At Level Up your digital, we believe in the power of inclusivity, so much so, that we even published an Inclusivity commitment that is referenced every once in a while on our blog posts. We do this because our mission is to create a space where every individual, regardless of background, identity and experience, feels seen, heard and valued. This commitment extends to our approach to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), as we aim to provide actionable insights that are accessible to all, especially the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa.
In keeping with the theme of Inclusivity, we will start with the definition of SEO before we move into Inclusive SEO.
What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)?
SEO increases both the quality and quantity of website traffic, as well as exposure to your brand, through non-paid (organic) search engine results. It helps you understand what people are searching for online, the answers they seek, the words they’re using, and the type of content they wish to consume. Knowing the answers to these questions will allow you to connect to the people who are searching online for information related to your business.
What is Inclusive SEO?
Inclusive SEO takes SEO a step further by ensuring that diverse audiences can access and find the content relevant. It involves creating content that avoids terms that might exclude marginalised groups of people and favours alternatives that are less likely to cause harm or feel exclusionary. Inclusive SEO aims to make everyone fell welcome on your website, which can increase engagement, improve user experience, and ultimately, contribute to better SEO performance.
The difference is in the approach with traditional SEO focusing on optimising for search engines and Inclusive SEO focuses on optimising for both search engines and a diverse human audience.
Why Inclusivity in SEO Matters
Inclusivity in SEO isn’t just about reaching a diverse audience: it’s about creating content that resonates with everyone. It means that you create a digital presence that reflects the varied voices and experiences of your community and those you serve. For African MSMEs, inclusivity in SEO and content marketing is very important because:
- Inclusivity levels the playing field. Larger organizations often overshadow smaller businesses’ online presence due to having more resources for digital marketing. Inclusive SEO practices help ensure that MSMEs are visible and competitive in search results.
- Africa is a continent rich in diversity, with numerous languages, cultures, and consumer needs. Inclusive content marketing allows MSMEs to reflect this diversity, resonate with a broader audience, and meet the specific needs of various communities.
- When MSMEs embrace inclusivity, they tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas. This can drive innovation and lead to more effective and creative solutions.
- Inclusivity in digital strategies ensures that growth isn’t just for the short term, but is sustainable. It helps build loyal customer bases and communities that feel represented and understood.
- There’s an ethical imperative for businesses to be inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation and the digital economy are accessible to all, not just a privileged few.
By focusing on inclusivity as an African MSME, you can create equitable opportunities for success and contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of your communities.
Actionable Strategies for African MSMEs
Here are some SEO strategies tailored for African MSMEs that are both effective and inclusive:
- Understand Your Audience – Create content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of your audience. Use language that is clear and avoid jargon. Remember, not everyone is an expert or has a basic understanding of your product and services.
- Localise Your Contact – Tailor your content to reflect local cultures, languages, and interests. This helps in building a strong local presence and connects with your audience on a deeper level.
- Leverage Free and Accessible Tools – There are many free tools available that can help improve your SEO without breaking the bank.
Your Path Forward
As MSMEs in Africa, you are the architects of innovation and the engines of growth in our economy. The digital landscape is vast and often challenging, but it is also ripe with opportunities for those who navigate it with intention and inclusivity.
Inclusive SEO and content marketing can be your ally and should not be seen as just another strategy. It should be a commitment to ensuring that your digital presence resonates with every member of your diverse audience. By ensuring accessibility and relevance, you’re not just improving your search rankings – you’re building a community.
The power of the internet is not just in connecting us to information but to each other. Your efforts in SEO and content marketing are more than just business tactics; they can be powerful statements of your values and vision for a more inclusive future.
Stay tuned as we explore practical tools that will simplify your SEO journey, making it more accessible and effective for your business. We’re committed to helping you find solutions that fit your needs and budget, so you can focus on what you do best—growing your enterprise.
Ff you’re not keen on waiting and want to try and get started right away then have a look at this article that talks about free SEO Tools.
Until next time, let’s continue to ignite the spark of MSME success.