Understanding 'SEO Ready' and Beyond

One of the most frequent questions we receive is whether our websites ‘come with SEO’. This enquiry stems from recognising the importance of SEO, yet often lacking a clear understanding of how it functions.

At RBC Marketing, we describe our sites as 'SEO Ready,' meaning that the pages and images are optimised for search engines, the content is keyword-optimised (if we have created it for you), and we submit the site to Google. However, it is essential to understand that while this initial setup provides a solid foundation, achieving high rankings on search engines like Google requires more than just being "SEO Ready". It demands ongoing effort and optimisation to maintain and improve your site's performance.

In this post, we'll delve into the distinction between being 'SEO Ready' and the regular updates required needed to keep your website performing well in search engine results.

What Does 'SEO Ready' Mean?

An "SEO Ready" website is designed to be friendly to search engines, incorporating fundamental elements such as:

Clean URL Structure: Logical and understandable URLs that include relevant keywords.

Sitemaps: A roadmap for search engines to navigate and index your site's content.

Responsive Design: Ensures the site is accessible and user-friendly across various devices, particularly mobile.

Meta Tags: Title tags and meta descriptions provide search engines with information about your content.

Keyword Optimisation: Strategically using keywords in content, URLs, and meta tags to enhance visibility.

However, being "SEO Ready" does not guarantee high rankings. It merely lays the groundwork for search engines to crawl and index your site effectively.

Beyond 'SEO Ready': Ongoing SEO Efforts

Achieving and maintaining high search engine rankings requires continuous optimisation and maintenance. This includes:

Content Updates: Regularly reviewing and updating content to ensure it remains relevant and aligns with current search intent.

Backlink Building: Establishing high-quality backlinks from reputable sites to improve your site's authority.

Performance Monitoring: Regularly tracking your website's performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to identify areas for improvement.

Mobile Optimisation: Ensuring your site performs well on mobile devices, as this is a key ranking factor.

Practical Examples for Construction Businesses

Optimise Your Service Pages

Ensure each service page, such as bathroom installations, kitchen design, loft conversions etc. has unique, keyword-optimised content and meta tags.

Use Local SEO

If you serve a specific geographic area, optimise your site for local SEO by including location-specific keywords and claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile.

Regular Blog Posts

Publish regular blog posts discussing industry trends, tips, or news to keep your content fresh and relevant.

Case Studies and Testimonials

Regularly add case studies about projects you have recently completed. And make sure to add a quote from the customer on each one.

Take Action

To move beyond being 'SEO Ready' and improve your website's performance:

• Conduct an SEO Audit: Identify areas for improvement in your current setup.

• Develop a Content Strategy: Plan regular content updates and blog posts.

• Engage in SEO Maintenance: Regularly monitor your site's performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Up Next: The Case for an 'About Us' Page

In our next post, 'The Case for an About Us Page: Weighing the Pros and Cons,' we will delve into the pros and cons of including an 'About Us' page on your website. We'll explore how this page can enhance your business's credibility and customer engagement, while also discussing potential drawbacks. Additionally, we'll provide practical tips on creating a compelling 'About Us' page that resonates with your audience.

Found This Useful?

I hope you've found this post on understanding 'SEO Ready' and beyond helpful. If you would like to discuss how to enhance your website's SEO performance, please email me. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn. If you would like to talk about your construction company's digital marketing strategy, feel free to reach out as well.

About the Author

John Wright started his career in the construction industry at Kennedy Builders Merchants in the 1980s. This marked the beginning of a 35-year journey in sales, marketing, and business development in construction.

In 2016, John transitioned into digital marketing as an it'seeze web design franchisee, before founding RBC Marketing in 2022. Today, he uses his strong knowledge of the construction industry along with marketing skills. He helps construction companies create a strong online presence and drives business growth through both digital and traditional marketing strategies.