can focus on and seo strategy that builds a strong local presence targeting niche markets, resulting in sustainable business growth without the need for huge monthly marketing budgets.


SEO Goals and Objectives
The specific goals and objectives of a successful SEO campaign greatly influence the costs associated with search engine optimisation services. For instance, targeting local audiences typically requires a smaller investment compared to national or international reach, you need to think about who and where you are targeting. The unique needs and goals of a company are fundamental in tailoring an SEO strategy and determining the costs.


These objectives shape the comprehensive SEO strategy, whether you aim to improve search engine rankings, enhance online visibility, drive organic traffic, or optimise for organic search. Business owners should clearly define their goals to align SEO investments with their overall marketing strategy and budget. Its important to note that new websites can not target too many keywords or services until thy build up some trust with Google, website user signals over time will help with this. Engaging with experienced SEO providers can help in developing a successful campaign that meets these specific objectives as an SEO provider.

Different pricing models cater to various business needs and budget constraints. Common models include monthly retainer packages, project-based search engine optimisation services, and hourly rates.

Monthly Retainer PackagesMonthly retainer packages are popular among businesses aiming for consistent ongoing monthly seo work. These packages typically range from £200 to £2000 which is heavily influenced by the reputation and expertise of the SEO agency. For local SEO, the costs can be around £200 to £700 per month. This pricing model is favoured for its consistency, ease of budgeting, and forecasting.
Fully managed packages often include a range of services such as web design, technical SEO, content creation, and ongoing strategy adjustments. For small businesses, monthly retainer packages usually range from £500 to £3,000, providing a comprehensive approach without the need for constant renegotiations.

Project-Based SEO ServicesProject-based SEO services offer flexibility for people needing specific tasks completed. Costs for these services can start at about £500 for smaller companies and reach millions for larger enterprises. One-off SEO projects typically range from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the complexity and scope of the work. It allows businesses to tailor solutions to their unique needs at different cost levels. Project-based SEO services are ideal for businesses that require specific tasks completed on a one off basis, such as keyword research, on page optimisations, and technical SEO audits. Its difficult to complete building backlinks for a one off project and this should be continuous effort.

Hourly SEO RatesHourly SEO pricing are less common but can be suitable for specific tasks or consultations. The average hourly cost of SEO typically ranges from £30 to £100. This model is often chosen for its flexibility and is suited for businesses that need expert advice on particular issues, including much does seo prices. A downside of hourly rates is the challenge in budgeting due to unpredictable results. The hourly rate can vary based on the experience of the service provider and the specific needs of your project.

Hiring an in-house specialist instead of a freelance SEO provider generally starts at £35,000 annually per employee, now thats a lot of SEO work, this excludes additional costs for recruitment and training. Maintaining an in-house team requires ongoing training to keep pace with evolving SEO trends. High employee turnover in the SEO world can lead to additional hidden costs, such as recruitment and productivity losses. In-house SEO teams offer greater control and cultural alignment but may incur higher overall costs. Websites that have received minimal SEO optimisation typically face higher initial costs due to extensive required work.

Businesses that choose to outsource typically save around 30% on their costs compared to managing an in-house team. Small to mid-sized businesses often hire SEO professionals for their expertise, time management, and available resources. A good digital marketing agencies can provide valuable support to an in-house marketing team, including collaboration and potential training.
​
The advantages of hiring an SEO freelancer include lower overheads, proven experience, and good reviews from past clients, plus many work on a month to month basis with no long term commitments needed. Hiring SEO experts can result in a faster return on investment, allowing them to focus on growth.

Investments into SEO help businesses compete effectively for online traffic, essential for growth. A well-managed SEO project attracts qualified users effectively. It scales more efficiently than other marketing channels like pay-per-click (PPC). A long-term, ongoing strategy leads to lasting, sustainable growth and increases organic traffic.
​
Quality SEO professionals will use SEO tools to enhance brand visibility and credibility, as higher search rankings position businesses as authorities on topics. Digital marketing strategies can improve user experience by addressing site performance issues, leading to better engagement. Investing in experienced SEO can lead to a high return on investment (ROI).

