Here’s your essential SEO tips to getting found on the search engines.
It’s one thing to acquire yourself a nice, shiny new website, but if no one knows you’re out there then it shines not! There’s a few ways to increase your search engine results page (SERP) ranking and be seen in all your peacock glory. Yet today we’re going to focus on some of that on-page SEO. That SEO gold; what to look for, where to find it, where to put it, and how you’re going to sneak in those keywords and phrases.
What we have here is some tips on how to do that there SEO to yer web tubes. (←Not good SEO.) Call, email or text us to get started on updating your website. We promise, absolutely no hokum in your content. 99.7% guaranteed.
Do Your SEO Keyword Homework
Knowing what keywords to use can be a no-brainer. We can’t tell the world about your most awesome products and services without giving them a name, you’ll probably want to describe what it is you’re selling while your at it too. Using your brand and main descriptor keywords and phrases will give you most of what you need.
Further researching these SEO keywords is the most important step in establishing your place at the top of the SERP results. Using some good ol fashioned detective work and search engines to determine how these keywords rank in your industry and amongst your peers and competition is a great way to get some ideas. Here’s a couple of ways to judge the value of a keyword from Moz.com.
And you’ll want to build off of your main keywords and phrases to help create your webpage content. Check out there SEO Keyword Research tools below:
Site Map
Google is looking at your web pages not your website as a whole when it comes to ranking for keywords and phrases. Make sure your web pages are structured in a way that reflects your SEO keyword strategy. Create a separate page for each important, relevant keyword and phrase you want to be found for. Giving each of the services you offer its own page is a great opportunity to capitalize on a gold mine of SEO.
If you’re using WordPress like the rest of us, using plugins like Yoast SEO Plugin is a great and user friendly way to help update your meta data as mentioned next, as well as build your site map for the search engines.
Meta Data
SEO has a little bit of a behind-the-scenes life when it comes to meta data like the title tag, meta description, and meta keywords. Each of these areas offers an opportunity to inject the SEO phrases you so tirelessly researched.
The page title tag and meta description should contain your brand and most important keywords and phrases related to the pages content. You’re limited to 50-60 characters for the title tag, so choose wisely. The meta description offers a little bit more room at about 160 characters so you can be more flexible and include things like a call to action. Remember to try and get your most important keywords towards the front of the title tag, meta description and within the page content.
When you use H-tags like H1, H2, and H3 in the content it provides your readers with a visual hierarchy of the content you’re displaying. This SEO tactic also tells the search engines the importance of those SEO keywords and phrases you’re using and makes an effort to pay extra attention.
Internal and External Links
Building a link profile on and off site is extremely important. Using internal links ensures your readers spend more time exploring your web site and content. Check out my Solutions page for example.
External links are also important to ensure more people pay attention to the content you’re creating. Visiting and engaging with those who share similar ideas, operate in the same industry, or are Influencers within the circles you’re in or hoping to join is a great way to build your new audience. The goal is to attract the links and engagement through genuine interest, not build the links through service. Everyone needs each other, so it should be a win/win! Search Engine Land is a great resource for SEO news. I’m subscribe to pretty much everything they put out.
Mobile Friendly Design
Be friendly with the little guys, it’s good for SEO. Your visitors are finding you by way of mobile device above all else, and they’re only moving further away from the desktop. Some research is showing mobile traffic over 70% these days!
Besides the fact that your website requires horizontal scrolling and should be burned at the stake, just the nuisance of not being able to view the website content as easily as the rest of world is extremely frustrating. Google notices when you provide a smooth and congruent website experience, and appreciates you caring about the little guys. They’ll even flash a “mobile friendly” badge for you.
Your on-page SEO is absolutely important, but don’t forget about the rest of the SEO support team. Your off-page SEO items like your local listings that contain your name, address, and phone number (NAP); map listings; reputation sites; and social media all contribute to and support great SERP rankings and properly managed SEO. The tips above are just a few ways to get started on your SEO game, but join my email list so you don’t miss the rest of the best of SEO methods. Call me! It’s what I do.
Tell me what your favorite SEO tool, tip, trick or tactic is in the comments section below. There’s a lot I’ve left out I’m sure. Like, magic. I didn’t even touch on the magic I use for SEO. David Bowie in Labyrinth magic.