Search engine optimization (SEO), is when you take your website and set it up so that your chances of being index on Google increases. This process is done by having numerous keywords and phrases that are relevant, so that you rank in more places and drive additional traffic to your website. For Google to pick you up though, you need to use search engine optimization techniques that are white hat and ethical. In order to achieve this, you’ll want to consider some of the best search engine optimization tips available.
SEO is not a process that takes place over night. It’s a slow burning process that takes time to climb ranks, and get your website to the point that it generates organic traffic from searches that are done. If you are new to the process, it is important that you review the Basic SEO article prior to reading this.
.Businesses that have a strong keyword in the business name rank 1.5 spots higher than if there is no keyword in the name. (Source: Local SEO Guide dot com, 2016).
What follows is a look at 12 of the best search engine optimization tips available. These will increase your odds of ranking on the first page of Google, even with competitive keywords. Even with all the changes that have taken place in recent years, there are many things that remain true for both ‘on page’ and ‘off page’ search engine optimization techniques.
A good starting point is to forget what you think is the correct about SEO. Instead, you’ll want to focus on a cognitive shift, so that you end up with better results and exceptional performance. You will likely notice better results when you do this regularly.
You should note that on page efforts are those that are done within the website for Google to pick elements up. You need to understand some of the minor changes Google has done and look at how content is impacted within the confines of this information.
Tip 1: It’s Not All About Numbers
When you are writing a post, you need to use your common sense on things. This is especially the case with keyword density and the overall length of the post. On your website, you need to have high caliber content that utilizes the right keywords in it. When your content is considered higher quality it is more in line with what Google wants from your website.
Yes, you may want to become overzealous with keywords, but that doesn’t pay off. Instead, be sensible with how you include keywords into your text. A good idea is to keep the density of your keywords between 1% and 2%. Usually, this is just a single use of the word or phrase every 50 – 100 words. However, using these keywords in a natural manner is equally important. When creating natural sounding content you need to worry more about the flow and the ease of reading, rather than trying to figure out how to weirdly phrase a sentence to get another instance of your keyword in the text.
That means when you are reviewing these search engine optimization tips, you keep in mind the readers experience matters. If it isn’t natural don’t include it. There is always an image alt text that you can use to get another occurrence on the page if you need to.
When you are writing a post, you need to use your common sense on things. This is especially the case with keyword density and the overall length of the post. On your website, you need to have high caliber content that utilizes the right keywords in it. When your content is considered higher quality it is more in line with what Google wants from your website.
Yes, you may want to become overzealous with keywords, but that doesn’t pay off. Instead, be sensible with how you include keywords into your text. A good idea is to keep the density of your keywords between 1% and 2%. Usually, this is just a single use of the word or phrase every 50 – 100 words. However, using these keywords in a natural manner is equally important. When creating natural sounding content you need to worry more about the flow and the ease of reading, rather than trying to figure out how to weirdly phrase a sentence to get another instance of your keyword in the text.
That means when you are reviewing these search engine optimization tips, you keep in mind the readers experience matters. If it isn’t natural don’t include it. There is always an image alt text that you can use to get another occurrence on the page if you need to.
The average first page result on Google contains 1,890 words. (Source: Backlinko dot com, 2016)
Back in the day when SEO techniques were more about getting ranked with a spam approach, 500 words was enough. Today, you need to provide something deeper that will fit into a longer section of text. You want depth, actual information that gives the reader something they can pull from it in order to learn something beyond the basics.
For most online experts, the consensus is that your blog post should be between 800 -1,500 words. Just note that no matter what direction you take, it is still important to best serve your readers. Can you say 4,000 words on a topic? You could.
But most people don’t have time to spend reading a long winded response that could be condensed into fewer words. However, if it is highly informative, clear, concise, and presented in a manner that inspires someone to brew a cup of tea and read it, then you’ve done your job. When content is longer make sure you are breaking it down so it doesn’t look like it is just endless text. Use headers, pictures, and other items to help keep everyone interested in reading the text you have it.
One of the bonus search engine techniques that you’ll want to note is that varying post lengths is smart. This keeps your text looking natural, and like you are not following a formula.
For most online experts, the consensus is that your blog post should be between 800 -1,500 words. Just note that no matter what direction you take, it is still important to best serve your readers. Can you say 4,000 words on a topic? You could.
