Simple Tips to Improve Your SEO

The formidable Google, the first-place people associate to go to if they have a question query or problem these days.

Which is the largest mammal in the world? or where is the nearest mechanic to me? Google's search engine has the mite speed and power to access information within seconds to deliver not just an answer but an array of search results. These search results are tailor made to best match the initial question or query based on whatever is typed into the search engine. Google uses a variety of methods to determine which pages are displayed first in the results page. The precise way that is constructed is somewhat a mystery to its users as algorithms and embossed coding are kept discrete and alter all the time. There are ways however which you can incorporate that will help improve your ranking on the Google Search engine. This is now commonly known as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

Like with most things in life if something seems too good to be true then it probably is, with SEO there is no exception. A simple quick fix or placing keywords into text just because of the sake of having keywords will not alter the efficiency of your posts. People visit your site and there for if your site doesn’t cater well enough for people to read and want to come back for more then quite simply - they won’t! As with life there are no guarantees and that goes for Google's algorithms as well. What may work for you and your company today, may alter in the very near future and if you’re not best equipped to deal with the changes then your efforts will see you sink rather than swim up the Google rankings.

SEO Rank Tip #1 - Keyword Phrases

To start, this would simply mean giving your page a title! By definition - a keyword phrase are the words that you believe people are most likely to put into Google to stumble across your content. This may sound simple, however attempting to try and think in the minds of your potential site visitors or customers can prove to be challenging. When trying to find content that you are most likely to put into the search engine, the variety for this formula is immense hence the vast market competing for keywords via Google Ads, a paid sponsored method of helping get your content above your competitors a different system to SEO where you pay for words you believe your target market will be using. SEO attempts to use the keywords or phrases via organic search engine results, which means not paid. Improving your keywords can definitely improve your site ranking, not only are you issuing relevant content that readers will find useful, you are also presenting consistent information that Google scans and acknowledges your site as a site of value to the Internet and your immediate community.

You could put a lot of energy into keyword phrases alone that will improve your site ranking. Your keyword phrase should obviously appear somewhere in your content, preferably in the first paragraph or so.

The the main focus here is to be able to identify and speak like a human! By using the keywords this will bring people to your topic emphasising that what they're about to read is helpful to them.

SEO Question?

If you were searching for your website, what keyword phrase would you type into Google for each page?

Plumbing services near me? Or local locksmiths 24/7? Try searching Google for that phrase. Did you get a lot of results? Was the content what you expected to find? At moments like these try asking someone else so your taking on board a different perspective. Ask someone else to read your page, look you up on Google, they may even hint at new ideas that can prove valuable.

Of course you can always do your research and check “Google Trends” to see if one phrase is starting to gain popularity over another you may or may not be using.

As a rule of thumb – try adhering to “one key subject per page” this allows your subject to remain broad whilst sticking to a simple algorithm that’s coherent, thus allowing the reader ease of access when engaging in your content. Clear well understood writing is both easier to read and easier to search for.

SEO Tip #2 - Keyword Density

One of the things Google looks for when it catalogues pages is the density of the keyword usage. In simple terms - how often the keyword occurs.

By using natural phrasing and references this allows for viable and valuable content to the reader. To often bloggers may repeat a keyword phrase over and over making the content spam like, as a means to serve a purpose, rather than enhance the experience of the reader. Ignoring this and simply repeating phrases over and over are likely to do more harm than good, in some cases this results in a worse page ranking and even websites being banned.

A solid, firm and precise introduction always holds you in good stead, this allows you to emphasise what the article is about, and further more help your page rankings too!

SEO Tip #3 Name Your Pages

When you realise often the simplest solutions comes after some serious trial and error? By naming your pages your allowing Google who often display search results as a link using the page title, so by writing your content like you want it to be read, even include the pages keyword phrase if it is appropriate (as long as it reads well and isn’t included just for the sake of having it there).

A final thought – If your pages/s is largely about designer handbags, have the word designer handbags in it? Sounds simple but often the keyword may enhance your rankings if its included in the title, combined with quality content will make a purposeful visit for you and your reader.

SEO Tip #4 Links

Google's ever expanding tools and systems may seem endless, there are many add on features that can enhance your website/ blog or particular project that needs some serious exposure. One of the biggest factors Google looks at is the hyperlink. Google looks at both links to and from your website.

By looking at the words you use in links coming to and from your website this can help identify the content of your page. This can be really useful when within your web pages you have links that truly emphasise your key words. Example: "Need to learn SEO? Click here"

“Read more about SEO (Search Engine Optimization).”

The two titles are similar in the words used, but different in their approach. The first title is a precise question offering the reader a potential answer however appears vague and a little “salesy” The second title allows the reader to enhance his/her own knowledge first before deciding their next step, Plus the abbreviation and its definition is used in the title that is firstly educational to any visitors not in the know, and relevant to the page it is suggesting. It is important to note that links from other websites to your website are used to determine the PageRank.

Exchanging text links with other relevant websites can help improve your own page rank, links to your own website are an obvious place to start, even sharing links to other places other than your own website can also prove effective, and helps broaden your focal point to other relevant sites.

Be careful not to overload your page with too many links that can actually prove to be detrimental to your success. Like with most areas online that’ follows certain algorithms it is likely that any excessive or irrelevant links can cause the opposite effect you are trying to achieve. Remaining helpful and loyal to the reader by sharing valuable natural flowing content will help identify the range and quantity of the links you offer.

SEO Tip #5 Social Networking

Today’s popular business model is lost without a solid structured presence on the main social networking sites. This can can be a good way to promote a site, but it is unclear how much it will affect your rank directly. Without question this will help engage you with your target audience with references to many of the hashtags and useful sub links that allows readers to target exactly what they’re looking for. Your site if not exposed to the power of social media is likely to receive a lot of traffic if used correctly. This highlights the importance of keeping your shared content user friendly, it’s also an opportunity to show your skills and use your creative side, with pictures, video and engaging titles.

SEO Tip #6 Make Website Mobile Friendly

More than ever now people are using their smart phones to browse the web, to work, to watch TV, it’s safe to say they are well established and often the first point of call when logging online. It is important to make your website/content user friendly, with no glitches or errors, allowing the format to be coherent on any mobile device. It is also important to do this for the sake of the search, being found through organic search engine optimisation and observing your Google rankings.

SEO #7 Creativity

It is evident to see that well-structured organised consistent pages are what Google will ultimately rank higher. These pages inevitably become more popular, allowing Google to rank them even higher due to the nature of the beast. By keeping in tune with your creative side, whilst taking Google's algorithms in plain view your SEO will start to unravel itself on what is needed and what isn’t. More importantly, what works and what simply doesn’t.