What Is SEO, and Why Is It Important for Nonprofits?
Have you ever wondered why some organizations always take up the first few spots in Google search results while yours is much farther down the list? The answer is search engine optimization (SEO).
SEO is the process of shaping your website around Google’s algorithms. It involves using relevant keywords, having the right site structure, and including all of the best back-end elements. These factors tell Google that your website answers a user’s search query best.
If you have a website that is currently buried under other sites and content, SEO can help you be seen. Your website will appear in the first few results for search terms related to your organization, which means more users will click on your URL, learn about your unique message, and give their support.
SEO Services for Nonprofits
A powerful digital marketing strategy entails a wide range of services that work together to deliver higher rankings, greater visibility, and more organic traffic. At Connective, we offer comprehensive SEO services for nonprofits that consist of all the following tactics:
Research
SEO is a data-driven process, and any good SEO strategy begins with research to uncover that data. We’ll begin by conducting keyword research to identify the terms your site should be ranking for. We’ll also take a deep dive into your industry and evaluate what your competitors are doing well to further shape your strategy.
Content Marketing
Google prioritizes websites that meet its E-E-A-T ranking factors — experience, expertise, authority, and trust. It also looks for specific words in your content — known as keywords — to match your website to users’ queries.
We’ll write professional content that tells your brand story, engages your audience, and makes search engines happy.
Technical SEO
Having a fast-loading, mobile-friendly, technically sound website can increase your search engine rankings. It can also foster a smoother user experience, encouraging users to stay on your website longer and learn about your cause.
On-Page Optimization
Many of the outward-facing elements on your website also impact your search engine rankings. We’ll fine-tune your content, internal links, tags, titles, meta descriptions, and site layout to help the search engines match your site with users’ queries.
Link Building
When other websites include links to your site in their content, you develop a significant amount of authority that can lead to higher rankings and better visibility.
Local SEO
Whether you’re a small, local nonprofit or a far-reaching organization supporting a nationwide cause, local SEO can ensure the people in your city know about your mission. We’ll optimize your site for “near me” search terms and related queries to get you on your local map.
Tracking and Reporting
Since SEO is a data-driven process, tracking the performance of your strategy closely is essential to ensuring the best results. Google Analytics and other reputable tools can provide detailed reports about how your search engine rankings have changed for specific keywords, giving us insight into how we should be fine-tuning your strategy.
Our SEO Process
At Connective, our years of nonprofit SEO experience have allowed us to shape our services into a strategic, step-by-step SEO process that reliably delivers results for nonprofit organizations. When you partner with our nonprofit SEO agency, we’ll follow this process to send your search engine rankings soaring.
Onboarding
Before we get to work optimizing your website, we want to deeply understand your nonprofit’s mission, goals, values, and challenges. We’ll take time to get to know you and your organization, then shape your strategy around your unique brand story.
Research
We’ll conduct extensive keyword research to determine the keywords that have the best chances of ranking for your site. Combining this data with competitor and market research will allow us to flesh out your SEO strategy.
Technical SEO Fixes and Monitoring
Our web developers will conduct an in-depth technical SEO audit to examine how the back-end aspects of your website are impacting your search engine visibility. After making any necessary adjustments, we’ll monitor your website over time to ensure that no bugs or issues hinder your rankings.
Reporting and Analysis
We use a wide range of reporting and analytics tools, such as Search Console, AHREFs, and Surfer, to mine for keyword opportunities and find content ideas that can help your nonprofit rank.
Monthly Content Creation
Count on our content writers to write new web pages, blog posts, and articles on a monthly basis to keep your website fresh and strengthen your SEO strategy.
Monthly Link Building
We also look for new link-building opportunities monthly to enhance your brand authority and trustworthiness.
Improve and Iterate
SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. Once we get your rankings to a good spot, we’ll continue looking for ways to improve your strategy and ensure that your site stays at the top long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit SEO
Do nonprofits need SEO?
If you want your nonprofit website to be visible in search engines, you need SEO. An effective SEO strategy can help more people find your website, learn about your cause, and become supporters — helping you achieve your organization’s goals.
What does a nonprofit SEO agency do?
A nonprofit SEO agency will evaluate your website and look for ways to help you rank higher in search engines. This process involves strategies such as content marketing, link building, keyword research, and more.
Do you offer other services besides SEO?
Yes. Alongside leveraging the power of SEO, we offer social media management, PPC (Pay Per Click) advertising, Email Marketing, and Web Design. Our team is dedicated to developing well-rounded digital marketing strategies that cover these essential services to boost your online visibility and achieve your goals.