But most people don’t have time to spend reading a long winded response that could be condensed into fewer words. However, if it is highly informative, clear, concise, and presented in a manner that inspires someone to brew a cup of tea and read it, then you’ve done your job. When content is longer make sure you are breaking it down so it doesn’t look like it is just endless text. Use headers, pictures, and other items to help keep everyone interested in reading the text you have it.
One of the bonus search engine techniques that you’ll want to note is that varying post lengths is smart. This keeps your text looking natural, and like you are not following a formula.
Tip 2: Schemas and Structured Data
Spend your time looking at rich snippets of information. When you do this, you can help Google to better understand the key elements of the content you have. This may be a recipe you are showcasing, a company name, some kind of score, or even important dates.
When Google reviews this information, they understand the impact it has and they include it on the Search Engine Results Pages (SERP). This allows you to attract a better number of visitors to your website, and this process isn’t complicated. With more websites utilizing WordPress, there are plugins that can help you to do this and even your meta tags. Just make sure that you are focused on the key elements that are important to your readers.
Spend your time looking at rich snippets of information. When you do this, you can help Google to better understand the key elements of the content you have. This may be a recipe you are showcasing, a company name, some kind of score, or even important dates.
When Google reviews this information, they understand the impact it has and they include it on the Search Engine Results Pages (SERP). This allows you to attract a better number of visitors to your website, and this process isn’t complicated. With more websites utilizing WordPress, there are plugins that can help you to do this and even your meta tags. Just make sure that you are focused on the key elements that are important to your readers.
Tip 3: The Importance of Design and Layout
For the next item in our search engine optimization tips, it is that you must have some kind of on-site optimization itself. This is things like adding alt-tags to all of your images, ensuring that your page loads in a fraction of a second and is mobile friendly. This is essential now in 2017 more than ever.
When people go to your website, they want it to load fast. With that, being seen on mobile devices properly is increasing in importance as more people are searching the web on their phones and other mobile devices. Furthermore, it is important to keep advertising to a minimum, keep pop overs to almost none, and of course don’t overdo the plugins on your page.
Here is one of the search engine optimization techniques you won’t see often. When you are setting up colors on your page, choose light colors, especially blues. This will help to keep your visitors calmer, so ensure you incorporate it into your theme.
For the next item in our search engine optimization tips, it is that you must have some kind of on-site optimization itself. This is things like adding alt-tags to all of your images, ensuring that your page loads in a fraction of a second and is mobile friendly. This is essential now in 2017 more than ever.
When people go to your website, they want it to load fast. With that, being seen on mobile devices properly is increasing in importance as more people are searching the web on their phones and other mobile devices. Furthermore, it is important to keep advertising to a minimum, keep pop overs to almost none, and of course don’t overdo the plugins on your page.
Here is one of the search engine optimization techniques you won’t see often. When you are setting up colors on your page, choose light colors, especially blues. This will help to keep your visitors calmer, so ensure you incorporate it into your theme.
Google accounts for over 76% of all global desktop search traffic, followed by Bing at 8%, Baidu at 7.5% and Yahoo at 7%. (Source: NetMarketShare dot com, 2016)
Tip 4: Don’t Try to Trick Google
Google sees it all and they work future updates from those trying to “trick” them. This negative approach has made spam links more obvious, stolen content stand out, and keyword stuffing look more like an annoyance than an actual item.
If you follow the simple requirements that have been put into place by Google, you’ll achieve better results and find that you are skyrocketing in the SERP that is there. The thing to focus on is amazing content that delivers in terms of quality and pizzazz.
Guest Posts – How to Handle Them
Okay, this is one of the search engine optimization tips that people frequently tell you to do. A guest post on your website can certainly deliver some incredible results. The problem, is that when you aren’t being cautious you end up putting yourself out there in ways that you might not want.
It can still provide you with some great backlinks and high quality, relevant content if you are precise with what you will accept. In return you may post a relevant article on their website and give them a link. This guest posting promotes both websites in a logical fashion and everyone ends up winning in the process. Think of this as a potentially powerful tool.
Tip 5: Don’t Overdo the Guest Posts
You can get too overzealous with guest posts. The result is that like any SEO strategy, too much will result in the backlinks seeming far from natural. Use these guest posts as part of a larger strategy you have in mind.
