5 Tips for Better SEO Ranking | We’re in an age where search engine optimization (SEO) has become an essential part of any digital inbound marketing strategy. But as the Internet grows, so does Google, who regularly finds it necessary to change its search algorithm to make sure that users get the most relevant results possible.
So what does this mean for businesses just getting their feet wet with SEO? Are they so behind the times that they shouldn’t even get started? Or should companies with poor SEO results just accept their current rankings? No, not at all. The best time to start or improve an SEO strategy is right now!
If you need better SEO results, here are 5 quick tips to get you started:
#1. Do Your Keyword Research
In simple terms, keyword research is the process of selecting words and phrases that your customers would use to find you online.
For example, when we develop SEO strategies for manufacturing companies, we want to include a phrase that their customers would type into Google, such as “box manufacturing Toronto”. Including the city name, or even the company’s address along with surrounding service areas will help you generate traffic from location-based searches, a strategy called local SEO.
But first, you need to optimize your website by building its content around that keyword phrase. Software such as Yoast can help you do that. When you’re in a very competitive market, keyword research can be daunting. Seek out help from an SEO expert if you’re unsure of how to go about it.
#2. Optimize Your Website for Mobile
Have you heard the term “responsive”?
If your website is responsive, it means that it performs well on mobile devices. And that’s becoming more and more important, especially since Google has started reducing the ranking of desktop sites that don’t have a responsive companion.
Think about it: how many times have you walked to your computer to Google something instead of just pulling out your phone? Also, chances are your computer is off at night, and you don’t carry it around with you 24/7. Your phone is usually always on and close by, even when you’re in bed!
Mobile optimization is crucial to the success of your SEO campaign. Fortunately, most website themes are responsive already, so you might have to do a little tweaking to make it mobile-perfect, but it’s certainly less painful to do now than it was a few years ago.
#3. Develop a Content Marketing Strategy
Content is the backbone of your website. If search engines can’t find your content, they won’t rank your website.
How does Google analyze your content you may ask? Many factors play in, such as the quality of your content, how often you update it, and a mix of different types of media, such as text, images, and video.
Creating content is more than just typing words on a page. There’s a method to it that involves a combination of:
- Appropriate tone and language for your audience, broken up into easily digestible chunks
- Strategic use of keywords in the title, subheadings, images, URL, and within the text
- A meta-description that will show up on Google, giving the reader a quick idea of what your content is about
- Using long-form content that is still engaging, but not so long that it loses the reader
- Planning your publishing schedule ahead of time so your content is aligned with your seasonal trends
Also, it’s important to know what you want from your content in order to develop an effective strategy. Are you looking to build relationships? Spread awareness? Make quick sales? Knowing this will make your content creation a lot easier.
#4. Add Video to Your Website
We all know that the number 1 search platform in the world is Google.
But do you know what number 2 is?
Give up? It’s YouTube.
It makes sense, doesn’t it? Videos are not only completely engaging, but they also keep people on your website longer. This increases your website authority with Google, which raises your search rankings.
You can create all sorts of videos for your website, such as do-it-yourself video blogs with a wide range of tools such as iMovie, or produce robust, professional-grade corporate videos to really get your brand out there. Either way, video is easy to consume, can be easily shared, and can add to your subscriber base.
If it makes sense for your brand, video is definitely worth a shot.
#5. Pay Attention to Technical Website Details
Things like load speed, site security, and minimized downtime also play into your SEO performance. Google pays attention to all of these details, and so should you.
The best way to control these aspects of your website is to have good quality web hosting. Ask colleagues for recommendations, check online reviews, and always remember that the cheapest doesn’t always mean the best.
Here’s one last bonus tip:
SEO isn’t an exact science. It takes constant testing, tweaking, and trying again to stay on top of your SEO strategy. But if your business relies on the Internet to create inbound leads, you’ll find the ROI well worth the investment.
If SEO has you lost, we can help you get found! Hire the marketing skills of TSquared Marketing for less than the cost of one employee to start ranking higher and getting better online traffic.
