Search engine optimization (SEO) is a very popular topic of discussion in the marketing world today. It is an extremely effective tool when done right, but can easily backfire when B2B marketers take shortcuts, use shady tricks to manipulate results, or rely on bad information.
When it comes to SEO, the best approach is to keep it simple and make sure you follow these 9 rules:
1. Do not use spam or automation
There are those that will try to convince you that using spam and automated links can aid in better SEO. This is not true! The penalties for using these methods will damage your website and reputation, in addition to filling the internet with garbage. Keep it clean and stay away from automated spam links.
2. Share the link love
"Share the love" and link back to some of those that link to you. This builds relationships and expands your brand awareness. Just make sure you link to reputable sites with some connection to your business. This will improve your SEO and possibly bring more niche customers to your site.
3. Do not write content for search engines
Remember that people will actually have to read your content for it to help your SEO. So if you add too many keywords instead of creating high quality content, your high search engine ranking will be wasted. Make it readable, interesting and relevant to your audience.
4. Keep your keywords relevant
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, avoiding high traffic keywords is the best way to acheive a better search engine ranking. High traffic words are often the ones with the most competition--this can make it hard to get a high ranking and reach your targeted audience. Focus instead on low competition, low traffic words that are relevant to your business and will attract the right buyers.
5. Do not sell or buy links
Link buying violates the terms of service of all major search engines and the penalty for getting caught is severe. They can ban your site completely from all search results so that no one will find you and your competitor reaps the benefits. Be creative and find other ways to get links onto the sites you want, like providing content for a link.
6. Install a sitemap
Search engines use sitemaps to read websites, so you need to have one if you want to end up on keyword searches. They are extremely easy to install, so there is really no excuse for not having one. It could mean the difference between 10 visitors a day and 1000 visitors a day.
7. Do not engage in black hat tactics
Some people use unethical black hat techniques to increase SEO because it is easy and often produces results quickly. They may not know that these tactics are a violation of search engines' policies and, if caught, violators will get their websites banned. Even if they aren't caught immediately, the results achieved by these deceptive methods are often temporary and not worth the risk.
9. Use analytics
Install analytics on your site to create a better experience for users and optimize searches. You can track everything visitors do and see while on your site as well as what keywords got them there. You will know what is and isn't working and be able to constantly improve the experience.
9. Never solicit for links
Before you start begging for links on other websites, think about how this may be perceived. Avoid looking desperate and reach out to the webmaster with an offer that will benefit both of you. Even if there is nothing they want in return, they will be more willing to give a link if you have established a relationship.
Search engine optimization is an invaluable tool when you want to grow your business and brand awareness. If you take the steps necessary to ensure that it is done right, you will be rewarded with increased traffic and revenue.
When it comes to SEO, the best approach is to keep it simple and make sure you follow these 9 rules:
1. Do not use spam or automation
There are those that will try to convince you that using spam and automated links can aid in better SEO. This is not true! The penalties for using these methods will damage your website and reputation, in addition to filling the internet with garbage. Keep it clean and stay away from automated spam links.
2. Share the link love
"Share the love" and link back to some of those that link to you. This builds relationships and expands your brand awareness. Just make sure you link to reputable sites with some connection to your business. This will improve your SEO and possibly bring more niche customers to your site.
3. Do not write content for search engines
Remember that people will actually have to read your content for it to help your SEO. So if you add too many keywords instead of creating high quality content, your high search engine ranking will be wasted. Make it readable, interesting and relevant to your audience.
4. Keep your keywords relevant
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, avoiding high traffic keywords is the best way to acheive a better search engine ranking. High traffic words are often the ones with the most competition--this can make it hard to get a high ranking and reach your targeted audience. Focus instead on low competition, low traffic words that are relevant to your business and will attract the right buyers.
5. Do not sell or buy links
Link buying violates the terms of service of all major search engines and the penalty for getting caught is severe. They can ban your site completely from all search results so that no one will find you and your competitor reaps the benefits. Be creative and find other ways to get links onto the sites you want, like providing content for a link.
6. Install a sitemap
Search engines use sitemaps to read websites, so you need to have one if you want to end up on keyword searches. They are extremely easy to install, so there is really no excuse for not having one. It could mean the difference between 10 visitors a day and 1000 visitors a day.
7. Do not engage in black hat tactics
Some people use unethical black hat techniques to increase SEO because it is easy and often produces results quickly. They may not know that these tactics are a violation of search engines' policies and, if caught, violators will get their websites banned. Even if they aren't caught immediately, the results achieved by these deceptive methods are often temporary and not worth the risk.
9. Use analytics
Install analytics on your site to create a better experience for users and optimize searches. You can track everything visitors do and see while on your site as well as what keywords got them there. You will know what is and isn't working and be able to constantly improve the experience.
9. Never solicit for links
Before you start begging for links on other websites, think about how this may be perceived. Avoid looking desperate and reach out to the webmaster with an offer that will benefit both of you. Even if there is nothing they want in return, they will be more willing to give a link if you have established a relationship.
Search engine optimization is an invaluable tool when you want to grow your business and brand awareness. If you take the steps necessary to ensure that it is done right, you will be rewarded with increased traffic and revenue.
About the Author:
Jonathan X. Livingsworth is a media writer in the world of marketing. If you are interested in working with the latest in marketing he suggests you check out Marketing Consultant. You can learn more about this revenue marketing company at www.pedowitzgroup.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment