Google receives over 81,000 search requests every single second. Every day, users like you are hunting for the top-rated Chinese takeout spot or where to find extra-long shoes for an upcoming vacation. All that information relies on a key element to rank each page, and that is Search Engine Optimisation, better known as SEO.
The way it works is simple. Search engines like Google have “crawlers” that digitally scan your blog, branded website, Australian Not-for-Profit landing page, donor pages, volunteer info, and more. Without the right keywords or information on that page, you’ll get lost in endless results, missing out on crucial traffic.
At Web 105, we build modern, mobile-responsive websites for Australian businesses, healthcare providers, government agencies, and NFPs. We can tell you from our wealth of experience that SEO is still the leading way to get your page up to the top of search engine results. Here are some of the simple hacks we’ve seen garner the most success in scratching your way to the top.
#1 – Keyword Density
The idea of keyword density is the number of times your keyword phrase, like “Sydney pest control,” shows up on a page compared to the total number of words. It is a percentage. Leading SEO experts will give you a range of anywhere from 1% to 5% for keyword density, or you can use tools like CheckSERP to run a test on your density.
Instead of trying complex math equations or getting density right, use this hack. Search for your target phrase on Google and look at the top 3 results. Count up the number of times they use that phrase on their landing page, as well as where they place it. Your goal is to use that same phrase 2 to 3 more times. That’s your metric for success.
#2 – Use Google Search Console
You have to use Google Search Console. This free web service helps monitor your NFP’s website so you can troubleshoot any errors or issues with your online presence. You can identify and fix problems, optimise website visibility, submit sitemaps and URLs, and get performance reports.
There are all kinds of companies out there trying to sell you services you can get for free. Google Search Console helps streamline most of the core improvements you need to make, and it’s 100% free to use. It will take a little work to get used to, but having a volunteer with some experience helps.
#3 – Go Local
Around 4 out of 5 searchers use some form of local term in a search. That could be “near me” tacked onto the end of a phrase or including a town, city, region, or country. If your NFP’s content isn’t optimised for these local searches, you’re missing out.
Remember that magic number you created for the number of times you used your keyword phrase? Add in local identifiers onto your website at about a quarter of that amount. For example, if you had 20 instances of the phrase “cat rescue” and you operate on the Gold Coast, you would want 5 instances of “Gold Coast,” or “near me,” or “Queensland.”
#4 – Google Business Profile
Any company with a physical location, address, or geographic presence can claim a Google Business Profile. This is like Facebook meets the old yellow pages everyone used before the internet was such an everyday thing. It ensures you can get the foundational info of your business (name, address, email, reviews, links, photos, etc.) populated in a simple profile.
Google relies on proximity, relevance, and prominence to rank different pages. Having a free Google Business Profile ticks all those boxes.
#5 – Create Content Optimised for Featured Snippets
You’ve probably seen the featured snippets search engines put at the top of most results due to AI integration. These quick answers are pulled from leading websites. The more such snippets pull from your site, the higher you rank. So, how do you take advantage of these systems?
You need structured content that is easy to digest, clearly presented, and of high-quality value. Say you’re running an NFP about providing specialty glasses that allow colourblind people to see a full spectrum of colours. Near the top of your website, you need to list a 2 to 3-sentence paragraph explaining how you help, how many people suffer from colour blindness, the solution you have, and the impact you’re making.
You can use lists, tables, and quick info that directly answers the most frequent questions about your service or similar missions. Type in your service to Google and see what auto-populates. Odds are, those are your prompts for key info you need to provide that is likely to pull up in featured snippets.
#6 – Add an FAQ
Frequently asked questions are one of the best ways to improve your SEO. Not only does it give you a chance to inject more keyword phrases and synonyms, but you can expand the value of your content to your target audience.
An easy hack for generating an FAQ is to enter your search phrase into Google. Somewhere below the first 3 to 5 results, you’ll see a set of questions Google recommends you click on. You can copy and paste those questions with your unique answers onto your landing pages and immediately get a boost in visitation. You’re providing key answers searchers are seeking, and Google loves that service.
#7 – Leverage Reddit for Backlinks
The final tip is a sneaky SEO hack for getting more backlinks. Go to Reddit and create a new account with your NFP’s name as your username. Join communities in your local area and comment on posts or conversations related to your industry. Don’t spam the community with links or hashtags. Offer real responses that bring value to the conversation.
The result is that users will click on your username because of the quality response. People will start to reference you in their conversations and associate your NFP with your account, leading to organic backlinks that increase the reputation of your website.
You can repeat this same strategy for Quora, Facebook Groups, and several other community-based platforms.
Final Thoughts
SEO is a marathon, but that doesn’t mean you cannot take a few shortcuts every now and then. Use these hacks to help increase your search engine results. Even moving up a few spots or hitting that golden first page results is worth the effort. You never know when one spot higher leads to hundreds or thousands of new clients, volunteers, donors, or talent.
For the rest of your website design, leave it up to our experts at Web 105. We work with you to create customised, user-friendly sites that represent your NFP’s unique branding and mission. Reach out today and let’s start building a new online presence you can count on.
FAQs
How to get 100% SEO?
Start by having excellent content that brings value to your readers. Insert keywords you find from competitors and free tools like Google’s Keyword Planner. Update your content regularly and add engaging visuals, and you’ll rank well.
How long does SEO usually take?
Every industry and site niche are different. In most cases, it will take 3 to 6 months to see results from your SEO efforts. Having free tools that track your visitation, like Google Analytics, ensures you can measure the impact of any SEO changes.
Is SEO very difficult?
Not really. It takes consistent effort, but nothing more complicated than learning how to use social media, upload a YouTube video, or create a form in Adobe PDF. If you’re unsure if you have the time, find a volunteer who is comfortable with online work, and you should be good to go.