SEO Insights for Small Business Owners: My Journey and Questions

As the proud owner of a small business, I’ve recently embarked on the journey to enhance my website’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO). After experiencing frustrating results with two previous SEO firms, both of which led to a significant decline in my search rankings, I made the decision to take control of my SEO efforts six months ago. I’m thrilled to report that my rankings have shown a steady upward trend during this time.

Seeking Guidance on Key SEO Strategies

As I navigate this learning curve, I have a few pressing questions that I hope may shed light on my understanding of SEO. Please feel free to provide straightforward feedback—your honesty is appreciated!

1. Optimizing Click-Through Rates (CTR)

Currently, my top keywords average a position of 3.02, a significant improvement from my previous range of 8-12. Using Google Search Console, I discovered that these keywords generated 7,214 impressions, but my average CTR stands at just 1.2%. This seems rather low. What strategies can I implement to boost my search CTR? For context, I am not utilizing Google Ads at this moment.

2. Creating Engaging “How-To” Articles

I am in the process of developing informative “How-To” articles related to the various services I offer. However, I have concerns about keyword stuffing. How can I effectively describe my services in depth while maintaining SEO best practices? Will providing detailed descriptions significantly influence my search rankings and CTR?

3. Improving Local SERP Rankings

Utilizing SEMRush, I’ve noted that my search engine ranking position (SERP) is underwhelming in regions that are farther from my shop. What approaches can I take to enhance my rankings within the same city, particularly in areas that are about 30 minutes away?

4. Enhancing Loading Performance

I recently tackled my website’s largest content paint (LCP) score, which was fluctuating between 50-65. I’ve redesigned my hero section and am now pleased to report an LCP score of 99 for both mobile and desktop. Will this significant improvement positively impact my overall SEO ranking?

Wrapping Up

I appreciate your time and insights as I continue to navigate the world of SEO for my business. Your expertise could make a considerable difference, and I look forward to learning more as I refine my approach. Thank you!