SEO Starter Kit: Take Your Site from Overwhelmed to Optimized [VIDEO]

8 Ways to Start Optimizing Your Website Content

During our LinkedIn Live, Adrienne shared invaluable insights on getting started with SEO without needing to overhaul your entire website. She also was generous enough to share an article on the best back-end tools for nonprofits to set up, and references that throughout our session.

Here are some of the top tips and lessons from our conversation to help you start building your nonprofit’s digital presence, one manageable step at a time.

1. Leverage Content You Already Have
   • Don’t feel pressured to create entirely new content for SEO. If you’re already publishing newsletters, blog posts, or social media updates, this content can be optimized and repurposed. Adrienne suggested starting by turning these existing materials into blog posts or resources on your website. This way, you can begin creating a valuable “digital garden” of content without a lot of extra work.
2. Define Your Core Topics
   • Identify 5-10 topics directly related to your nonprofit’s mission or services. For example, if your organization focuses on animal rescue, consider posts like “How to Adopt a Rescue Dog” or “Pet Care Tips for First-Time Owners.” Using language that people naturally search for can help your content reach the right audience.
3. Optimize Key Website Pages
   • Focus on your homepage and giving page first. These are crucial entry points for visitors and should be clear and navigable. Adrienne recommends including a tagline that captures your mission and a straightforward call-to-action. If your goal is to encourage donations or volunteer sign-ups, make sure these options are prominent and easy to find.
4. Use Free Google Tools to Track Progress
   • Adrienne stressed the importance of setting up Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google My Business. These tools are free and provide insights into how visitors find and interact with your website. Analytics shows you what people do once they’re on your site, while Search Console reveals what search terms brought them there. For local nonprofits, Google My Business also helps you appear on maps and provides visibility for nearby searches.
5. Connect SEO with Your Brand Narrative
   • We discussed how SEO isn’t just about keywords; it’s about storytelling. Your content should reflect your nonprofit’s personality and mission. Think of SEO as a way to share the heart of your organization in a way that resonates with people who care about your cause. Adding emotion to your brand story is key to connecting with potential donors and supporters.
6. Think of SEO as a Marathon, Not a Sprint
   • SEO success doesn’t happen overnight. Adrienne and I shared how small steps, like updating one blog post or tweaking one title tag at a time, can add up over time. Start with what’s sustainable for your team, even if it’s just an hour a week. Over time, these gradual improvements can boost your online visibility.
7. Make the Most of Co-Marketing Opportunities
   • Partnerships can enhance your SEO! If you have partners or collaborate with other organizations, see if they’re willing to link to your site. Adrienne shared how this type of link-building strengthens your digital presence and helps you reach a wider audience.
8. Use Google Ad Grants for More Than Just Donations
   • Google Ad Grants can be a powerful tool, but you don’t need to use them solely to drive donations. Use ads to introduce people to your mission, share helpful resources, or even lead viewers to an engaging blog post or video. This strategy builds familiarity with your brand and allows potential supporters to get to know your work at their own pace.