Think of it this way: When you need something, what’s the first thing you usually do? You “Google it,” right? Most people in the Philippines do the same! If your business isn’t showing up when they search, it’s like having a great store hidden in a dark alley.
That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. It’s simply about making your website show up higher on Google (and other search engines) when people look for things related to your business.
How Filipinos Search Online
People in the Philippines have some unique ways of searching:
- They use their phones a lot: Most Filipinos browse the internet on their mobile phones. This means your website must look good and load fast on phones.
- They ask “how-to” questions: Many people search for answers like “how to fix a leaky faucet” or “what is the best shampoo.” If you sell plumbing supplies or shampoo, writing articles that answer these questions can bring people to your site.
- Reviews matter: Before buying, Filipinos often check reviews. If your products or services have good reviews, it helps a lot.
- English is common, but Tagalog helps: While many search in English, using some Tagalog words can help you reach even more people, especially for local businesses.
- Videos are popular: Filipinos love watching videos. If you have videos about your products or services, that’s a big plus!
Simple Steps to Help Your Business Get Found
Here are the main things you need to do for better SEO in the Philippines:
1. Be Found Locally (Very Important for Shops!)
If you have a physical shop or offer services in a specific area:
- Google Business Profile (GBP): This is your free online listing on Google Maps and search. Make sure it’s correct and complete. Add your address, phone number, hours, and photos. Ask happy customers to leave reviews! This is often the first place people see your business.
- Local Keywords: Use words people would type when searching for local services. For example, instead of just “bakery,” use “best bakery in Cebu City.”
- Mention your location everywhere: Put your address and phone number clearly on your website and other online places.
2. Create Helpful Content
This means making your website useful and interesting for people.
- Answer questions: Think about what your customers ask you in person. Turn those answers into articles or blog posts on your website.
- Use local words: Write in a way that sounds natural to Filipinos.
- Use pictures and videos: Break up long text with good photos and helpful videos. This keeps people on your site longer.
3. Make Your Website Work Well
Even the best content won’t get seen if your website has problems.
- Mobile-Friendly and Fast: Your website needs to load quickly and look good on any phone. If it’s slow or hard to use on a phone, people will leave.
- Easy to Use: Make it simple for people to find what they’re looking for on your website. Clear menus and categories help.
- Secure (HTTPS): Make sure your website address starts with “https://” (not just “http://”). This means your site is secure, which Google likes.
4. Think About New Ways People Search
- Voice Search: People are starting to use voice assistants (like Siri or Google Assistant) to search. They might say, “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” instead of typing it. Try to use more natural, conversational phrases in your content.
- Videos: As mentioned, videos are huge here. If you have YouTube videos, make sure their titles and descriptions help them show up in searches.
How Much Does SEO Cost in the Philippines?
Think of SEO as an ongoing effort, not a one-time thing. It’s an investment in your business’s future.
- Monthly help: If you hire someone to do SEO for you every month, it could cost anywhere from ₱15,000 to over ₱500,000+ depending on how big your business is and what you need.
- One-time projects: Things like checking your website for technical issues might cost ₱50,000 to ₱200,000+.
The good news is that hiring SEO help in the Philippines is often more affordable than in other countries, and Filipinos are very good at it!
Why the Philippines is Great for SEO
The Philippines has become a go-to place for SEO help because:
- Skilled people: Many Filipinos are good at understanding how Google works and speak excellent English.
- Good value: You can often get quality SEO work here for a better price.
In Simple Terms: Get Found, Get Customers!
Don’t let your business be invisible online. By focusing on these simple SEO steps – especially making your website phone-friendly, being active on Google Business Profile, and creating helpful content – you’ll significantly increase your chances of being found by the right customers in the Philippines. It’s all about making it easy for people to discover you when they’re searching for what you offer!
Ready to make your business shine brighter online? Contact us for a quote!