Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is not a new phenomenon in the digital world, but it is one often neglected by businesses.

Your website should be more than just a dump of basic information, such as your phone number and price list. It is usually the first contact a new customer will have with your brand. Whether it’s someone searching for a new hairdresser in the area, looking for a good restaurant while on holiday or hunting for a sports club for their son or daughter, it’s important to drive traffic to your website and create a positive, professional image.

SEO is key to supporting your business and now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, effective use of SEO can help even further.

1) Consumers’ purchasing habits are changing

On average, it is believed to take just 66 days to form a new habit. With most of the nation having been inside, working from home and unable to continue with their normal routines since March, we are seeing habits change. Whether that’s shopping online, searching for different sources of information, or making use of remote technology to learn a skill, connect with people, or even virtually visit a museum, we’re all doing things a little differently. This could be your opportunity to engage new customers and create brand awareness with a new audience, and ensuring your website content is optimised will help provide a great user experience and positive image.

2) Opportunity to build a lasting legacy

Amidst a crisis, there are many opportunities to change perceptions or make new people aware of your brand, creating both trust and brand loyalty. By providing informative, helpful content, which is relevant to your audience at this time, your business has the chance to build a lasting legacy, with search engine rankings serving you well into the future.

3) Improve your website’s user experience

Most businesses with a digital marketing strategy will understand the importance of user experience (UX). Fortunately, by following best SEO practices, your UX will naturally be enhanced as well. If your website is mobile responsive, easy to navigate, with optimised content led by keywords relevant to your market, you’re already providing positive user experience. Take the time now to correct any broken links, add internal links where possible, tag content and include clear calls to action to really boost your results. If you’re unsure of how best to optimise your content, enlist the support of a web development agency.