Often as contractors, we get caught up in the busyness of life on the job and push our website to the background of our mind. “SEO is too complicated,” or “I don’t have time to fix it” are some common excuses. I think we forget that while some changes to our websites are complicated, time-consuming and may involve a professional coding expert, others are simple and fast—something you can do yourself, maybe even from your smartphone—and will still help you improve the effectiveness of your contracting website.
One of the easiest and most effective changes you can make today to impact your SEO is to simply change your website title and subtitle.
Your website title and subtitle is one of the main factors that Google uses to determine who you are, what you do, and where you live. I know, there are hundreds of other factors Google uses to determine this stuff as well, site title and subtitle is at the top of the list. After all, it’s what people will see first upon visiting your website.
Suppose my website was titled as follows: “Martin Holsinger – A General Contractor.” The only information Google can draw from that title is my name and a vague description of my job. Google won’t know to recommend my site to homeowners in Yakima, Washington. Google won’t know not to recommend my site to a family searching for a plumber in Sacramento, CA. However, if I changed it to “Holsinger Construction – Custom Home Builder In Yakima, WA.” suddenly Google knows who I am, what I do, and where I serve.
See what I mean? It’s so important that you give your site an accurate title and subtitle.
Now, let’s explore how to do that.
How Do I Find My Website Title?
Hover over the tab of your website with your mouse cursor. What shows up? That is the title and subtitle of your website. Alternatively, do a search for your business in Google and see what Google says about you and your website in the search results. This also will reveal what your title and subtitle is.
How Do I Change My Title?
In WordPress, you simply go into settings and make the change from there. WordPress makes it very easy to change your title and subtitle. I don’t have a lot of first-hand experience with other platforms, but I know it is just a simple change there as well.
What Do I Rename My Website?
This question is obviously the crux of the whole article, and the answer is going to be completely different and customizable for each person reading this.
When you go to rename your website (if it’s necessary) It’s important to not fill your title and subtitle with spammy keywords. This may actually hinder your SEO because Google is very sensitive to spammers.
For the Title, I recommend that you use your business name. For the subtitle, I recommend that you use your best key phrase. If your best work is building custom homes, then use that plus your location.
Your Business Name
Best Key Phrase + Your Location
This will tell Google what your name is, what you do, and where you live. That’s all you need to do. Don’t try to trick Google, or they might put you under penalty.
There you have it. Now that your website title accurately reflects you and your business, internet searchers in your locality will have a much better chance of finding you online. Your journey to funneling your target clients through your website just got easier!
SUMMARY
Changing your website title and subtitle is quick and easy, and it could have a large impact in your SEO. Don’t put it off. Make these little changes now and reap the benefits tomorrow.
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