Although it has changed throughout the years, Search Engine Optimization for banks has never been a more vital marketing channel. Where your bank falls in a Google search determines who, if anyone, will know you exist. In fact, SEO for banks has never been more essential for your overall business strategy.
SEO cannot be replaced by direct advertising. The average internet user can tell who is only advertising and will typically look right over your ads. In fact, organic results will get over 90% of clicks over paid search ads.
Here are some tips for optimizing your banks SEO strategy to generate more qualified web traffic.
- Keyword Optimization
In order to drive traffic to your site, you need to find out what your customers are searching for. Extensive keyword research will help you figure out which search terms you want your website to begin ranking for.
There are several online resources that can give you an idea of what to look for, such as Google Adwords, Keyword Tool, and Ubersuggest.
When you are searching for keywords, it is helpful to find ones with high search volume and low competition. High-competition keywords can be difficult to crack because other websites have years of authority, external linking, and strategic placing that a new website can have a challenging time competing with.
It usually works best to use long-tail keywords that target the services your bank offers. By having 3+ words in one search term, the competition is typically low and it targets your specific demographic in a more defined way.
- Consistent Quality Content
You have keywords that you’d like to rank for, now you need to create pages that will rank well in a Google search. The days of “keyword stuffing”, or fluff articles that just list the keywords over and over, are finished. Google now ranks websites based on how well they answer the searcher’s query.
What does that mean for your articles? You need to add something of value throughout your writing. By producing long-form content on a regular basis with useful information, you are more likely to rank higher on the SERP.
- Infographics
Up to 60% of all people are visual learners. The way to best attract learners like this is through infographics. Infographics are more likely to be read, shared on social media, and attract more attention.
By creating infographics, you will be generating useful information in a way that most people can understand and share with others. This will drive traffic to your website organically and set yourself up as an authority for banking matters.
- Get Reviewed
Online reviews are the lifeblood of any financial institution. Encouraging and responding to genuine reviews online will help build confidence in your business and is the most effective form of advertisement.
Yelp can be a powerful tool for banks and some of the best free advertising a business could want. Harness it to improve your traffic.
- Local SEO
While ranking well on Google and getting traffic to your website can be helpful, it is useless if you are not attracting the right, namely local, customer. The best way to make sure that you are attracting local potential customers is working on your local SEO ranking.
The most important part is creating a local online presence. Make sure to claim your business, especially each individual location, on Google+, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Foursquare, etc. Google My Business is a helpful tool in claiming your business. Check in to make sure the name, address, and phone number are correct for all of your locations.
On your bank’s website, be sure to add all of your locations. Potential customers will be off-put if they cannot easily find out where you are and how to reach you.
While SEO for banks can become intricate and require a certain amount of finesse, there are a few basic items every financial institution should have mastered. Just by applying basic SEO principles, you will be impressed by how many potential customers you can attract.
Interested in learning more about SEO and digital marketing for your bank? Download our FREE guide to get the best tips and tricks to create an effective marketing strategy today!