Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 2
In Nagaland, where traditional commerce and limited infrastructure have long been barriers to growth, a major component for them to enhance their presence in the digital realm is through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). That is according to Er. Atoba Longkumer, Cofounder & CEO of Tabernacle Technologies Pvt Ltd who explained that SEO can enable local businesses in Nagaland to increase reach, increase competitiveness and unlock digital success.
This is through enhancing their websites to rank higher on search engine results, thereby dramatically increase visibility, attract organic traffic, and gain a competitive edge without relying on expensive digital ads.
What is SEO and how does it work?
Basically, SEO is a set of practices designed to enhance a website’s visibility in search engine results pages. The objective is simple: make your website more likely to appear on the first page of Google results with emphasis on ‘key words.’ Similar to how a store situated in the front areas of a busy marketplace attracts the most customers, Longkumer said.
For instance, he noted that someone in Bangalore might search for "Naga jewelry." While many websites may offer such products, those with the best SEO will rank higher in search results, drawing more attention. It will in turn increase the chance of attracting more customers, no matter how far they are, he added.
In his view, effective SEO strategies include keyword research, content creation, on-page optimization, link building, and technical adjustments to ensure both search engines and users find the website valuable.
Nagaland’s context and what the numbers tell us
In Nagaland, SEO has proven to be a powerful equalizer. A prime example is Beauty Barn, a local e-commerce platform specializing in Korean beauty products that has successfully attracted over 150,000 to 200,000 monthly visitors, Longkumer stated.
Similarly, local e-commerce platforms such as Naga Bazaar and Ilandlo have each seen significant increases in website traffic, attracting around 10,000 to 9,000 monthly visitors, respectively, he reported.
In media as well, Longkumer estimates that Morung Express attracts 84,000 monthly visitors, outperforming Nagaland Post, which receives about 58,000 despite being the leading print newspaper in the state. Clearly SEO has the ability to transform visibility whether for businesses, media, or government platforms, he said.
Empowering local businesses with SEO
For Longkumer, SEO can be transformative for businesses in Nagaland, particularly through strategies that optimize content for location-specific keywords and strategies tailored to their audience. He suggests that “A café in Dimapur for instance, could attract customers by ranking for terms like “best café in Dimapur.” Similarly, a guesthouse could improve its visibility to tourists searching for “budget stays in Kohima.” In this manner startups also can benefit significantly from SEO, he mentioned. For example, an AgriTech startup promoting sustainable farming can target keywords like “organic farming solutions in India” to attract investors and early adopters.
Additionally, producing high-quality content, such as blog posts, videos, and product descriptions, would ensure that users find value when visiting a site.
Why SEO is a Must-Have
In today’s digital-first world, an effective SEO strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential, Longkumer aruges. Businesses, especially SMEs, should embrace SEO as a gateway to global markets. Now is the time for Nagaland’s businesses to invest in SEO and secure their place at the forefront of the digital marketplace, he added.
In an age where online visibility is synonymous with business success, Longkumer noted that the potential for growth is limitless. Through SEO, Nagaland’s businesses can leapfrog over regional limitations and emerge as digital players in a global marketplace.