It's surprising that only about half of businesses actually set aside a budget for SEO, considering how vital it is for marketing success. Crafting a well-thought-out SEO allowance is essential for long-term growth because it allows for steady improvements in areas like content, backlinks, and technical performance. It's crucial to balance spending across different aspects such as content creation, link building, and technical SEO to avoid overspending in one area at the expense of another. Smart SEO companies know the importance of allocating resources wisely to these key areas.

Keeping an eye on SEO performance and tweaking the budget accordingly can help maximize the return on investment. When planning your SEO budget, remember that quality trumps quantity. A flexible budget lets businesses adjust to changes in industry trends and search engine algorithms, ensuring they stay ahead of the game.

Opting for cheap SEO providers can lead to long-term detrimental effects, such as outdated strategies that harm your website’s performance. These providers often deliver generic strategies that ignore the unique needs of different businesses, leading to ineffective results. Using low price SEO services may result in poor-quality backlinks, which can incur search engine penalties and damage your online reputation due to unethical practices.

Recovering from penalties caused by low cost SEO practices can be lengthy and expensive, indicating the hidden costs of opting for cheaper services. Quality SEO services from experienced providers ensure a comprehensive strategy that aligns with your business goals and promotes sustainable growth.

SEO ROI refers to the tangible value a business gains from its SEO activities compared to the costs it incurs. To effectively calculate ROI, it's essential to track both the costs associated with SEO efforts and the value generated from these investments. This involves monitoring key metrics like organic traffic, conversions, and sales to assess overall performance.

In addition to these metrics, consider the increase in calls and enquiries the business receives as a result of improved online visibility. A higher number of enquiries often translates to more potential customers, thereby increasing the chances of making more sales and ultimately boosting revenue.
Selecting relevant keyword metrics that align with specific business goals is crucial for an accurate ROI calculation. However, attributing revenue directly to SEO campaigns can be complex due to the influence of multiple marketing channels on outcomes.
​
It's important to note that the time frame for measuring SEO returns can vary, often taking several months or even years to see significant results. Patience and consistent effort are key to achieving a successful SEO strategy that not only enhances visibility but also contributes to the business's bottom line by increasing calls, enquiries, and sales.

Grasping the ins and outs of average SEO costs and what influences them is vital for businesses looking to boost their online visibility. By diving into various pricing options, like monthly retainers, one-off projects, or hourly rates, businesses can find the best fit for their specific needs. Deciding whether to build an in-house team or work with agencies or freelancers is another crucial choice that affects your SEO spending. Putting money into top-notch services can lead to impressive growth, better brand recognition, and a solid return on your investment. By planning a smart SEO budget and steering clear of low-cost SEO traps, online businesses can pave the way for lasting online success. Got a new website, find out why its not showing up in Google here.

With tough competition from national brands and large companies, small businesses constantly strive to distinguish themselves from competitors. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) emerges as a promising tool in this endeavour. But is investing in SEO a wise choice for a small business? Let’s delve into the essence of SEO and examine its tangible benefits to ascertain if it’s a prudent investment.

SEO, is all about making your website more visible on search engine results pages (SERPs). For small businesses, this means being easily found by potential customers who are looking for your products or services online. SEO is crucial because it helps drive steady traffic and sales without the ongoing costs of paid ads. By keeping your website updated according to search engine guidelines, SEO ensures a continuous flow of new customers. With competition being so touch online, understanding and using SEO as part of your broader digital marketing strategies isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for staying in the game.

​We think the advantages of SEO for small businesses are worth the effort and investment for long term growth plans. Unlike paid advertising, which requires constant spending to maintain any kind of visibility, SEO is a long-term investment that keeps bringing in traffic and leads even after the initial setup. Firstly, it increases website traffic by attracting people who are actively searching for exactly what you offer, making them much more likely to get in touch and become customers. It also boosts brand awareness and credibility by addressing customer needs with helpful content, positioning your business as a trusted resource.