Tip 6: Write Content( Guest Post) That is Exceptional
Don’t write something dull, boring, and bland that people don’t care about .You want to write high quality pieces so that you appear to be one of the leading bloggers out there. As you do this, other bloggers will see your quality pieces and invite you to write for them.
This is a great way to boost credibility and earn a greater deal of respect along the way. All it takes is a little writing practice and learning the art of how to write naturally.
Google sees it all and they work future updates from those trying to “trick” them. This negative approach has made spam links more obvious, stolen content stand out, and keyword stuffing look more like an annoyance than an actual item.
If you follow the simple requirements that have been put into place by Google, you’ll achieve better results and find that you are skyrocketing in the SERP that is there. The thing to focus on is amazing content that delivers in terms of quality and pizzazz.
Guest Posts – How to Handle Them
Okay, this is one of the search engine optimization tips that people frequently tell you to do. A guest post on your website can certainly deliver some incredible results. The problem, is that when you aren’t being cautious you end up putting yourself out there in ways that you might not want.
It can still provide you with some great backlinks and high quality, relevant content if you are precise with what you will accept. In return you may post a relevant article on their website and give them a link. This guest posting promotes both websites in a logical fashion and everyone ends up winning in the process. Think of this as a potentially powerful tool.
Tip 5: Don’t Overdo the Guest Posts
You can get too overzealous with guest posts. The result is that like any SEO strategy, too much will result in the backlinks seeming far from natural. Use these guest posts as part of a larger strategy you have in mind.
Tip 6: Write Content( Guest Post) That is Exceptional
Don’t write something dull, boring, and bland that people don’t care about .You want to write high quality pieces so that you appear to be one of the leading bloggers out there. As you do this, other bloggers will see your quality pieces and invite you to write for them.
This is a great way to boost credibility and earn a greater deal of respect along the way. All it takes is a little writing practice and learning the art of how to write naturally.
47% of all websites worldwide use a Content Management System (CMS) as their development platform as of December 2016 (Source: W3Techs dot com, 2016)
Tip 7: Remember to Remain Relevant to Your Audience
Consider that posting your links just anywhere could potentially cause harm to your website. If Google determines that you are posting your links on websites that are unrelated, you might be tagged as spam by Google and that means you could experience a drop in your page rank. On the other hand, if you continue to post relevant links on quality websites, you’ll be viewed in a positive light and that can give you a boost.
Remember that things like headings and meta tags will be an important part of this process. So make sure you take the time to incorporate those into your posts so that searches remain relevant.
Google in turn will review appropriate headings and tags and this will be used to determine what each page is about. So you want this to be as relevant as possible, with each page of your website utilizing this. You can then see a spike in the traffic that ultimately comes to your website from search engines in the process.
Something to remember is that there is more to this process than simply posting a link. Your content as a whole needs to be worthwhile and delivering on its promise. You need regular updates, good navigation, and to do all that you can in order to create the best experience possible for your readers. After all, these are areas of importance that you must continue to focus on as you work through the various search engine optimization techniques available. If at any time you do something black hat, you’ll find that even if you do all of these search engine optimization tips, you’ll be punished by Google. So it is best to keep things on the up and up.
Consider that posting your links just anywhere could potentially cause harm to your website. If Google determines that you are posting your links on websites that are unrelated, you might be tagged as spam by Google and that means you could experience a drop in your page rank. On the other hand, if you continue to post relevant links on quality websites, you’ll be viewed in a positive light and that can give you a boost.
Remember that things like headings and meta tags will be an important part of this process. So make sure you take the time to incorporate those into your posts so that searches remain relevant.
Google in turn will review appropriate headings and tags and this will be used to determine what each page is about. So you want this to be as relevant as possible, with each page of your website utilizing this. You can then see a spike in the traffic that ultimately comes to your website from search engines in the process.
Something to remember is that there is more to this process than simply posting a link. Your content as a whole needs to be worthwhile and delivering on its promise. You need regular updates, good navigation, and to do all that you can in order to create the best experience possible for your readers. After all, these are areas of importance that you must continue to focus on as you work through the various search engine optimization techniques available. If at any time you do something black hat, you’ll find that even if you do all of these search engine optimization tips, you’ll be punished by Google. So it is best to keep things on the up and up.
