There are hundreds of SEO tips out there, all designed to help websites rank higher on Google. But since Google’s ranking system is a secret, no one knows exactly how it works.
That said, Google has given enough hints to help businesses improve their rankings.
We work with financial businesses to improve their SEO, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the key strategies to boost your online presence.
Plan Your Keywords
The first step is to choose the right keywords for your website.
What is keyword planning?
Keyword planning means picking the search terms people use when looking for financial planners online. These can be simple terms like “financial planner”, but longer phrases like “best financial planner in morristown new jersey” are even better.
You can use free keyword tools to find the best terms and see how often people search for them, for example, Google Keyword Planner.
It helps to focus on three types of keywords:
- Broad financial planning terms like “financial planners in New York” or “best retirement planner”
- Niche keywords specific to your services, such as “financial planning for startups” or “retirement planning for doctors”
- Branded keywords related to your business name.
Think about your potential clients and what they might search for. A young professional might look for “investment advice for beginners” while a retiree could search for “how to plan for retirement”.
Optimize Your GMB
Many people search for financial planners in their city or neighborhood. Google often highlights businesses in local search results using maps.
To improve your local SEO, make sure your business is listed on directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and other financial planning directories. Keep your contact details the same across all platforms.
Read: Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Get Reviews from Clients
Having positive reviews online can help your website rank higher and attract more clients. Google often highlights businesses with the best reviews in local search results.
Encourage satisfied clients to leave a review on Google and other platforms. More reviews can make potential clients trust you and choose your services.
Read: How Financial Planners Can Get More Reviews
Get Other Websites to Link to Yours
When other websites link to your financial planning website, it signals to Google that your site is trustworthy. This process is called link building.
Good links can come from financial blogs, news websites, and industry directories.
The more high-quality links you have, the better your website will rank in search results.
Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Most people use their phones to search online, and Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites. If your site doesn’t work well on a phone, it may not rank as high.
Check out the guide we wrote on best practices for making a mobile-friendly small business website.
Test Your Contact Forms & Booking System
If you have an online form or a booking system for consultations, test it regularly. A complicated or broken form can make visitors leave your site, which hurts your ranking.
Start a Blog
Adding a blog to your website can help bring in more visitors. Writing about financial planning tips, investment strategies, or retirement planning can show potential clients that you’re an expert in your field.
You could write about topics like:
- How to save for retirement in your 30s
- Mistakes to avoid when investing
- Tax-saving strategies for small businesses
A blog helps your website rank for more keywords and gives people a reason to visit your site regularly.
These strategies will help you build a strong online presence and attract more clients.
P.S. If you’re looking for expert guidance, we specialize in working with financial businesses to optimize their SEO and grow their online reach. Let’s talk!