​SEO enhances user experience with faster load times, mobile-friendly design, and easy navigation—key elements that keep visitors engaged. Finally, it amplifies your digital marketing return on investment (ROI) by complementing efforts like social media or email campaigns, stretching your budget further.

​Every successful journey begins with a clear destination, and SEO is no exception. For small business owners, the first step is setting specific, measurable goals that are achievable within their budget. Want to increase website traffic by 20%? Boost conversions by 15%? Improve online visibility in your niche? Clearly defined objectives lay the groundwork for an effective SEO strategy, guiding your efforts and helping you actually measure success. Whether it’s driving sales or building a community online with customer loyalty, knowing what you’re aiming for ensures your SEO efforts are focused and strategic. This clarity not only helps in aligning your SEO activities with your business goals

​Think of keyword research as the heart of SEO. It's all about figuring out the right words and phrases your potential customers type into search engines when they're on the hunt for your products or services. By getting a handle on user intent, which is what they're really looking for, you can tailor your content around the most relevant keywords. This isn't a guessing game; tools like Google Keyword Planner, which is both free and easy to use, can help you pinpoint those high-impact keywords. When done right, keyword research ensures your website speaks the same language as your audience, making it simpler for them to discover you.

​In the world of SEO, content is king, but not just any content will do. Search engines are on the lookout for expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (EEAT) when ranking websites. High-quality, relevant content that embodies these traits, like in-depth guides or customer-centric blog posts tends to rank higher and connect with readers. View our SEO results page to see what SEO can do for small businesses. Naturally weave keywords into page URLs, titles, headers, alt text, and meta descriptions to signal relevance without overdoing it. Ultimately, crafting content that informs and engages is key to climbing the SERP ladder, having said this, content alone wont get you to the top of Google, you need technical, on-page optimisation and backlinks for a full SEO strategy.

​For small businesses with a local focus, a good local SEO strategy is a game-changer. A key part of local SEO is optimising your Google Business profile to ensure potential customers have accurate information. Google reports that 76% of people who search for something nearby on their smartphones visit a business within a day. Optimising for your target audience with local searches think Google Business Profile listings, local location keywords, and customer reviews boosts your visibility and credibility in your community. It's a powerful way to draw foot traffic and build a loyal customer base right in your neighbourhood.

SEO for small businesses isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it tactic! Search engine rankings shift as new content floods the internet, so monitoring performance is key. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console (both free) provide detailed reports on traffic, keyword rankings, and user behaviour. By tracking these metrics, and reading the data small businesses can tweak their strategy for refining content or fixing technical issues. Data-driven adjustments keep your efforts effective and aligned with your goals.

​SEO is a long-term play that demands consistent effort, but the payoff can be substantial. For smaller businesses, SEO results can take 6 to 12 months to materialise, so patience and long-term planning are essential. After this time the work starts to compound, amplifying your online presence, helping you reach your target audience where they’re already looking. This edge keeps you ahead of competitors and opens doors to new customers and opportunities. Over time, SEO improves marketing ROI, turning clicks into revenue and supporting sustainable business growth.

Not all SEO is created equal. Ethical, white hat practices like creating valuable content and earning legitimate backlinks, follow search engine rules and deliver lasting results. Avoid shortcuts like keyword stuffing, cloaking, or buying cheap backlinks; these black hat tactics risk penalties that can tank your rankings. Staying adaptable to algorithm changes is also crucial, SEO is a moving target, and flexibility ensures long-term success. Don't always go after the keyword with the highest search volumes, these are usually the hardest to rank for, we recommend starting with long tail keywords which can be easier to rank for and have higher buying intent, a win win!

​SEO is a cost-effective gem in a small business’s digital marketing toolkit. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to paid ads which as soon as your switch off you ca say goodbye to 100% of the traffic, and makes your business discoverable online while enhancing website usability. More clicks can translate to more customers both online and in a physical store boosting revenue and if you have your pricing set right...profitability. For small businesses willing to invest time and resources, SEO delivers compounding returns over time. Find out how much SEO costs small businesses.