Tip 8: The Right Links
One of the most important things you’ll do as you go through these search engine optimization techniques, is to ensure that you find links from websites that Google trusts. But how do you find out which sites those are? One way is to review the Google’s In the News section of their website. When you are in this area, you’ll notice that they are touching on different posts from various websites in your niche.
This is something that you want to definitely focus on because as you do this, you build credibility by these sites linking to you. When possible, also consider taking advantage of gov, edu ,and similar authority websites. The reason these work well, is that they are believed to have a great deal of credibility, which will bode very well for you.
One of the most important things you’ll do as you go through these search engine optimization techniques, is to ensure that you find links from websites that Google trusts. But how do you find out which sites those are? One way is to review the Google’s In the News section of their website. When you are in this area, you’ll notice that they are touching on different posts from various websites in your niche.
This is something that you want to definitely focus on because as you do this, you build credibility by these sites linking to you. When possible, also consider taking advantage of gov, edu ,and similar authority websites. The reason these work well, is that they are believed to have a great deal of credibility, which will bode very well for you.
Tip 9: Your Brand Matters
One of Googles favorite things is that they love companies who brand. Make sure you take the time to make an impact and to reflect what your brand is. Imagine the things you think of when you view a company. Amazon, Coca Cola, and similar companies have an image that comes to your mind. This is a brand establishment, as they are what your customer thinks. When you think of McDonald’s, you have the golden arches or a clown come to mind. This is a very similar fashion, but in the form of digital branding. So make sure you have logos and clear mission statements that draw in customers so they spend more time focusing on your website.
That doesn’t mean you need to focus solely on images. On the contrary, as you are likely learning in these search engine optimization techniques, there is far more weight that is being placed on things like content. So make sure you have strong content, great production values and a clear message. This will be viewed as part of your website’s brand, as you become known for the effort and the quality of the website.
With each update you do, think about what expression and label belongs with your website. Is something you are doing in line with what your brand image is? This doesn’t have to be a complicated process either, but it will take some time for you to come up with.
Researching Backlinks
One other thing to remember is that backlinks can also impact you. Make sure you are looking at what websites are linking to you with the backlinks tool. This is the best way to weed out items that are more of a headache than of any kind of benefit to you.
One of Googles favorite things is that they love companies who brand. Make sure you take the time to make an impact and to reflect what your brand is. Imagine the things you think of when you view a company. Amazon, Coca Cola, and similar companies have an image that comes to your mind. This is a brand establishment, as they are what your customer thinks. When you think of McDonald’s, you have the golden arches or a clown come to mind. This is a very similar fashion, but in the form of digital branding. So make sure you have logos and clear mission statements that draw in customers so they spend more time focusing on your website.
That doesn’t mean you need to focus solely on images. On the contrary, as you are likely learning in these search engine optimization techniques, there is far more weight that is being placed on things like content. So make sure you have strong content, great production values and a clear message. This will be viewed as part of your website’s brand, as you become known for the effort and the quality of the website.
With each update you do, think about what expression and label belongs with your website. Is something you are doing in line with what your brand image is? This doesn’t have to be a complicated process either, but it will take some time for you to come up with.
Researching Backlinks
One other thing to remember is that backlinks can also impact you. Make sure you are looking at what websites are linking to you with the backlinks tool. This is the best way to weed out items that are more of a headache than of any kind of benefit to you.
62% of B2B marketers and 51% of B2C marketers have optimized their blogs for mobile in order to improve SEO. (Source: Social Media Examiner dot com, 2016)
Tip 10: Link Bait
What is the best way to get links that appear natural? The answer is by having your readers post them. This is done with link bait. There are a few ways to make this work for you. It comes down to a few important things in the process.
The first is looking at how to create the link bait people want to share. This is one of those search engine optimization tips to pay close attention to. You want high quality content that is free of spelling errors, and is a reasonable length. You want people to want to share your content and in order to do that, you don’t want them to look at your content and wonder if anyone else will understand it.
If you can’t write, don’t fret. There are companies out there that will handle the writing process for you. Just make sure when you do this that you take the time to hire someone who understands the elements of writing. You’ll also want to consider paying slightly more for some of the individuals who are of a higher caliber on the websites. Top tier content after all is something that you cannot do without.
