SEO Tips for Filipino Businesses
Five SEO Questions to Answer For Filipino Businesses
While Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has been a well-established method for boosting businesses in the digital world, many Filipino enterprises remain hesitant to take advantage of its potential. This reluctance often comes from misconceptions like “it’s too late to enter the SEO game,” “SEO services are prohibitively expensive,” “ongoing maintenance is too demanding,” or “I lack the knowledge to even begin.” However, with access to the right SEO knowledge, Filipino businesses can effectively address these concerns and unlock the strategy’s full potential. Regardless of your competitive aspirations, from dominating local search rankings to establishing a solid online presence, SEO offers a powerful toolset for achieving significant local business growth.
While a specifically “Filipino SEO” approach is still evolving, we can employ an SEO strategy tailored to the local market. To ensure that your local content resonates with Filipino audiences and propels your business to the forefront of their online searches, Filipino entrepreneurs must know the answer to these questions:
How can small businesses in the Philippines optimize their local SEO?
Within the overarching goal of SEO, there is the option for national/global reach or local dominance. Regular SEO employs broad keyword strategies to capture high-volume searches, ideal for businesses targeting a wide audience. However, this approach faces intense competition due to its lack of user intent specificity. Local SEO, on the other hand, focuses on a clearly defined geographic area. By targeting local keywords and optimizing online presence through local listings and reviews, local SEO aims to attract customers actively searching for nearby businesses. Learn more about how local SEO works from this article.
For example:
Consider the search query “best restaurants in Kapitolyo.” While organic listings might lead to pages like “Top 10 Most Loved Restaurants,” the key area for local businesses is the prominent local search result pack displayed at the top of the search engine results page (SERP). This “local pack” directly connects users with highly-rated establishments. In the example, users can effortlessly compare factors like distance, customer ratings, number of reviews, and even browse snippets of reviews for restaurants like “Kanto Freestyle Breakfast Kapitolyo,” “Babaghanoosh,” and “Juanito’s Bistro.”
From a business perspective, local SEO optimization is crucial to securing a coveted position within the local pack. This placement significantly boosts your visibility to potential customers searching for your products or services in your area. With the next tips in this list, you strategically optimize your online presence and ensure your business appears at the top of local search results.
How can I improve my Google My Business ranking in the Philippines?
Establish a strong online presence for your business and connect with local customers through Google Search and Maps with a free Google Business Profile (GBP). A GBP allows you to manage key business details like your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP), categorize your business accurately, and display your operating hours. This comprehensive information ensures Google understands your business and increases its local search ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Claiming and verifying your GBP is essential for maximizing its impact. Verification, typically done through a mailed postcard, grants you full control over your listing. You can then update details, respond to customer reviews, and manage online interactions. Regularly maintaining your GBP with fresh content like high-quality photos, special offers, and upcoming events further strengthens your local search presence and fosters engagement with potential customers. Optimizing your GBP is a free and powerful tool that delivers significant benefits for any business seeking to attract new customers, build brand awareness, and ultimately achieve growth. Claim or Create Your GMB Listing by following the procedure – Google Business Profile How To Setup.
image reference from: https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/about-dlsu/
De La Salle University’s GBP is one of the prime examples of a comprehensive and concise profile. By strategically tailoring your GBP’s content to reflect your core values, services offered, or products sold, you can create a targeted and informative platform to attract potential customers. The strength of your GBP lies in your customization.
What are the best local SEO tools for Filipino businesses?
Free options like Google Keyword Planner offer valuable assistance in keyword research. This tool allows you to identify relevant keywords for your location and industry, along with insights into search volume and competition levels. Also, Google Search Console provides crucial data on your website’s search performance. You can use Search Console to monitor organic traffic, identify and address crawl errors that could hinder visibility, and track your ranking for specific keywords. Here is a video tutorial to explore applying these free options:
image reference from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDFOmIHxBas
While paid SEO tools can be a worthwhile investment, it’s important to gather the right information to maximize their effectiveness. Consider consulting with a data-driven SEO strategist who can recommend the most suitable paid tools based on your specific business needs and goals. Speakcite is one of the leading experts in a data-driven SEO strategy to consult about this.
How important are local backlinks for SEO in the Philippines?
Backlinks are essentially inbound links from reputable websites within your region that point back to your own site. Search engines consider these links as endorsements, signifying the value and trustworthiness of your content. Focus on acquiring backlinks from high-quality local directories, industry-specific websites, and online publications within your service area.
Explore link-building opportunities through collaborations with complementary businesses. For example, guest blogging on relevant local sites allows you to establish yourself as a thought leader and gain valuable backlinks to your website.
How can local content improve my SEO rankings in the Philippines?
Prioritize content creation that resonates with your target audience. The recent Google Core Updates are now putting more value on quality and authentic content that is not heavily dependent on AI. Develop informative blog posts in the local language that cover local events, industry-specific guides, or case studies showcasing successful local projects. This localized content positions your business as a trusted, knowledgeable resource within the community, making it the go-to solution for local needs.
Also, benefit from social media platforms to amplify your reach and engagement. Partner with reputable local influencers or community figures whose audience aligns with yours. This strategic collaboration can significantly expand your brand awareness and drive potential customers to your business.
image reference from: https://colourette.ph/
Leveraging local celebrities for maximum impact, Colourette Cosmetics’ marketing strategy utilizes relatable Filipino personalities like Sassa Gurl, Miss Jade So, and the others (please list more because I don’t know their names hehe) to resonate with their target audience. This strategic use of social media influencers strengthens brand recall by strategically placing the Colourette brand alongside trusted and admired figures in the Filipino social media landscape.
You are never too late to learn the SEO game. SEO strategies need not be costly. There is a wide range of maintenance strategies to employ. The benefits of local SEO are significant and attainable for Filipino businesses of all sizes. By implementing these essential strategies, you can establish a strong online presence, build local trust, and attract more customers searching for your products or services nearby. Speakcite can be your partner in navigating the ever-evolving SEO process. We offer ongoing support to ensure your approach remains optimized and leverages the latest trends, ultimately maximizing your local SEO potential and driving sustainable growth in the competitive digital marketplace.
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