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The internet continues to rise in popularity as a resource for people to
research and source products, services and even other people. This is
driving businesses to establish their own presence on the internet with
a company website. And, unless people know the name of your company,
they will most likely use a search engine (like Google) to find out who
can provide a particular product or service in their area. So, getting
a good ‘ranking’ (i.e. appearing on the first page or ideally at the
top) in the results can be a big advantage.
This has created a whole new science called ‘Search Engine Optimization’
(SEO), or ‘the process of raising web site visibility in search engines
and directories to increase targeted leads’. This month we explore a
few SEO tips to get you started:
There are no shortcuts
The bad news is there is no quick and easy way to get great search
engine results. Instead, you will need to do some hard work, especially
when it comes to the content of your site. You will also need patience.
Results don’t come overnight and if someone tries to sell you a solution
that guarantees ‘Top results in Google within 48 hours for only $49.95’
then be very wary!
Create excellent site content
This is the single most important thing you need to do if you want to be
found on the web. Even if your site is technically perfect for search
engines, it won’t help unless it is also filled with good content.
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It needs to be unique and/or specific enough to appeal to the people
that you want to find it. That will encourage visitors to return, who
may eventually link to your site and lots of ‘inbound links’ are great
for your search engine rankings. Also, by adding new content regularly,
you give visitors a reason to come back and search engine ‘robots’ a
reason to visit your site more often.
You may want to consider getting someone to help edit what you have
written, or even write it for you.
Research your site keywords
Keywords are what you hope a customer might type into a search engine
that causes your site to be listed. Ask a friend, colleague or existing
customer what they would be likely to type in to find your business. Use
those keywords in a search and find out how strong your competition is.
Don’t forget to add plurals and common misspellings too.
Don’t use them too many times
Use your keywords in correct sentence structure and context in the first
and last 100 words of your page text, but don’t ‘overstuff’ your page
with keywords. Search engines can blacklist your site for ‘keyword
stuffing’.
For more information on using the internet enhance your business, talk
to your local Computer Troubleshooter.
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