Three-Month SEO Progress Report from a Non-Expert: A Practical Journey for Small Business Owners
Embarking on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as a small business owner can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially without formal training. However, consistent effort and community support can make a significant difference. In this blog post, I want to share a personal, non-expert’s experience of implementing SEO strategies over the past three months for my Boston-based video production company. My goal is to provide practical insights and encouragement for fellow small business owners looking to improve their online visibility.
Background and Initial Steps
Approximately 16 months ago, I decided to take SEO seriously, recognizing its potential to attract more clients through organic search. My approach has been rooted in steady, ongoing activities rather than quick fixes. Here are some foundational practices I started with:
- Content Creation: Writing blog posts designed to attract attention on Google, especially targeting topics related to our services and gear reviews that drive considerable traffic.
- Service Pages: Developing dedicated pages for each service we offer to improve relevance and search ranking.
- Data Analysis: Leveraging Google Search Console and GA4 to understand which efforts drive traffic, clicks, and engagement.
- Technical Optimization: Making necessary technical adjustments within our website platform (Squarespace) and enhancing structured data to facilitate better search results.
- Structured Data & Schema: Learning to insert schema markup using ChatGPT-generated code tested through Google Rich Results tools to improve how our pages appear in search.
- Internal Linking: Strengthening our site’s architecture with strategic linking to distribute authority and improve navigation.
- Customer Engagement: Actively encouraging clients to leave Google reviews, boosting our local SEO presence.
- Networking & Backlinks: Reaching out to other video production companies nationwide for collaboration opportunities, often involving reciprocal blog exchanges for backlinks—though I admit this is an area I’m still learning.
- Local Profile Updates: Regularly updating our Google Business Profile with fresh posts and images to maintain local relevance.
Notable Results Achieved
Since implementing these measures, I’ve observed meaningful growth, especially around May. Here are some key highlights:
- Increased Visibility: Our rankings for target keywords like “video production in Boston” have moved from around 90th position to consistently ranking between 4th and 7th on Google.
- Higher Click-Through Rates: An adjusted homepage title played a role in attracting more clicks. Previously, it simply listed our location and services; now, it emphasizes engagement and results, resonating more with searchers.
- Traffic and Gigs: While impressions are important, the real measure for me has been the uptick in inquiries and booked projects originating through organic search.
Strategies That Made a Difference
Reflecting on what has worked best, I believe these factors have contributed to our progress:
- Content that Resonates and Builds Authority:Writing targeted blog posts, especially those that gain significant traffic, helps establish authority—even if they aren’t direct leads.
- Implementing Schema Markup: Applying schema across all pages and new blog posts enhances search result appearance, potentially increasing CTR.
- Consistency: Committing to regular updates, whether posting new blogs or updating profiles, keeps our digital presence fresh.
- Refined Messaging: Updating the homepage title to better reflect our value proposition has helped improve user engagement.
Challenges and Future Focus
Despite the positive momentum, I’ve noticed some fluctuations in rankings for certain keywords. Maintaining and improving our position remains a work in progress. I aim to enhance our backlink profile—admittedly a weaker area—and continue experimenting with SEO techniques.
Final Thoughts
While I started with limited expertise, the collaborative nature of this community and ongoing learning have made SEO feel more attainable and less intimidating. My advice to fellow small business owners is to start with consistent, small-scale activities, focus on creating valuable content, and stay curious about what works best for your niche.
Thank you all for the support and inspiration throughout this journey. I look forward to sharing further updates as I continue refining our SEO strategy!
About the Author:
A passionate Boston-based video production company owner dedicated to growing visibility through accessible and practical SEO efforts. This journey is a testament to the power of persistence and community support in digital marketing.
