[ModMarketing] SEO for AEC Firms, Part 2

This is part 2 of SEO for AEC firms where I introduce search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. While SEO is an important tool in a modern marketer’s toolbox, it’s often confusing or overwhelming to get started.

As a reminder, in Episode 88, I shared what SEO was, how it works, and some ways you can optimize your AEC firm’s websites and web pages for better SEO.

First, I’d like to admit that I haven’t spent as much time or attention on SEO strategies as I should. But that is one of my goals for the new year – for both Full Sail Partners and Marketers Take Flight websites. I am going to be very intentional about learning more about SEO and I’m going to implement what I’ve been learning. And don’t worry, I’ll be reporting on what results from I am seeing – both good and bad.

But, for now, let’s get to Episode 89. In this episode, I share some other “off-site” SEO strategies for your AEC firm. This includes domain or website credibility. It’s the secret sauce to improving your firm’s SEO off of your firm’s website. I will tell you what this means and some ways to increase the authority of your website.

Then I will walk you through some best practices when it comes to getting started with improving your SEO.

And, then at the very end of this episode, I share a 3-step plan that you can use a few times a year to monitor and be intentional with your SEO efforts. And let me tell you, this plan is not complicated…it’s very doable. It will be the same steps I will follow later this year and mid-next year.

Below is just a summary of that plan, so make sure you listen to the full episode to learn how to put this into practice.

The 3-Step SEO Plan for AEC Firms

Step 1 – Research Current SEO Rankings & Competitors

Take your list of keywords and/or keyword phrases and Google them! See what types of content are coming up. A key here is to open a Chrome browser in Incognito mode so your previous searching, cookies, and IP data aren’t used to get the search results.

You’ll want to evaluate what’s ranking high and review those pieces of content and websites to get ideas for your own. Use those ideas to either create new content or ways to repurpose and/or adjust your existing content. Write all of this down and make a plan to make the changes or create new content.

Step 2 – Optimize Your Website and Content Pages

Go back and listen to episode 88 where I covered what website and webpage elements to review to increase organic traffic. Check your key content pages for the headings, meta descriptions, URLs, and the rest of the areas I’ve covered during this episode.

Note those web pages that need to be updated. Write those down, along with the changes that need to be made. Make a plan (with deadlines) to make sure those changes get made.

This is also a good time to review your Google Business Profiles and make sure they’re set up for every one of your offices.

Step 3 – Getting Website Credibility

This step is about building the authority and credibility of your website by using backlinks. Review all of this year’s and next year’s sponsorships. Make sure every place and every time your logo appears on someone else’s website you’re asking for them to link back to your website, or better yet a particular piece of content. To me, sometimes this backlink is the main reason to sponsor a certain conference, especially if that particular organization has a lot of domain authority or website traffic too!