What is SEO and how to improve it?

April 22, 2021

Ways to build your website’s search and remain prominent

A cell phone is open to a google search page


One of the most commonly asked questions we receive from our clients involves the topic of SEO.   Most simply just want to talk about the topic but don’t know exactly what to ask.  The tricky part about SEO is that it isn’t just one thing and although it isn’t necessarily complicated, it is demanding. 


Understanding SEO


If you are having a hard time understanding SEO, consider this analogy; SEO is like a credit score, there are many variables that go into building a good one over time.  Many of the variables are technical and can vary from one day even to the next.  Plus, a good credit score or SEO rating doesn’t necessarily go up or down overnight. 

 

SEO stands for search engine optimization.  Search Engine Optimization is a technical term used to describe how Google and other search engines find a website.  It’s the way websites communicate to search engines who they are and what they do. The primary goal should be to show Google that your business is an industry expert. Simply put, the better your website expresses that, the better you’ll show up in search results.


What does Google search for?


There are many complicated factors that go into SEO and Google isn’t very forthcoming about most of the specifics.  It isn’t one thing and it isn’t a quick fix, that’s why some consider it demanding and time consuming too. However, you can’t fail with good content.  Recently Google announced new ranking signals that go into effect this May, placing emphasis on certain core web vitals.  It’s basically a subset of factors that will be a part of Google’s page experience score.  Google wants to fix poor user experiences. 


A website must be engaging, easy to navigate, and well laid out while being structured properly.  We often meet with clients that show us old websites with pages that are buried in folder after folder, writing that is repetitive and outdated, plus limited pictures and videos that are irrelevant.  Naturally for a user it’s confusing and frustrating to navigate a website that is poorly designed.


How can GoBeRewarded help?


Does your page load quickly?  A slow page speed will decrease a ranking with Google.  At GoBeRewarded marketing agency, we use Duda to build our websites for a variety of reasons, including its ability to score higher on Google’s Lighthouse speed test. Duda also provides more advantages for our clients with automatic SEO settings built into the platform. 


Plus the platform allows easy optimization across other platforms, so you can see what your site will look like on a desktop, tablet, and mobile mode from a preview link to see the engaging user experience for yourself.  Just switching your website with Duda will help optimize your content and increase your visibility online. 


Additionally Google’s new Core Web Vitals are met with Duda’s platform.


Our team also keeps track of your organic search engine results via Google Search Console. This tool allows us to actually quantify SEO results and understand what’s working and what isn’t. If you have a website with us and would like to go over your search result data, definitely get in touch with us.


Why does content matter?


Excellence in content is key.  There are several factors that go into creating a website with a high ranking but great content is a must.  Professional pictures that are strategically placed and brand-driven writing tailored to your business is going to make a website stand out. 


One of the most important ways to improve your SEO is to start and maintain a blog.  A blog continuously creates new content and expands the number of pages a potential user can land on to find you.  A blog keeps your website “fresh” while showcasing your industry expertise.  Plus a blog can minimize the bounce rate which can impact your SEO score and ranking.  Ultimately, the more content that is available, the more likely the Google search engine will pick your website. 


If you have questions about SEO contact us today and schedule an intake meeting with us at GoBeRewarded.  If your business needs more exposure, so you can set up more appointments, and confirm more consultations,  we can help.  Learn how you can utilize our team of web designers, copywriters, videographers, photographers, & marketing experts to work for you to create a specialized website. 


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June 9, 2025
For San Diego’s small and mid-sized businesses, digital advertising offers incredible opportunities to reach new customers and grow revenue. However, not all platforms are created equal, and when budgets are tight, selecting the right channel is crucial for maximizing return on investment (ROI). Whether you're a local contractor, restaurant owner, or service provider, your digital ad strategy should focus on what drives the most visibility, leads, and conversions in your area. In this blog, we’ll explore popular digital advertising options and explain why Google Ads often delivers the strongest results for San Diego businesses. 1. Google Ads: The Top Performer for ROI Google Ads (formerly AdWords) allows your business to appear at the top of search engine results for keywords your customers are actively searching. For example, a San Diego resident searching “emergency plumber near me” or “best tacos in North Park” is showing high intent; they’re ready to take action. 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These platforms allow for demographic, interest, and behavioral targeting, which makes them powerful tools for visually engaging products and lifestyle-focused brands. Why It Works: Highly Visual: Great for showcasing products, services, or events. Audience Targeting: Narrow down your audience by age, interests, or local San Diego communities. Retargeting Capabilities: Re-engage visitors who have already interacted with your business online. Best For: Local boutiques, wellness providers, event-based businesses, and restaurants trying to build buzz and increase repeat traffic. Limitations: These platforms are less effective for driving high-intent leads. Most users are not actively looking for services when scrolling; they’re browsing socially. 3. Yelp Ads: Niche but Effective for Some Industries Yelp Ads are especially effective for service-based businesses where customer reviews matter, such as salons, dentists, and home service providers. Why It Works: Built-In Reviews: Yelp showcases your business along with customer testimonials. Local Search Visibility: Your ad can appear at the top of relevant search results on Yelp. Best For: Restaurants, salons, auto repair shops, and other businesses that benefit from comparison shopping and customer feedback. Limitations: Yelp ads can be costly, depending on your category and level of competition. Additionally, some users have grown wary of Yelp’s pay-to-play nature and ad placements. 4. Don’t Overlook Google Business Profile Optimization If you're not ready for paid advertising or want to supplement your ad spend, optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the best ways to increase local visibility at no cost. Why It Works: Appears in Google Maps and Local Search Results Enables Customers to Call, Visit, or Review Your Business Supports Photos, Offers, and Posts to Promote Engagement Best For: Every San Diego business. It’s essential to optimize your profile regardless of your ad strategy. Tips for Optimization: Keep your business information accurate and complete. Add high-quality photos. Collect and respond to customer reviews. Use local keywords in your business description. When used in conjunction with Google Ads, an optimized profile enhances your credibility and conversion rate. Which Channel Is Best for San Diego Businesses? While Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp all have their place, Google Ads offers the best combination of local targeting, high-intent visibility, and measurable return on investment (ROI) . Especially for service-based businesses or those in competitive local niches, showing up at the top of search results can be the difference between a lead and a lost opportunity. Pairing Google Ads with a robust Google Business Profile establishes a digital foundation that operates 24/7, driving traffic, generating calls, and fostering credibility. Final Thoughts If you’re trying to grow your San Diego business, focus your digital ad budget where it matters most. Start with Google Ads for high-intent leads, complement with social media or Yelp if relevant to your industry, and never underestimate the power of a fully optimized Google Business Profile. Smart targeting, consistent monitoring, and a strategy built on intent are the keys to maximizing your digital advertising return on investment (ROI). Need help building or refining your digital ad strategy? Reach out today to see how we can help your San Diego business grow online.