Although cannabis is legalized in only some US states, this industry is booming. By 2023, consumers are expected to spend around $25 billion annually. Both medical and recreational markets are on the rise, but conventional advertising is still inaccessible. As companies cannot advertise on Google or social media, search engine optimization is a hot topic. We have chosen the best websites and blogs to help you master it in 2022.
What Is SEO?
SEO, or search engine optimization, is a sum of methods aimed at driving organic traffic to a site. When consumers search for cannabis, CBD or paraphernalia online, they enter specific words or phrases into the search engine. Your position in the results determines how much attention you get and how many users visit your website. SEO is your key to the promotion without ads.
In recent years, some agencies have started focusing on the industry. A highly effective service provided by a dedicated SEO agency can help your business rank high in organic search, attracting new eyes and turning these users into repeat customers. Basically, experts make websites attractive based on the assessment criteria of Google algorithms. This includes things like:
- Keywords
- Page titles
- Internal links on your site
- Backlinks and websites reputation
- Mobile-friendliness
- Page load time
To drive high-quality traffic and promote your cannabis site, you need to provide well-researched content with relevant and effective keywords. Google prioritizes websites that work well on mobile screens and have backlinks from reputable sources. While black-hat practices still exist, they are almost guaranteed to trigger a penalty. Here are 10 websites that will help you learn the basics of white-hat SEO in 2022.
1. Web-Savvy-Marketing
This platform is devoted to the fundamentals of growing the web presence. The company focuses on marketing tools that boost branding, traffic, and revenues. You will learn the rules of utilizing search algorithms, including such methods as keyword research, discovery, link building, on-page SEO, and site mapping. You can use online resources and reach out to the team for guidance.
2. SEO 101
Jill Kocher’s website focuses on keyword research, which can make or break any project. You will learn about practical solutions to fundamental problems and absorb both theory and practice to build a strong foundation. There are a plethora of articles for beginners, but users can also take advanced courses covering technical aspects of SEO.
3. Google
Where else to learn about search engine optimization but from Google itself? The company’s digital marketing course does not give away its secrets, but it will arm you with some of the most useful content on the internet.
First, there is General Search Console Help packed with guidelines every webmaster must know. You will discover what techniques can get you kicked from Google and how to boost your rankings naturally.
Secondly, check out Google’s SEO Starter Guide, which is useful for both webmasters and publishers. This document covers all the bases. You can learn how Google crawlers work, how to improve the website structure, content optimization, analytics, and promotions. Then, check out the following resources:
- Google’s Digital Marketing Course
- Search Console Help
- Steps to a Google-Friendly Site
- Webmasters
- Creating an SEO strategy (with Webmaster Tools!)
- SEO Site Tools
- PageSpeed Insights
- Google Trends
- Google Webmaster Central Blog
- Google Inside Search
4. Moz.com
This team of SEO experts has created a bunch of free tools for business listing management. A subscription gives access to tracking features for keyword searches, link-building opportunities, and on-page metrics.
In the Moz Page Authority section, you will learn why page authority is not the same as domain authority and why different pages rank differently. The Google Algorithm Change History blog page tracks changes to how websites are ranked.
5. Search Engine Watch
On this site, you will learn how search algorithms can benefit any business, including cannabis dispensaries. It is packed with educational videos and articles covering keyword research, on-page SEO, Google Analytics, and other aspects. You will also learn about semantic natural language search and mobile page technology.
6. Webmaster World
Packed with news and discussion forums, this platform is a leading source of information for webmasters. The forums are public, and the pro version features articles from industry experts. If you want to gain an in-depth understanding of search algorithms and their evolution, this is a great source.
7. Search Engine Journal
This website offers a wealth of articles and step-by-step guides from renowned experts in SEO and social analytics. It will help you create better, more engaging content to drive more traffic. Check out top marketing strategies, campaign reviews, and more!
8. Search Engine Land
Here, the content is very diverse, as it covers everything from better social engagement to adding value to links. This is a comprehensive collection of SEO articles to help you keep up with the trends and develop your skills. Take advantage of visibility boosting lessons with actionable tips for social media marketing, mobile optimization, and SEO.
9. E-commerce SEO: The Definitive Guide
As the name suggests, this platform is entirely dedicated to driving revenues and motivating users to buy through SEO. It covers keyword research, technical applications, ads, and more.
10. SEO By The Sea
Bill Slawski’s blog allows you to learn from a true expert who has worked in SEO since 1996. His articles contain links to a plethora of external resources. You can learn about keyword research, link building, local SEO, and more. The owner also offers in-depth site audits, training, and coaching.
