Did you know that not every website template is automatically optimized for SEO? In fact, most website templates — even your Showit website template — are not typically optimized for SEO when you buy them. It may be created and designed with SEO in mind, but to get the full benefits (and visibility) from search engines, you have to finish filling out the details.

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing and setting up your website to be found by search engines, like Google. SEO is one of the best ways to generate new traffic and introduce yourself to potential clients without being on your phone 24/7.

So, if you’re ready to show up in front of your dream clients without burning out, here’s how to optimize your Showit template for SEO:

#1. Research Your Keywords

You don’t need to invest in an expensive tool to research keywords, you can use the Google search bar or a free tool, like Keysearch.co. Use this tool to find the primary, or main, keywords for your pages.

Each keyword should relate to your business, offers, and who your clients are and every web page should have a unique keyword. It may be tempting to use variations of the same keyword, but you’ll cause “keyword cannibalization,” where each of your pages are competing to rank in the same spot — which can hurt your SEO and opportunities to reach new clients.

#2. Add Your Metadata

Metadata is the SEO settings located in your Showit backend that are not necessarily directly visible to your website visitors. Metadata includes things like your page title, meta description, and your alt image description(s). 

You can add metadata to your Showit pages by clicking on the page title in your Showit backend and heading to the “SEO Settings” in your right-side navigation. Make sure to use you’re using your primary keyword!

I have a full walkthrough on how to add metadata to your Showit website here!

#3. Optimize Your Content

Part of optimizing your Showit template for SEO is optimizing the content you add to your pages. Try to integrate your keyword naturally into your copy and ensure it’s aligned with your brand so that it actually connects with your dream clients.

#4. Submit Your Sitemap

After you set up your Google Analytics account and your Google Search Console (both free tools provided by Google that give insight into your website’s performance), you can submit your sitemap.

Submitting your website’s sitemap can help Google index your website and locate your web pages for crawling. If you have a have a blog on your website, you’ll need to submit two separate sitemaps due to Showit’s integration with WordPress.

#5. Check-In Regularly

One of the best ways to optimize your template for SEO is to check in on it regularly. After you’ve optimized your website metadata and content, track your website’s analytics, look at what you’re ranking for (and what you’re not) vs. the keywords you’re targeting and make adjustments based on the results.

SEO takes time to change and see growth, so don’t be too worried if you don’t see anything immediately — wait, revisit, then revise.

If you’re still not sure where to start with your Showit template’s SEO, don’t worry! I’m here and ready to help you turn your new site into an SEO masterpiece! Click here and book your SEO Starter Kit today.