Search engine optimisation has always been a puzzle to most website owners, especially for beginners. But since this is the backbone of site traffic, it should be given ample attention.
Now for webmasters, I know that this can be quite a workload, especially since you already have enough on your “to do” list. But rest assured, the basics are simple and you do not need to have the IQ of Sheldon Cooper just to succeed.
So before you dismiss SEO and its contributions to your domain, consider these rudimentary tactics first:
Basic SEO Tactics Webmasters Should Learn
1.Use long-tail keywords
If you are using Google AdWords, you may be aware that there is high competition for the use of shorter search terms. If you use these, it can be quite tricky to rank higher.
On the contrary, long-tail keywords are more specific; therefore, they are more unique and have lesser competition compared to their shorter counterparts. For example, instead of “social media”, you can go for “social media marketing” or “marketing through social networks”. It is easier to use in your content and it will give your ranking some much-needed boost.
2. Conduct constant keyword searches
The trends on the Internet are constantly changing. One topic may be famous this month and it may be forgotten the next. So to keep up with such changes, you have to constantly search for newer and trendier search terms, especially in your particular industry.
For example, if you are offering previously-owned cars, you should learn about news updates regarding automotives and vehicles. Such info will give you an idea if your keywords are still “hip” among browsers or if you should use new key phrases and terms.
3. Prioritize quality link-building
As a webmaster, you should know that backlinks are extremely important for ranking high in search engine results pages (SERPs). However, when before the priority was quantity, Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other similar search engines now prioritise quality links on websites.
For this reason, it is important that you should never rush into link building. You should acquire your inbound links over a certain period of time, making sure that they are relevant to your niche and that they are well-integrated into your content.
A steady link growth is now the ideal way to get Google to trust your site [ Tweet This]
4. Focus on consistent and compelling content
One of the main elements of your website is your content. This does not only refer to the articles you publish on your domain but also the photos, videos, and even podcasts that you embed in your site.
All of these should be compelling, interesting, original, and relevant to your business niche
Consistency in content is also the key to acquiring and keeping a top spot in SERPs. Should you leave your inner pages stagnant, you will risk a decrease in rank and traffic, which is basically not good for your site. Simply put, you have to regularly publish top-quality articles that are informational to your visitors.
5. Promote through social media
If you have no idea yet what “social media” is, shame on you. Just kidding!
Technically, it is the collective term that refers to the plethora of activities that combine technology, interaction, entertainment, and sharing via online platforms.
Just by this definition, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Digg and other channels come to mind.
But first of all, what will they contribute to your site?
Simply put, they generate inbound links that are trusted by Google. When you insert a link to your status, tweet, video, or pin, you are basically developing more links to your site, which are not suspicious to search engines. Just be sure to avoid spamming and making outright promotions.
6. Optimize the visual appeal of your website
The layout of your landing pages, and most especially your Home page, is a big factor in keeping your visitors [Tweet this]
First, you have to use the “white space” or blank space effectively. Note that gaps that are too small have less visual flow while gaps that are too wide appear boring.
Second, design a creative colour scheme and background image. It must not be too bland nor overly jazzed up. It should be simple, catchy, and relevant to your business.
Lastly, it should be easy to navigate. You can use a hierarchical order from main niche to sub-niches for better organisation of your content. This way, both search bots and Internet surfers can easily crawl and browse through your site without difficulty.
7. Establish a brand
Yes, Google loves brands. Since their algorithms rely on quantifiable or measurable metrics rather than subjective analyses, branding elements are the main basis for evaluating websites and their effective display.
So be sure you present a consistent company image, particularly your logo. You can also decide on a slogan or promotional tagline that will give audiences a brief guide of your products or services. Plus, this gives you a viable excuse to insert more keywords.
8. Follow Google’s guidelines
Why Google? Or better yet, why not?
They have been established as the number one search engine tool. And because of their massive and rapid success, they have spurted numerous other free services that are immensely useful, both for end-users and creators.
And aside from such services like Analytics, Google Webmaster Tools, and AdWords, they are also the leaders when it comes to high-end algorithms for search results. Making Internet users a priority makes them one of the most reliable and credible search engines available.
For this reason, you should follow the optimization guidelines they offer, that is if you want your site to be visible to a globally diverse audience. In particular, pay attention to their recent Panda and Penguin updates.
9. Keep track of your strategies
Lastly, you should monitor the effectiveness of your optimisation efforts. Why?
This will help you determine which of your strategies are working and which ones need to be improved eradicated.
Perhaps, the most effective tracker you can use is Google Webmaster Tools. It features almost all the necessary metric methods you need to analyse your site—if is effectively optimized or if it still needs a little bit of tweaking.
Conclusion about Basic SEO Tactics Webmasters Should Learn
Remember that the best way to develop your site is to optimise it for your viewers, not only for search engines. By doing so, you will gain the side benefit of having a high rank in SERPs.
If you know of other techniques that I have not mentioned yet, please feel free to state them in the comments.
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About the Author:
Emma Tomlinson is the Head of Retail at Smart Traffic SEO Specialists, a UK-based company offering services to online businesses across the globe.
ekene says
dats gud bt pls how do i create website,tanks
Nwangene Theodore says
Thanks Ekene, creating a blog is not the main thing. What you should figure out first is what you want to do with the blog, What do you want to blog about? What are you passionate about? If you can answer these quations correctly, then you will now plan on how to create your blog.
Thanks.
Marcie says
Theodore, I am really focusing on my site design and brand these days, and I am more conscious about the keywords I use. I’m going to focus more on longtail, but so far, I have been getting found with by the titles of my posts.
Nwangene Theodore says
Thats good Marcie. I also want to change the design of my site.
Thanks
Link Building Services says
I totally agree with this sentence “The layout of your landing pages, and most especially your Home page, is a big factor in keeping your visitors ” because catchy and interesting web design can indeed drive audience’s attention. If they happen see your blog as colorful and enticing pretty sure they will have a visit.
Marcus013 says
I was looking for a entice and glorious information. Intensely i meet to your blog and read your post. Really very nice blog with a marvelous stuff.
Alex013 says
Awesome work.Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading.Thanks for the share..
Nwangene Theodore says
Thanks Alex