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How Caribbean Businesses Can Optimize Their Websites for Search Engines

Online businesses constantly have to find new ways to get more people to their websites.  It can be a particular struggle for Caribbean businesses that are competing with local, regional and international competition.  However, many regional companies do not always invest in proper SEO practices.  These practices, when performed correctly, can greatly increase their chances of being found through search engines and thus increasing their online sales.

First off, what is SEO?

SEO, an acronym for, Search Engine Optimization, is the process of aiming to improve the amount of traffic possible to a website by bringing the website to the top of search engine results.

SEO is incredibly important for online businesses, especially for online sales.  In 2017 Semrush reported that 37.5% of website traffic came from search engines.  In contrast, the report found that 3.3% of traffic came from social media.

Caribbean companies with a website should invest in good SEO practices to reap the benefits of investing in a website.

Here are some tips on how Caribbean Businesses can  Optimizing an Online Store for Search Engines:

1. Keywords

Keywords are words or terms that are often searched for on search engines.  They are implemented on websites to ensure that the website ranks higher for specific searches.  For example, a website selling face cream will want to use keywords such as “face cream for dry skin”, “anti-ageing face cream” or “face cream with SPF”.   Keywords ensure that a company’s website ranks higher for top searches that are related to their product/service.

Keywords may seem easy at face value, however, it is worth searching which terms are relevant to a business and its product in order to reap the benefits.  Google’s Key Planner is a great tool to start finding new terms that will work for a business.

2. Page Load Time

Users tend to leave a website that takes too long to load.  In fact, some research suggests websites that take longer than 5 seconds to load lose site visitors.    This bounce-back rate can decrease the chances of Google placing the website higher in searches.   Page load time can be due to a variety of factors such as large images or an issue with the host server.  Either way, fixing a page’s load time can increase website visitors, sales and SEO rank for a website.

Companies can check their website load time through Google’s PageSpeed Insights Page.

3. Optimize the Website for Mobile Devices

Due to much online shopping occurring via mobile device, it is vital that companies have a website optimized for mobile devices.  This includes a variety of factors that have to be adjusted for mobile screens, for example:

  • Adjusted copy for headlines and CTA’s that both fit the mobile dimensions and the needs of mobile users
  • No pop-ups
  • Responsive web design

These are just some factors companies should consider to ensure that their mobile user experience is easy to navigate and suited to Search Engine Standards.

Companies can test their mobile website on Google’s “Test My Site”.

First Atlantic Commerce provides online payment solutions and international credit card processing for merchants and banks in the Caribbean and Central America. Our services allow merchants to accept and process credit and debit card payments online! Learn more about our online payment solutions and how you can implement it on your website!