Online competition is super tough, small businesses must stay ahead of the competition to succeed. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect of any digital marketing that can help small businesses gain a competitive edge. By optimising their website and online presence for search engines, small businesses can increase their online visibility and reach a wider audience.
​
A well-executed keyword strategy can help small businesses outrank their competitors and attract more organic traffic. Small business owners can use SEO tools like ahrefs to analyse their competitors’ strategies and identify areas for improvement. By building high-quality content and optimising their website for search engines, small businesses can establish themselves as authorities in their industry.

So, is SEO worth it? For small businesses, the answer is a resounding yes—but it’s not instant gratification. Success hinges on patience, consistency, and a realistic investment of time or money. You can find your target audience with a blend of SEO and PPC for a solid strategy, you'll get instant traffic and long term success. With a smart strategy, SEO drives long-term growth by connecting you with customers who need what you offer. Not sure where to start? A chat with an SEO expert can clarify if it’s the right fit for your business.

One of the most common questions in SEO is: “How many keywords should I use per page?” The answer isn’t about cramming as many as possible into your content, no, those days are over! Instead, keyword usage is all about strategy, relevance, and most of all balance. It's crucial to choose just one primary keyword to keep your focus clear on a single idea. Overusing primary keywords, or keywords in general, can confuse your content and hurt your rankings, but a thoughtful approach can significantly boost your visibility on search engines.
​
This guide breaks down what you need to know about keyword usage, keyword density, and how to optimise your content the right way to boost search engine optimisation.

What Are SEO Keywords?
SEO keywords are the words or phrases that people type into Google when looking for information, products, or services. They act as the bridge between what people are searching for and the content you create. Choosing the right keywords ensures your content pops up in search results when users are hunting for something specific. Effectively identifying and using primary keywords in your content is crucial for boosting SEO. 
​
There are two main types of keywords used in SEO strategies. The primary keyword is the central focus of your content — the main topic you want to rank for. Secondary keywords support the primary keyword by adding depth and addressing related topics that users might also be searching for. Incorporating relevant keywords within your content helps cover the topic in great details and attract targeted traffic to your website, ultimately leading to increased visibility and potential customer engagement.

Why Are Keywords Important for SEO?
​Relevant keywords are the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. They help Google understand your website's content, which aids in ranking your pages for relevant searches. Well-researched and carefully placed keywords improve your website’s visibility, bringing in more organic traffic and attracting the right audience.

​When your webpage aligns with the keywords your audience is searching for, you’re more likely to show up in search results. This not only drives traffic but also ensures your website is reaching people interested in your product, service, or information. Effective keyword usage is crucial for improving visibility on search engine results pages (SERPS)

How to Conduct Keyword Research
Effective keyword research begins with using user-friendly and valuable keyword research tools like Semrush (expensive) Keysearch (cheap) or Google Keyword Planner (free) Using a keyword research tool is crucial to effectively identify and select SEO keywords, they make things so much easier.

These tools help you identify keywords that have a good balance between search volume and competition. Ideally, you want keywords that enough people are searching for but aren’t overly competitive for the strength of your own website.

It’s important to think beyond just high-volume keywords. Incorporating long-tail keywords — longer, more specific phrases — can help you target niche audiences and capture more qualified traffic. These are often less competitive and better aligned with user intent, making them super valuable additions to your page.

​Creating a Keyword Strategy for High Search Volume
When creating your content strategy, aim to include a mix of primary and secondary keywords. While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule, many SEO experts recommend targeting at least three to five keywords per page. Depending on the topic and depth of your content, you might naturally use more.

However, as with most areas of SEO, keyword selection should focus on quality over quantity. It’s more effective to use a few highly relevant and well-researched keywords than to overload your content with too many loosely related terms. Your ultimate goal should be to optimise for keywords that align with user intent and deliver value.

What is Keyword Density?
This refers to how often your target keyword appears in your content relative to the total word count. So if your asking "how many keywords should i use for SEO?" The ideal density hovers around 0.5%. That means you should aim to use your primary keyword once or twice for every 500 to 1,000 words of content at most.

