Have you ever wondered how some businesses seem to appear at the top of search results when you Google? It’s not magic—it’s Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short. And you’re probably used to doing all the tricks of the trade and still not rising in rankings above competitors.
Here at Graphic Forms, a digital marketing company in Howard County, Maryland, we specialize in helping businesses like yours become the shining stars of the internet. Think of us as your friendly neighborhood SEO experts in Howard County, here to make your online success happen.
Beyond keywords, backlinks, competitor research, how do you make your website stand out on the internet with SEO? Whether you are a beginner or an expert manager at your company, these tips will help set you up and above for longer-lasting success.
Get expert SEO tips for how to get the best SEO results in 2025.
Basic Tips of SEO
Our 2025 SEO Guide is all about expert SEO tips for success. This means we’ll be going past the traditional keyword research, competitor analysis, and mobile optimization.
If you need a refresher on what your SEO strategy should already look like, start with our Ultimate SEO Guide for Small Businesses. Then continue on to read about Expert SEO Tips from insiders on how to go one step further.
The Basics of SEO:
Keywords: Do your keyword research to find common phrases people are using to find your services and products
Audience: Know your audience and target your content to their search intent
Write for People First, Then Google Second: Content is no good if it’s filled with keyword phrases that don’t relate to people; write for people first and Google second so the content is able to be read easily and casually, as if in conversation
Backlinks: Link your content on relevant sites back to your website so you build a reputation and expand your reach
Mobile Optimization: Over half of users are viewing content on mobile phones, so make sure the design is formatted for smartphones as well as desktops
Website Speed: No one will wait more than 3 seconds for a website to load, no matter how good the content is; make sure the website is fast and quick on all devices
Monitor Rankings: Watch your content to see if it rising in Google searches and pivot your content as needed
Insider SEO Tips for Success in 2025
Know What Your Content is Doing
Content can do a lot of things for readers – it can provide them information, sell a product or service, give background into a company, or be an anecdotal experience that grows branding. At the end of the day, the content should always solve a problem for a reader.
Know your approach with your content before you begin so that the intent is clear, the story easy to follow, and the call-to-action integrated. Know your content before you start so it is concise all the way through.
Plan for Your Audience
You know your audience, but have you planned for your audience? Use their jargon, target their problems, and speak to their references.
Content that is more uniquely tailored to an audience will come off as having more expertise and will prompt them to take action after reading the information. You want to be relatable, know their world and their problems, and have the content convey wisdom and experience that other content may be lacking if its only researched, not lived (or AI-generated).
Remember the Basics
Don’t get caught up in the latest trends, updates, and fads. Tried and true SEO techniques will outlast the newer strategies. While it is good to monitor Google updates and see how competitors are approaching content, there is no substitute for sticking to a strong foundation.
For the best results, do some A/B testing with techniques to incorporate them into your digital marketing plan without sacrificing the reliable methods of SEO digital marketing. You can test for yourself what works for your clients firsthand.
Give Users What They Want
Once you hook your audience onto your website with the right keywords, you need to satisfy their search intent; make sure you match the intent of the keywords and fulfill their needs. This reduces bounce rate, increases the chance of CTR, and ensures a better reputation for your company.
Readers who do not find the information they need when they click through your website will leave disgruntled and turn to a competitor. Remember, getting them on your website is not enough – you need to show the value of your company by displaying how you are the best business to solve their problem easily and affordably.
Know Your Competitors (And Competing Content)
So you’ve done competitor research, but how much? For some, this means you’ve identified who is above you in search results or who is most local to you or sells the most similar items.
However, that is not enough. What is the value they are giving to their customers on their website? You want to know if they provide newsletters, infographics, videos, slideshows, how-tos, or quizzes that help zero in on what their customers need.
By identifying what tactics your competitors are using, and how their content looks, you can better adapt your content to fill in gaps, meet needs, and be competitive.
Show What Makes You Unique - Only What You Can Offer
It’s important that you stand apart on your website and show how you are different. You want to be personal, show your experience, and clearly represent the values of your company.
Consumers want to connect with personal companies and that’s what sets competitors apart. Be unique, and in a world of AI content, avoid generic responses that don’t show how your company is different. Give personal anecdotes, share personal experiences, and display how you’re not just full of knowledge but full of application experience that makes a difference.
