SEO (search engine optimization) continues to become more complex especially with multiple yearly algorithm updates from Google. In that sense, it has become a difficult strategy for businesses to successfully implement. Gone are the days in which you could place a bunch of keywords on your web page and buy a bunch of links to be at the top of a Google search.
The popularity of digital marketing is growing which means that your SEO tactics need to be up-to-date to ensure a steady flow of organic visitors to your website. Here are 5 SEO tactics that you may not be using right and ways to fix it.
1) Keywords
The use of keywords is not as simple as plugging in as many as you can on a page and getting a high ranking in return anymore. Keywords should only be used where it makes sense, and rather than focusing on singular words, use longer phrases like the ones you use in search. Search engines now also have the capability of associating your keywords with synonyms, making it easier to focus less on finding places for your keywords and more on finding the right content for the user.
Writing content with a user-friendly mindset is the best way to rank higher on search engines, algorithms look to synonyms and common themes present in your content to establish rankings. Next time, rather than using keywords such as “computer repair,” try using a phrase you would naturally speak out, such as “where can I fix my computer in Thorold.”
2) Links
Purchasing inbound links to boost your SEO strategy may have worked at one point, but now is seen as a big no-no. Google knows if you’ve purchased links and will penalize you accordingly. Let your link building happen organically. Create content that is valuable to your buyer personas, content that they will want to share. Links aren’t as effective as they once were for rankings, now websites with a large social following rank better.
Your focus should now be on getting eyes on your page. One way to do this is to build up your social media profiles. This will expand your brands reach, leading to more visits on your pages, giving your page more back links.
3) More pages or more content?
Content. Always. It has been and still is the main driver for your SEO. High quality, useful, and unique content geared towards your buyer personas will help lead to high traffic and high rankings. Having great content is effective, but managing this content is just as important. Building more web pages is not an effective strategy when the content is only being created for that purpose. Create content for quality not quantity.
Because algorithms are consistently updated, they are better at detecting bad content. Bad content now may also lead to Google penalizing you, so be sure to make content that your viewers want to read.
4) Graphics
Graphics are a great way to enhance any web page. Graphics used to be great for rankings even when neglecting alt text and image file names however, algorithms have since been updated challenge this approach. Search engines can’t read images on your web pages, so providing images with relative alt text and an image file name is important in letting Google know what the image and page content is about.
Web pages today can earn higher rankings on search engines without using huge amounts of text, but rather more video and image content. When creating your content, always think of the user first, with a good mix of effective graphics and text.
5) Mobile responsiveness
As mobile devices continue to be the heavily favoured tool for browsing, new SEO strategies have emerged such as local search optimization. Mobile devices usage will continue to grow as a tool for browsing and being mobile friendly is essential to your SEO strategy.
Google knows whether or not your website is mobile-friendly. If your website is not responsive then you are automatically given a lower ranking. Websites must be responsive across all mobile devices to ensure a better ranking and a better overall user experience.
SEO is an important part of your inbound marketing strategy, being one of the first companies ranked on Google from user searches will transform your website site traffic and increase your ability to gain SEO lead generation. Applying the right SEO tactics translates to your greatest success online, does your website meet the SEO grade? Find out by connecting with us at H&C Inc.