While it’s helpful to be mindful of keyword density, obsessing over it can backfire. The best approach is to write naturally and incorporate your primary keyword and semantic SEO keywords in a way that flows well. You should also use variations and related terms to strengthen your content without making it repetitive.

What is Keyword Stuffing and Why Is It Bad?
​Keyword stuffing is the practice of forcing a keyword into your content too many times in an attempt to manipulate search rankings. This keyword stuff can negatively impact your website SEO, creating a poor reading experience and potentially resulting in penalties from Google, keyword stuffing used to shoot websites to the top of search results but its just not the way to write content anymore!
​
Instead of overloading your content with keywords, focus on creating informative, valuable content that naturally incorporates your target terms. A balanced approach signals to Google that your content is relevant and high quality, which ultimately benefits your rankings....avoid keyword stuffing!

How to Use Primary and Secondary Keywords Effectively
For the best results, use your seed keyword, also called a 'primary keyword' in key areas like the page title, meta title and description, and H1/H2headings. These are strong signals to Google about your content’s main topic. Understanding search intent is crucial as it helps align your content with the perfect user needs, enhancing the likelihood of satisfying informational queries and improving rankings. Your secondary keywords should be woven naturally into the body of the content, helping you cover related ideas and capture additional search queries, Google likes in depth content.

Contextual relevance is far more important than keyword count. Avoid forcing keywords where they don’t belong. Instead, focus on addressing user questions and providing comprehensive information around your topic, Google is getting super smart and can understand content even without keywords but you should still use them to guide it!
​
Benefits of Using Fewer SEO Keywords for Better Semantic Richness
Interestingly, using fewer keywords can actually improve your SEO optimised content’s performance. Focusing on one to three core keywords allows you to create more targeted, cohesive content. This makes it easier to optimise and track performance.

writing with fewer specific keywords encourages semantic richness, incorporating a range of related terms and phrases that naturally support your main topic. Search engines reward this kind of semantic content because it demonstrates depth, relevance, and a better understanding of what users want.

I would say around 7 keyword would be perfect....... i'm joking of course! Deciding how many keywords to use per page depends on many factors, it comes down to finding the right balance for your webpage. SEO keywords are essential for generating website traffic on Google and other search engines. A good rule of thumb is to focus on one primary keyword for the main topic of the page and support it with five to nine secondary keywords that cover related subtopics or variations. You can use tools like Surfer SEO to help boost relevance and semantic keywords.

Yes, you can definitely rank without focusing on specific keywords if you concentrate on crafting high-quality, valuable content that meets your audience's needs. However, it may be tricky, by using targeted keywords you will accelerate the process and boost your chances of ranking for the terms your audience is searching for.

Today’s search engines are smarter and prioritise content that genuinely delivers value. If your content effectively answers user questions and provides helpful information, it can perform well, even if it’s not strictly optimised around a single keyword.

A common mistake with keywords is trying to target too many keywords at once. Overloading your content with keywords, especially unrelated keywords, can make it feel awkward and may lead to penalties from search engines for keywords stuffing. We used the word 'keywords' wayyyyy to many times there as an example of what not to do.

This not only affects your rankings but also provides a poor experience for your readers. The key is to keep a balanced approach. Focus on the quality of your content rather than the quantity of target words, and always write with your audience in mind.

Typically, you should aim to target a specific word or key phrase, particularly when crafting blog articles or product pages. However, there are exceptions. For example, your homepage might have multiple purposes and audiences, making it challenging to optimise for just one keyword, its still advisable to try though!

​Another good practice is optimising your images by including keywords in the alt tags. This not only assists visually impaired users but also helps search engines understand what the image and your page is about. Tools like RankMath can simplify this process without overstuffing.