Need an example? See how we dive into the day in the life of an SEO digital marketer — personal, informative, and showcases our expertise.
Google Values EEAT - Use It In All Your Content
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These are the core components Google uses to ensure that the content it is showing at the top of search results will provide the quality it looks for for its users.
With everything you draft, create, and publish, organically streamline these elements into what you are writing. Talk about years on the business or jobs created; show stats that display why people trust you and how your knowledge stands out; command attention by engaging consumers with ways you’ve earned and upheld your reputation; and don’t let consumers down, make sure your site is safe, trusted, and easy to explore.
From content to real-world marketing and branding, all the elements of EEAT can take your business further.
Go Beyond Words - Use Media
Content is king and analyzing content for keywords is how Google knows what you offer and what value you can provide to customers.
However, there is a lot more that goes into SEO than just the content. Remember to use engaging media when attempting to rank higher on Google. Media like photos and videos will give more relevance to your information, keep users on your website longer to reduce bounce rate, and encourage more interactivity that connects them with your brand.
Your headers, content, and call-to-actions all engage consumers but media evokes a feeling, shows brightness, and goes one step beyond. This is why using media is one of our top SEO tips from experts to improve your digital marketing in 2025.
Don’t Leave Your Content and Forget It, Remember to Update
We talk a lot about digital marketing and SEO tips to always monitor your content and improve on what you are doing next. Content that sits can build trust but shouldn’t be totally forgotten about.
As you monitor your rankings and how your content is doing, do not be afraid to complete timely updates as needed. This could be updates like links to external resources, timely stats that change year to year, or even new offerings from your company.
While your content needs time to build authority, you shouldn’t be using the same content 3 to 5 years without updates. Timely content that ranks well will continue to improve and sustain a high ranking vs one that falls out of relevance.
Work with Graphic Forms SEO Experts for More Tips in 2025
Are you ready to make your website the star of the show? That’s where we come in!
At Graphic Forms, we’ve helped businesses all over Maryland, DC, PA, NJ, and across the country shine online. Whether you’re a local roofer, a family doctor, or a wellness office, we’ve got the tools and expertise to make SEO easy and successful.
If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and delve deep into SEO in 2025, we are here to help. Personal consults, dedicated team, and human-written content that hones in on your value and expertise.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Customized Strategies: We know every business is unique, so we create SEO plans tailored just for you.
Proven Results: Our clients have seen amazing growth, with higher search rankings and more customers.
Friendly Support: We’re not just SEO experts—we’re your partners in success. Got questions? We’re here to help.
Get Started with SEO in 2025
2025 is the perfect time to unlock your business’s potential with SEO. Don’t let your competitors steal the spotlight. With Graphic Forms by your side, you can climb the search rankings and attract more customers than ever before.
Ready to get started? Give us a call or sign up for a free site audit to get personal advice on where you can improve. Let’s make your online dreams a reality!
FAQs
What is SEO, and why does my business need it?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It helps your website show up at the top of search results, so that more people can find your business online. Think of it as a way to get more customers without spending a fortune on ads!
How long does it take to see results with SEO?
SEO isn’t instant; it’s more like planting a garden. You’ll start seeing results in 3-6 months, but the long-term rewards are worth the wait. Once SEO is established, monitored, and updated, it can boost you for years with the right maintenance.
Can I do SEO myself, or do I need SEO experts?
While you can do some basics on your own, a professional team (like Graphic Forms!) has the tools and expertise to get the best results faster. You can start by trying our expert SEO tips or talk to us for a personal SEO plan in 2025.
How much does SEO cost?
The cost of SEO depends on your business goals and needs. At Graphic Forms, we offer affordable packages to fit your budget, so you pay only for what you want to focus on. Bundles include local SEO to focus on a city or county, social media, newsletters, and PPC ads.
What happens if I stop doing SEO?
Stopping SEO is like stopping exercise—your progress will fade over time. To stay at the top, it’s important to keep your site optimized. You can make a larger investment upfront for SEO in 2025 and then reduce your monthly budget to maintain results over time.
How do I get started with Graphic Forms SEO Experts?
It’s easy! Just give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website. We’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your goals and create a custom plan just for you. Send us your website for a FREE SEO ANALYSIS to see where you can improve over competitors.