SEO for Pinoys: 10 Killer Tips to help you rank locally
Hey there, SEO peeps! Gab Valimento here, SEO manager, the founder of Ameticia Digital Marketing and co-host on the podcast SEO Kwentuhan. Let me tell you, I’ve been in the trenches of SEO for a decade now, and trust me, the Philippines has its own unique flavor when it comes to ranking high on Google.
So, if you’re a Pinoy entrepreneur or interested in learning SEO. Relax, put down that pan of lumpia (don’t worry, I’ll remind you to come back to it later), and grab a taho ’cause we’re about to talk about the 10 essential tips to get your website ranking like a champ. Plus, stay tuned, because, at the end, we’ll share where you can enrol in some legit SEO courses for Filipinos to further your knowledge in this field.
But before that, shameless plug of our SEO kwentuhan podcast where we tackle lighter side of SEO that could help you on you journey.
1. Keyword Karaoke: Sing the Right Tune
Imagine this: you spend hours crafting amazing content, only to realize you’re targeting the wrong keywords. It’s like singing karaoke off-key – nobody enjoys it. That’s why keyword research is your BFF. Think like a local: what are Filipinos searching for? Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find relevant keywords with good search volume. Remember, long-tail keywords are your golden ticket – they’re more specific and have less competition. Trust me, you’ll avoid the dreaded keyword rabbit hole and attract the right audience.
Try to understand what stage of the funnel you should focus based on the current situation of the website.
Search intent – often tied to the buyer journey and can be simplified into three stages
- Top-of-funnel – where searchers are seeking information on a problem
- Middle-of-funnel – where they are looking for solutions to the problem
- Bottom-of-funnel – where they are almost ready to purchase a solution
Use the tools below to help you find the right keywords to target in your content marketing.
Keyword Research Tools for Pinoys: Pros & Cons Comparison
Feature | Google Keyword Planner | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
Pricing | Free (limited data) | Paid plans starting at $129/month | Paid plans starting at $139.95/month |
Data Accuracy | Moderate | High | High |
Local Data Focus | Moderate (Philippines included) | Strong (local keyword filters) | Strong (dedicated Philippine database) |
Competition Analysis | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
Backlink Analysis | None | Included | Included |
Content Idea Generation | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
Mobile Keyword Features | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
Pros | Free, easy to use, good for basic research | Deep local data, strong competition analysis | Comprehensive features, dedicated Philippine database |
Cons | Limited data, basic features | Expensive | Steep learning curve |
**P.S. Consider using the alternative tools below for keyword research
- GoZen Content.Ai – https://appsumo.com/products/gozen-contentai/
- Keyword Hero – For Social Media – https://appsumo.com/products/keywordhero/
- Keyword Revealer – https://appsumo.com/products/keyword-revealer/
I understand that most premium keyword research tools can be quite expensive, which may not be feasible if you’re a freelancer or just starting out in SEO. However, we Filipinos are known for our resourcefulness, and joining group buys can be a great way to access these tools affordably without breaking the bank.
2. Content is King (But Don't Be Boring, Pare!)
Content is king, SEO masters! But it’s not just about throwing words on a page like throwing punches in a street fight. You need to write content that resonates with your Filipino audience. Think informative, engaging, and, most importantly, relevant.
Also, craft your content with your readers in mind. What are the things that they really want to read and learn?
Remember, you’re writing for real people, not robots (Sometimes for robots too 🤖). Infuse your content with personality, local humor, and valuable insights that make them say, “Uy, tama naman ‘to!” And don’t forget to optimize your content for mobile, because let’s face it, Filipinos are glued to their smartphones!
Here’s another helpful resource that was recently published by Master Glen Dimaandal at Searchworks PH: Creating Helpful Content for Better SEO
3. Mobile-First, My Friend, Mobile-First
Remember that time you got stuck in a jeepney with no signal? Yeah, Filipinos spend a lot of time on their mobiles. So, if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re basically saying “pass” to potential customers. Make sure your website loads fast, has a responsive design and is easy to navigate on a small screen. Tools like PageSpeed Insights and Google Search Conosle are your friends here.
4. Local SEO: Show Some Pinoy Pride
Being Pinoy is awesome (Hence the image above), and Google loves local businesses that embrace it. Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing – it’s your online (calling card). Get listed in local directories and build citations like crazy. Remember, the more Filipinos know you exist, the better. Think of it like winning a barangay singing competition – everyone will be rooting for you!
Here are some local SEO tools that you can check on:
Platform | Pricing | Philippine Focus | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
Moz Local | $14/month | Moderate | Bulk submission, data cleaning, review management | Easy to use, comprehensive features | Expensive, limited free trial |
BrightLocal | $2/site/month | Strong | Competitor analysis, custom campaigns, white-label reports | Affordable, good local features | Requires manual submission, limited free plan |
Citation Builder Pro | $29/month | Strong | Directory submission, NAP consistency checker, backlink monitoring | Affordable, Philippines-specific directories | Not as comprehensive as some competitors, limited automation |
Yext | Custom quotes | Moderate | Data syndication, location management, analytics | Powerful features, good brand reputation | Expensive, complex for beginners |
Whitespark | Custom quotes | Strong | Citation management, review generation, local rank tracking | Advanced features, strong local expertise | Expensive, requires consultation |
My Philippine Business Directory | Free & Paid plans | Strong | Philippine directory listings, business profile management | Free option available, local focus | Limited features in free plan, requires manual submission |
PinoyListing | Free & Paid plans | Strong | Philippine directory listings, business profile management | Free option available, local focus | Limited features in free plan, requires manual submission |
But what if you need a helping hand to truly become a local SEO champion? Look no further than SEO Dad’s Local SEO Mastery Course! This comprehensive program shares comprehensive local SEO strategies, from claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing to building local backlinks and creating hyper-local content.
With SEO Dad’s Local SEO Mastery, you’ll learn:
- Proven tactics to outrank your local competitors
- How to attract more customers from your area
- Strategies to build trust and authority with local audiences
- And much more!
5. Link Building: Make Some Barkada
Backlinks are like having cool friends who vouch for you. The more high-quality websites linking to yours, the higher your website ranks. But don’t go around buying backlinks like buying taho from a shady vendor – Google frowns upon that. Focus on guest blogging, creating link-worthy content, and collaborating with other Pinoy websites. It’s all about building genuine relationships in the online world.
To help Filipino businesses with link building, consider the following strategies:
- Guest Blogging (Still the #1 strat): Write informative and engaging articles for reputable blogs in your industry. This not only earns you backlinks but also establishes you as an authority in your field.
- Create High-Quality, Shareable Content: Develop content that is valuable, unique, and relevant to your audience. Infographics, how-to guides, and case studies are examples of content types that attract natural backlinks.
- Local Directories: Submit your business to local business directories and review sites. Ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date to maximize visibility.
- Collaborate with Local Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to create content that they can share with their followers, generating organic backlinks to your site.
- Conduct Link Roundups: Create and promote roundups that feature the best content in your niche. Reach out to those featured and encourage them to share the roundup.
- Offer Testimonials: Provide testimonials for products and services you’ve used. Many businesses will link back to your site as a token of appreciation.
- Utilize Broken Link Building: Find broken links on relevant websites and suggest your content as a replacement. This helps the website owner fix an issue while gaining you a valuable backlink.
- Engage in Community Forums and Groups: Participate in online forums and social media groups relevant to your industry. Provide helpful insights and link back to your content when appropriate.
- Attend industry conferences and events to build your network. You’ll be surprised when like-minded people start contacting each other for links. Not just links but also, potential clients in the future. Check out the World of Search Conference 2024 which will be held on September 26 – 29, 2024
For more insights and ethical Link building strategies, you can check out the All White Hat SEO course by Ms. Angeline Licerio
6. Website Speed: Faster Than a Habal-Habal
Think of your website as your online dojo. It needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and free of technical glitches. That’s where technical SEO comes in. It’s the behind-the-scenes magic that ensures your website is search engine-friendly. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a coding whiz to master this. Utilize free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and Mobile-Friendly Test to identify and fix any technical issues. Remember, a smooth-running website is a happy website, and happy websites rank higher in search results!
If you want to learn more about technical SEO, For those looking to deepen their technical SEO skills, enroll in my comprehensive Technical SEO Course by SEO Workout. This course includes 9 modules with 60% practical and 40% theoretical content, featuring video lectures, practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and quizzes.
7. Structured Data: Speak Google's Language
Think of structured data as fancy labels that help Google understand your content better. It’s like giving your website a translator so it can communicate effectively with the search engine gods. Use tools like schema.org to find the right structured data for your website type. It might sound technical, but trust me, it’s worth it!
I always like to suggest these structured schema on these pages:
- Homepage
- Collection
- Product
- Product Schema
- Star Rating Review
- Breadcrumb Schema
- Blog
8. Don't Be Afraid to Analyze Data (It's Not Just for Nerds)
SEO is a journey, not a destination. Use analytics tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to track your website’s performance. See what’s working, what’s not, and where you can improve. It’s like being your own personal SEO coach – constantly analyzing and adapting to stay ahead of the competition.
9. Stay Updated: Don't Get Left Behind the Sari-Sari Store
The SEO landscape changes faster than a jeepney driver dodging traffic. Stay ahead of the curve by following industry blogs, attending webinars, and joining online communities like my very own SEOWorkout group on Facebook (700+ strong, baby!). We share tips, troubleshoot problems, and basically geek out over all things SEO – Filipino style. It’s like having your own barkada of SEO experts, always there to support you on your journey.
10. Have Fun and Remember: It's All About Helping Businesses achieve their goals!
SEO can get technical, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride! Experiment, be creative, and most importantly, focus on creating content that genuinely helps Filipinos. Remember, at the end of the day, it’s about connecting with your audience and making their online experience better. Now, go forth and conquer the Philippine SEO scene! And hey, if you ever get lost in the keyword jungle, don’t hesitate to swing by the SEOWorkout group – we’ll help you find your way back, taho on us!
P.S. Remember that pan of lumpia? Go ahead and indulge – you deserve it after conquering these SEO tips! Just don’t forget to brush your teeth before your next online meeting.
SEO for Beginners: FAQs
Start with keyword research, optimize your website content, build backlinks, and track your results. Join online communities like my SEOWorkout group for support!
Absolutely! Free resources, courses, and communities abound. My Technical SEO course can help you get started.
Varies depending on your goals and dedication. Start with the basics and expand your knowledge based on the SEO aspect that you want to focus on.
Target relevant keywords, create high-quality content, optimize for mobile, and build local citations for Filipino audiences.
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