There’s no strict rule on the number of keywords you should use per page, but starting with one primary keyword and five to nine secondary keywords is a solid strategy. Use variations naturally, weave keywords into your headings, meta descriptions, and image alt tags, and always prioritise the quality of your content over the sheer number of keywords.
​
Remember, the goal isn’t just to please an algorithm but to create content that truly benefits your audience. Regularly check your performance in Google Search Console and adjust your keyword strategy as needed. SEO is all about balance — focusing on what your readers need while helping search engines understand your content.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support a local business you trust, one of the most impactful things you can do is write a Google review. It’s simple, free, and can help businesses stand out in Google search results and on Google Maps. Reviews don’t just build credibility — they’re also a powerful factor for local SEO and online visibility. In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a Google review, explain why it matters, and share tips to make your review even more helpful.

For any business investing in SEO, Google reviews play a huge role in improving visibility on both Maps and Google search. Here’s why:

• Boosts Local Rankings: Positive Google reviews are a ranking factor in Google’s local algorithm. The more positive and authentic customer feedback a business has, the more likely it is to appear in the Google app for Maps or the top local search results, thereby improving online visibility.
• Builds Trust and Social Proof: Online reviews help potential customers decide if a local restaurant or business is worth choosing.
• Increases Click-Through Rate (CTR): A strong star rating and visible positive reviews make search listings more attractive.
• Generates Fresh Content: Regular customer feedback keeps your Google Business Profile active and relevant.

If you’re working to increase more Google reviews for your business, remember: every review counts toward improving your local SEO and building trust. If you were looking for a restaurant in cornwall you might be tempted by mackerel sky seafood bars 2100 reviews at 4.8stars.

Creating a Google Review account is a straightforward process that allows you to leave reviews for businesses on Google. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Sign In to Google: Open the Google Maps app or go to the Google Maps website and sign in with your Google account.
   
2. Create a Google Account: If you don’t have a Google account, click on the “Create account” button.
   
3. Fill Out Your Information: Enter the required details, including your name, email address, and password.
   
4. Verify Your Account: Check your email for a verification code and enter it to verify your account.
   
5. Start Leaving Reviews: Once your account is verified, you can start leaving reviews for businesses on Google.
   

Having a Google Review account not only allows you to share your experiences and help others make informed decisions, but it also provides valuable feedback to businesses, helping them improve their services. Plus, it’s a great way to support your favourite local restaurant or businesses by contributing to their online reputation.

Step 1: Sign In to Google. Open your Google Maps app or go to Google.com and sign in to your Google account.
Step 2: Search for the Business. Use Google search or the Google Maps app search feature to find the Google Business Profile of the company you want to review.
Step 3: Click “Write a Review”On the profile, scroll to the “Reviews” section and click “Write a Review”.
Step 4: Rate and Share Your Experience

• Give a 5 star rating or what ever your feel is fair (1-5 stars)
• Write your feedback, mentioning the service or product you received
• Be specific — mention both positive reviews or bad reviews if needed
• (Optional) Add a photo to enhance your review
• Obtaining a Google business review from vendors and partners can build credibility and encourage feedback.

Step 5: Post Your Review. Click Post to share your review publicly.

A Business Profile is a crucial tool for businesses to manage their online presence and reputation. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Verify Your Business Information: A GBP allows you to verify your business details, such as your name, address, and phone number. This ensures that your business is accurately listed on Google, making it easier for customers to find you.
2. Respond to Customer Reviews: Engaging with review feedback is essential for building trust. A GBP lets you respond to both good and bad reviews, showing that you value your customers’ opinions and are committed to improving their experience.
3. Provide Business Updates: Keep your customers informed about new products, services, and promotions by updating your GBP. Regular updates keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to offer.
4. Manage Your Reputation Online: By actively managing your GBP, you can address negative reviews and highlight positive customer experiences. This helps build a strong, credible online reputation.
5. Increase Visibility: A well-maintained GBP enhances your visibility on Google, driving more traffic to your website and attracting new customers.

Overall, a Google Profile is an essential tool for any business looking to improve its online presence. It helps you verify your information, engage with customers, provide updates, manage your reputation, and increase your visibility on Google.

