Search engine optimization (SEO) is the secret to getting your website noticed by Google’s algorithms. If your site is still tucked away on page seven or eight, however, your SEO might need some fine-tuning for better success. Whether you hire a digital agency such as iCrossing to help, or choose to do it on your own, it’s important to understand what works. Here are just a few tips for improving your SEO and getting your website on the front pages of search engines.
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Improve Your Search Engine Optimization
1. Expand Your Keywords
If your keywords are something generic like “books” or “lawyers,” you’re going to face stiff competition from brands who are already using them. Try to expand your keyword list and cast a wider net across the web. For example, instead of just “books,” your keywords can also include “literature,” “library” and “Jane Austen.” If your keyword is “lawyer,” you can branch out to include “lawsuits,” “car accidents” and “millions.” Try to put yourself in the mind of your average customer when they search for your keyword.
2. Link Within Your Site
Links are one of the big ways that Google judges the quality of your website. If your content isn’t being linked by others, it isn’t considered a popular or authoritative source, and that will hurt your page rankings. An easy way around this is to link to yourself across your website. Instead of encouraging users to hit the back button or check out another category of your site, physically link them to the page that they need. This will increase your total amount of clicks.
3. Update Your Site Regularly
Fresh content is considered more relevant than old content, so keep your website alive in the eyes of Google by updating it regularly. You don’t need huge amounts of meticulous content each day; you can stay relevant by adding links, updating photos, announcing sales and listing new blog entries. As long as it’s fresh activity for your site, you’re still in the game as far as search engines are concerned.
4. Sneak Your Keywords Into Pictures
It’s a common misconception that keywords can only be used in text. Google will count them even if they’re parts of internal codes and scripts, so use keywords with your image names and alt-text. For example, turn “0001.jpg” into “freshproduce1.jpg” and make your alt-text something like “fresh produce from our award-winning company.” This will help you inflate your keyword density without artificially stuffing your text with the same phrases over and over.
5. Fix Your Mistakes
Do you have any broken links or unplayable videos on your website? It’s time to whip them into shape and make them work again. 404 errors can make Google think that your site is old and neglected, especially if you have a growing number of them that you just haven’t corrected yet. Errors can also make Google think that you aren’t a trusted source on your subject; if you were, wouldn’t you care about delivering working, high-quality content to your users? Don’t make the mistake of being lazy when it comes to website maintenance. If a link is broken, fix it. If your code is old, update it.
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These are just a few tips for improving your search engine optimization. Whether you’re running a simple recipe blog or launching an international website for your mega-successful corporation, these ideas should help you refine your SEO strategy. For more information, contact a brand like iCrossing.
