You have a great furniture showroom or design studio AND you built a beautiful online store where people can find inspiration and buy all your beautiful pieces. Sadly, though, none of that matters if no one can find you. That’s why we’re offering some practical, tackle-it-this-week tips for improved returns in search.

Publish Relevant Content to Improve Site Search-ability

Post relevant content that is specifically curated for your visitors. You’re reading this blog because we know that we serve home furnishings professionals who are passionate about growth and technology integration to move their business forward.

For your site, relevant content may be covering trends, fabric durability differences, creating a lighting scheme for parties vs. everyday living and so on.

Within each article or page you create, consider the search words/phrases people might use to find that information and sprinkle it throughout. Just don’t over do it.  “Looking for a blue sofa? Your search for a blue sofa is over! Our blue sofa is the color of the sky and cradles you in comfort. Bring this blue sofa home today.”

And don’t forget to make use of H2 and H3 headings within your piece to help your keywords stand out to spiders crawling for the information. Just remember, this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor – which leads us to point “next.”

Update Your Content Regularly

Search engines look for more than keywords and phrases to produce search return. Your site’s activity is also considered. By pushing relevant content on a reliable schedule and making site improvements regularly, your site reads as active, which is prioritized over inactive.

Use Better Button CTAs to Increase Search Term Use Naturally

Rather than “Click Here,” give a description of the next page’s contents on your button for additional search term real estate. For example, if you’re building a page around DIY Design Tips, rather than send people to lighting selections via a “click here” button, use a “lighting ideas” label to:

A) tell guests what to expect on the click and

B) improve your odds for a high return when someone types “lighting ideas” in the search bar.

Take Full Advantage of Metadata to Ensure Your Site’s Visibility

Metadata is a set of data that describes other data. Think of it this way: metadata is your company’s version of product data. And, instead of filling in size specifications and fabric options, like Amber Engine, you’ll fill in key facts about your company to make sure people can find your furniture showroom when they search. There are 3 important types of metadata to complete:

1. Title. This determines the title displayed at the top of the browser window when your company returns in search. So, it could show “Elite Home Furnishings,” “Elite Home Furnishings – luxe décor and design” or “Elite Home Furnishings – New York, NY.” Use the space to share key pieces of relevant information, whether name, products, services or location.

2. Description. This paragraph is displayed in conjunction with the Title in search returns. Use this field to entice a click with a compelling and concise description of your business. “Elite Home Furnishings personally introduces you to your favorite celebrity with every all-velvet home décor package sold.”

3. Keyword. Unlike the other metadata forms, keywords are not visible to the public on search. Critics say this is an archaic area, as search relies more heavily on content, but we say it’s still a good idea to research and use keywords important to your industry. Better safe than sorry.

Text Brings Search Rankings and Brand Recognition to the Top

As a home furnishings professional, you have an image-rich business. However, it’s imperative to remember that Google can’t search a photograph. Each web page needs to include your business name in a text field, not just in a logo or on a showroom image.

Additionally, to improve location returns, make sure your business name, physical address, email and phone number appear on each page. This helps you show up in the top of search returns to people who want “Agate rugs in Denver, CO.” Search engines will see your title tag metadata, as well as the address listing on each page, to put you on the top of the list for rug retailers in Denver.

Use Alt_Tags to Give Visual Media a Boost in Search

Because you fully understand that search engines can’t “see” images, make sure you use the alt_tag field when you upload a new photo or illustration to your site. This tiny area packs a punch because it gives you a chance to describe what’s shown in the image. Aka: a goldmine for visually driven businesses.

With a little time and attention to the seemingly small elements of your website, you’ll see site rankings rise. It’s worth the effort, especially when the return lands your business on the first page of Google.

Want to learn more about improving your company’s eCommerce offering? You may also like:

Voice Search Ups the Online Furnishings Sales Game

Create Customer Engagement in the Home Furnishings Industry

Local for the WIN!