How Business Owners Can Encourage More Google Reviews
As a business owner, you should actively encourage customers to leave Google reviews. You can make the process easy by sharing a direct review link, QR code or guiding them to your Google Profile. You could also integrate a Google reviews widget into your website can showcase your business's Google reviews, enhancing your online reputation. TIP:You can generate a link using tools like the Google Review Link Generator.

How to Write a Google Review for a Company on Mobile?
Writing a Google review on a mobile device is straightforward. Simply open the Google Maps app, search for the business, and scroll down to the reviews section. Tap on “Write a Review”, rate the business, and share your experience. This is an easy way to contribute to a business’s online reputation while on the go.

Receiving a negative review can have significant implications for a business. It's important to manage such reviews by addressing the feedback constructively or seeking removal if the review violates guidelines to protect the business's reputation.

Can You Write a Google Review Without Having an Account?
Unfortunately, to leave Google reviews, you must have a Google account. This requirement helps maintain the authenticity and reliability of the reviews posted, ensuring that they are genuine reflections of customer experiences.

How to Delete a Google Review?
If you've posted a review and wish to delete it, you can easily do so by following these steps:

1. Sign In to Your Google Account: Ensure you're logged into the Google account you used to write the review.
2. Access Google Maps: Open the Google Maps application or go to Google Maps on your desktop.
3. Find Your Reviews: Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Your contributions" followed by "Reviews."
4. Locate the Review: Scroll through your reviews to find the one you want to delete.
5. Delete the Review: Click on the three dots next to the review and select "Delete review." Confirm your choice to remove it.

By following these steps, you can manage your online presence and ensure your reviews reflect your current opinions and experiences.

Online reviews directly impact your local company or business visibility on Google Maps and in Google search. They influence buying decisions, improve your search rankings, and help build long-term trust. A positive review can significantly enhance a business's online reputation and attract new customers. Whether you’re trying to get more Google reviews or simply learning how to write your first Google review, remember every review strengthens a business’s online presence. If you need help optimising your Google Profile for more online reviews or crafting a review strategy to boost your customer feedback, our SEO team is here to help you grow your visibility and reach. Check out these tips on how to optimise your GBP.

What if a single tweak to your e-commerce website could dramatically boost your search engine rankings? In this article, we’ve gathered insights from top SEO managers and consultants who share their most impactful optimisation tactics. With seven expert tips ahead, you’re just steps away from unlocking game-changing strategies for your store. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come:

• Create Informative Category Pages
• Use Structured Data Markup
• Redirect Removed Product Pages
• Enhance Category Page Content
• Optimise Internal Linking Structure
• Move Keywords to Transactional Pages
• Audit and Remove Low-Performing Blog Posts (Yes this works for ecom too!)

One effective optimisation tactic I've used for an e-commerce website is implementing category page content optimisation. Often, category pages are thin on content, but they're essential for ranking in competitive product niches. For an online store selling outdoor gear, I focused on adding rich, keyword-optimised content to each category page.

Instead of just listing products, I added a concise yet engaging intro, product highlights, buying guides, and even FAQ sections that answered common customer questions. For example, on a "Camping Tents" category page, we included a section about the different types of tents, material choices, and tips for picking the right size. This content served two purposes: it helped users make informed decisions and provide search engines with keyword-relevant information.

The results were noticeable within a few months. Organic traffic to the category pages increased, bounce rates dropped, and several pages climbed into the top 5 search positions for key terms like "best camping tents" and "waterproof tents for camping." This strategy of optimizing content on high-impact pages can make a significant difference in search rankings and user engagement.

Hicham Badri, Blogger, SEO Expert

​

Incorporating these 7 proven strategies into your ecommerce SEO strategy can be the game-changer your business needs to dominate search engine rankings. From expanding category pages with high-intent keywords to auditing underperforming content, these tactics are proven to drive organic traffic, improve user experience, and ultimately boost sales. SEO is an ongoing process, but with these actionable insights from industry experts, you’re equipped to make meaningful changes that yield measurable results. Start implementing these tips today and watch your ecommerce store rise above the competition! Head back to out blog home for more SEO tips!

