SEO can feel like a Herculean task for small business owners.

Between algorithm updates and ever-changing best practices, staying ahead can seem impossible. Social media trends come and go, and paid ads can quickly drain your budget, but SEO? It’s the foundation you can build on for lasting success.

In this post, we’ll explore actionable SEO strategies with Laura Jawad, an SEO expert for female founders, that you can implement right away. We will cover the fundamental steps to audit your website, create a robust content strategy, and harness the power of PR to boost your online presence.

Foundation First: The Quick SEO Audit

Reframing SEO

Many see SEO as a complex, technical hurdle. Instead, think of it as a tool to connect with people searching for what you offer. This “people-first” approach simplifies the process. It’s about making changes to your website and creating content that is appealing and helpful for your audience.

Running a Quick Audit

Start with a quick audit of your site. Ubersuggest is a tool that can provide a solid overview of your website’s SEO health. They offer both free and premium options. Pay attention to the low-hanging fruit it identifies to see where you can start.

Here’s what to focus on in your audit:

• Broken Links: Broken links frustrate users and signal neglect to search engines. Routinely check and fix these issues to ensure a smooth user experience.
• SEO Titles: Each page should have a unique and descriptive SEO title. This is the blue link that appears in search results, so make it count.
• Site Speed: Google prioritizes fast-loading websites. Aim for a mobile loading speed of between 2.5 and 3 seconds.
• Image Optimization: Large image files can significantly slow down your site. Compress your images to under 100kb. Ensure all text is native in the HTML of the site, not embedded in images.

Content is King: Planning a Long-Form Content Strategy for 2025

Why Content Planning Matters

Consistent and strategic content helps build your authority in specific areas. This is far more effective than posting random, unrelated topics. As host Bryce reminds us, a successful content strategy builds a relationship between your brand and your customers, resulting in increased loyalty. Read more about how to create a successful content marketing strategy.

Defining Your Content Pillars

Identify three to five key areas where you want to be known as an expert. These should directly relate to your business. For instance, an SEO strategist’s content pillars might be SEO, WordPress, AI, and content marketing.

Brainstorming Content Ideas

Consider questions your prospective clients ask, and identify their pain points related to your content pillars. Prioritize your favorite topics using a “star” system.

Creating Content Clusters

Develop three to five pieces of content per pillar and interlink them to reinforce your topical authority. Create a timeline to maintain consistency.

Leveraging AI for Content Ideas

Tools like ChatGPT can assist with content planning. However, they should be used for brainstorming and categorization, not for creating content. If you already have a blog, you can ask it to help you come up with categories for that, to help get you started.

PR Power: Building Backlinks and Authority

The Evolving Role of SEO

With the rise of AI-generated content, search engines are placing more emphasis on identifying helpful content created by authors with genuine expertise.

Building an Online Footprint

An online footprint signals credibility. It includes your social media profiles, guest blogging, media mentions, and testimonials.

Strategic PR Planning

Treat PR as an ongoing strategy. Identify relevant podcasts, blogs, and media outlets for potential features.

Podcast vs. Major Media Mentions

While a feature in a major publication like the New York Times is valuable, multiple podcast features can offer more targeted audience engagement and relationship-building opportunities. As discussed in a conversation with Aaron Orendorff (episode 109) on the ecommerce Fastlane podcast, original research can enhance a brand’s authority within search results.

Quantity vs. Quality of Backlinks

Relevant backlinks are more important than sheer quantity. A backlink from a credible source within your industry carries more weight than one from an unrelated site.

The Four Pillars of SEO

• Keywords and Content
• Technical Structure
• Brand Authority
• User Engagement Signals

Taking Action: Simple Steps for SEO Success

Start with an SEO Audit

Begin with an audit to understand your current standing. As Lauren Kleinman, the founder of Dreamday and The Quality Edit, explains, a good PR strategy combines outreach and affiliate marketing, both of which can be determined in an audit. Find out more about PR strategies for your business here.

Focus on Low-Hanging Fruit

Address simple fixes, such as SEO titles, to build momentum.

Connect with Laura Jawad

Find Laura Jawad online:

• Website: Laura Jawad Marketing
• Instagram: Hey Laura Jawad
• SEO Kickstart Kit: SEO Kickstart Kit

Conclusion: Wrapping Up and Encouragement

Implementing these SEO strategies can set your business up for success. Start with a quick audit, develop a content strategy, and use PR to build your authority. By taking action today, you can achieve sustainable growth and improve your search visibility.