So, you know there’s this thing called SEO for auto parts websites, but you have no idea where to start. Let’s talk about it and get a basic understanding before we get into the really tricky stuff.
Definition: SEO is an acronym that means search engine optimization. Essentially, it is the skill of developing your website in a way that moves it up on the search page in the unpaid section. (Most people call this unpaid section “organic” listings).
Simply put, you are adding key phrases and optimizing your content to show up (rank) for certain google searches. Let’s say you sell Subaru related performance parts. If your SEO is just things like “car performance parts” or “turbo upgrades,” you may show up on the first page of Google, but if someone clicks and realizes you are a Subaru-based company and they have a Honda, they are not going to stay. Other factors to consider are organic competition and paid search results for those same keywords. You have to find that middle ground: specific, but not too specific.
In this same example, you could consider doing something like “Subaru turbo upgrades” or get even “2004 Subaru WRX turbo upgrade” to get the right people, but SEO is MUCH more then just adding a targeted phrase. SEO for auto parts websites is about telling Google that your page is what the searchers are looking for by not only using that phrase but reinforcing that phrase in your meta description, slug, title, alt tags, and other content, without going overboard (Google calls this “stuffing” and they will punish you if they think you’re doing it). The point is: you want not too much and not too little.
Knowing Your Competitors
Everyone has a competitor or three. Sometimes you’re at the top of that food chain and sometimes you are just starting out. The issue here is to make buyers find you first. Sure, you can spend $1,000 on ads and pay-per-click to get to the top, but you also have to make sure those ads are hitting the right marks, and the more competition there is, the more expensive it gets. And even at $20+ a click, you’re probably not getting the return on investment you’d want.
“Fight the enemy where they aren’t.” ~ Sun Tzu
With keyword research, we can figure where the competition is weak and where they are strong. This allows us to pick battles we can either win or match.
The searcher must be able to find what they were searching for immediately when they get to your site or they will just click back. This works against you by increasing the “bounce rate” of your site. If it happens often, Google will assume that the page is less relevant and start to push it down in the rankings. This is why you can’t spam every keyword you think will work on every product, and every page. You have use targeted strategies to be effective.
In short, good SEO can’t be done by programs, can’t be done quickly, and can’t be done effectively by someone who has no experience. It also CANNOT be done by someone who doesn’t know your market. If you sell auto parts, hiring a general marketing agency for your SEO with people who don’t know the first thing about cars (other than driving their own) will only lead you to despair. You want the highest return on your investment, so avoid the budget SEO professionals who won’t do what we can and will do for you.
SEO isn’t the only ingredient in marketing your business. It is one of many. For more, see our post on “The Case for Having a Knowledge Base” and feel free to reach out anytime with any questions regarding SEO for auto parts websites.
We know SEO… after all, you did find us, right?