Its important to use your main keywords in the correct places, don't use too many keywords, this shows Google what the page is about. Including keywords in meta descriptions can make search snippets more appealing to users, which can boost click-through rate (CTR). For example you should have them here:
URL
H1
H2
Meta title & description
Early within the first paragraph
Within the content (naturally!)

Dean Founder Smart SEO Cornwall

A lesser-known SEO mistake web designers often make when building new websites is overlooking URL structure and hierarchy. In the pursuit of creating visually appealing and functional sites, designers sometimes neglect the impact that a well-organized URL system has on search engine optimization and user experience.

When URLs follow a clear, logical hierarchy, search engines can better understand the content and structure of the site, which directly influences how effectively pages are indexed and ranked. However, designers occasionally create URLs that are overly complex, filled with random characters, numbers, or long strings of text that do not convey meaningful information about the page's content. This lack of clarity can confuse both search engines and users, making it harder for pages to be discovered and remembered.

Clean URLs that incorporate relevant keywords signal the page's topic, improving both search visibility and user navigation. A straightforward URL structure enhances the user's experience by making it easier to navigate and understand the site's content, which can also increase click-through rates. On the other hand, a cluttered or unclear URL structure can deter users and negatively impact a site's search ranking.

To avoid this pitfall, designers should develop a well-thought-out URL structure from the outset, one that reflects the overall content hierarchy. The organization should be logical, often aligning with the website's main navigation. Additionally, it's important to format URLs consistently by using separators and avoiding special characters, as certain formats are more SEO-friendly than others.

Maintaining consistency in URL formatting is another crucial factor. Designers should establish rules around case usage and punctuation to keep URLs clean and easy to understand. Adopting these practices during the design phase helps search engines crawl and index pages more efficiently while enhancing the user experience—both essential components of strong SEO.

By focusing on URL structure early in the design process, web designers can build a solid foundation for SEO, steering clear of this commonly overlooked mistake.

David Springer, Creative Director, Springer Studios



Thank you to all of our SEO experts for their great tips and helpful advice, check out our latest article on if Pagespeed Insights matter in most competitive industries

​An H1 header is the primary title of a website. It usually appears at the top, immediately catching the eye of those visiting your site, providing a straightforward indication of the page's content. Within the HTML framework of a website, it is represented as follows: <h1>Your Primary Title Here</h1>.

The significance of the H1 header extends beyond just your human visitors. Google and other search engines also depend on it to understand the structure and objective of the webpage. Consider the H1 header as a prominent signal to both viewers and search engines, "This is the essence of what this page is about!"

To find out if your webpage is using a H1 tag simply right click and inspect the webpage, this feature allows users to view and edit a website's source code, including its HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and media files.

Then press 'command + F' followed by <h1........ this will show you if your main title is using a H1 tag, if it doesn't show up its probably labelled as h2. Type <h2 into the search bar to view all of your H2 headers.

An effective H1 heading should include your primary keyword, succinctly outline the page's subject matter, and match the goals of the user. It's important to keep it brief, preferably no more than 60 characters, to guarantee it's easy to read and impactful. The heading should captivate the reader, offering a quick grasp of the page's subject without inundating it with keywords. Every page's H1 heading should stand out to assist search engines in recognising the content and improve the user's experience with a clear and persuasive heading. For example the image below shows an exact match title tag for the keyword 'mens running shoes'.

Its possible that without an H1 title tag, search engines might find it difficult to comprehend the primary subject of your webpage, resulting in a drop in its position. This can negatively affect the experience for users, as they depend on the H1 to quickly comprehend the content, which might lead to a higher rate of visitors leaving the site. The absence of an H1 tag means you're missing a crucial SEO chance to incorporate pertinent keywords that could enhance the visibility of your page.

​The H1 tag might look like a tiny thing, but it really matters for both search engine rankings and how users feel about your site. If you make a simple, detailed H1 tag, you can get your site up there in search results, get more people interested, and make your stuff easier to find for everyone. So, if you want to make your site better, don't forget about this key part of web design.