Once you have done all of this, don’t fret if you are still not seeing the links come in. Often, you need to begin being noticed on other websites. Make it a point to open up an avenue of communication with other website owners until you are able to build a bridge and potentially experience more links being posted. Before you know it, others will be sharing your content and that will lead to an overall positive experience.
Just make sure you keep in mind that what you post is a reflection of you. That means good or bad, when it posts it will be greeted or criticized by people online. If you write controversial topics that make people get worked up emotionally, it can drive a lot of traffic to your website. However, this does mean that when someone ends up on your website, they are more likely to argue with you. So determine what you are comfortable handling and focus on topics and posts that add value, while staying within your realm of comfort.
What is the best way to get links that appear natural? The answer is by having your readers post them. This is done with link bait. There are a few ways to make this work for you. It comes down to a few important things in the process.
The first is looking at how to create the link bait people want to share. This is one of those search engine optimization tips to pay close attention to. You want high quality content that is free of spelling errors, and is a reasonable length. You want people to want to share your content and in order to do that, you don’t want them to look at your content and wonder if anyone else will understand it.
If you can’t write, don’t fret. There are companies out there that will handle the writing process for you. Just make sure when you do this that you take the time to hire someone who understands the elements of writing. You’ll also want to consider paying slightly more for some of the individuals who are of a higher caliber on the websites. Top tier content after all is something that you cannot do without.
Once you have done all of this, don’t fret if you are still not seeing the links come in. Often, you need to begin being noticed on other websites. Make it a point to open up an avenue of communication with other website owners until you are able to build a bridge and potentially experience more links being posted. Before you know it, others will be sharing your content and that will lead to an overall positive experience.
Just make sure you keep in mind that what you post is a reflection of you. That means good or bad, when it posts it will be greeted or criticized by people online. If you write controversial topics that make people get worked up emotionally, it can drive a lot of traffic to your website. However, this does mean that when someone ends up on your website, they are more likely to argue with you. So determine what you are comfortable handling and focus on topics and posts that add value, while staying within your realm of comfort.
Tip 11: Vary Your Link Text
Here’s another one of the important search engine optimization techniques you’ll find important. When you are creating links, the anchor text that is underlined is very important. This text based anchor is a great way to help Google and others to gain a better understanding of what your website is about. However, you cannot rely on a single term and call it good. You need to be smart and find different variations and phrasing for your terms and items on these links.
That way, you are still appearing white hate in the process, and creating a natural occurrence of a link for your website. If all else fails and you aren’t able to incorporate a new keyword, you can use the term here and link to your webpage. Many websites do this and it is perhaps one of the earliest search engine optimization tips that we learn as online marketers.
Here’s another one of the important search engine optimization techniques you’ll find important. When you are creating links, the anchor text that is underlined is very important. This text based anchor is a great way to help Google and others to gain a better understanding of what your website is about. However, you cannot rely on a single term and call it good. You need to be smart and find different variations and phrasing for your terms and items on these links.
That way, you are still appearing white hate in the process, and creating a natural occurrence of a link for your website. If all else fails and you aren’t able to incorporate a new keyword, you can use the term here and link to your webpage. Many websites do this and it is perhaps one of the earliest search engine optimization tips that we learn as online marketers.
Tip 12: Vary Your Link Locations
You do not want your links at the same spot on every page. This suggests that you are simply copying and pasting information. Make sure you take the time to have your links at different sections. It is also important that you not only find top tier websites to link to, but other reputed sources who might be lower down on the list. This allows your links to seem more organic in the process and that will translate to better results in the process.
When you use all these items to your advantage, you have a better chance of standing out online. Make sure you take the time to read and reread these items on a regular basis. Then take advantage of the boost you end up having with your SERP.
You do not want your links at the same spot on every page. This suggests that you are simply copying and pasting information. Make sure you take the time to have your links at different sections. It is also important that you not only find top tier websites to link to, but other reputed sources who might be lower down on the list. This allows your links to seem more organic in the process and that will translate to better results in the process.
When you use all these items to your advantage, you have a better chance of standing out online. Make sure you take the time to read and reread these items on a regular basis. Then take advantage of the boost you end up having with your SERP.