Websites are only of use of people can find them! Search engines like Google take keywords people enter, and use algorithms (software) to display relevant website results. The search engine's aim is to deliver the user the best match to what it is they are looking for.

Google has exceled at delivering relevant results and is thus used so often that it has become part of the everyday vernacular: the verb "to Google." The name is synonymous with the very act of searching online.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of making your site not only more appealing to human visitors "Googling," but also making it more Google-friendly.

SEO can boost your site's ranking on search engine results, attracting more visitors looking for the products and services you offer. This is especially important for small business wanting to attract local leads.

If your site is listed at the top for relevant search words, it's going to get more clicks from quality sales leads. And that means more business coming in. SEO is a great way to invest in your business's visibility. It's inbound marketing as opposed to outbound marketing, like putting out ads. Inbound marketing forms connections with people, presenting solutions to the problems they face - such as needing the very services your business offers.

There are two types of SEO we do: on-page optimization, and off-page optimization.

On-page SEO refers to optimization work we do on YOUR site. We research how your competitors are ranking, and the keywords people are actually using to search for the products and services you offer. We then tailor the content on your site, and we produce new content that targets those keywords. So when people are Googling, they are more likely to find your site.

Since more people are searching on smartphones now, and Google is prioritizing mobile-friendly sites when they do the rankings, we make sure the site is optimized for mobile users. That means it's designed for faster load times for example. We also make sure elements like your photos are all labelled properly, and your titles and page descriptions are set the best way possible, for example.

One of the best ways to improve on-site SEO is to produce authoritative content. We build out new pages, whether it be for your services in more detail, answering Frequently Asked Questions search engine users have, or blogging based on target buyer intent keywords we have researched. We do these content updates regularly and keep them fresh and relevant for both humans and Google bots.

Off-page SEO refers to the optimization work we do to increase trust of your site elsewhere on the internet. This means linking it to other authoritative sites. Great content will also result in other sites wanting to link to yours.

When it comes to small business that offers local services, in addition to optimized websites, we also provide optimized lead generation sites and Google My Business properties.

SEO is an ongoing process - a lot of work during and after the website build, and then continually.

There are many ranking factors, so we use tools and we measure and track the progress that matters - a boost in site visits, and conversion rates like increased contact from leads like phone calls and form submissions from the site, for example.

HOW EXCELSIOR CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

• We'll build you a fast, secure website that adapts to the type of device each visitor uses, and how they use the device, such as on-the-go mobile searchers vs. those at home on the computer or tablet. You can have full control of the site and do your own updates, or we can manage it all so you can focus on running your business.

• We'll optimize your site so it ranks better on search engines, especially for local search. We research your competitors and the keywords people are using to find the products and services your business offers. We design and implement a strategic plan accordingly.

• We create special lead generation sites and landing pages that are small business service niche-focused. These online lead gen properties are designed to inform and offer value for potential local customers; they increase conversion rates (contact from sales leads) for ad clicks and local search results.

• We'll analyze your business needs and competitive environment, providing tailored solutions beyond a site that get you noticed. We produce fresh, relevant social media and blog/article content that are niche relevant and keyword optimized. We also produce ads that will connect with potential customers wherever they are actively online - especially on Google and social media.

• We'll deliver value and results, for both your business and your customers. For example, we provide special call and form tracking for faster response to sales inquiries like service quote requests. We manage and measure sales lead conversion rates, and map out keyword ranking for Google My Business locations. That way, we'll analyze what is working, and we'll keep you apprised. You can see progress on these relevant metrics and make informed decisions as you increase revenue and grow and scale your business.