SEO (search engine optimization) refers to the practice of taking online content and optimizing it so search engines like Google will prioritize it when someone searches for something related. Search engines make their money by connecting people to resources they need; as more resources appear in search results, the more likely they are to be clicked upon and utilized by users performing a query.
Search engines use complex algorithms to evaluate pages and determine their relevancy for specific searches. There are numerous factors that impact this ranking process, and understanding their operation will allow you to maximize the success of your SEO strategies.
Step one of any SEO strategy involves selecting which keywords you intend to target. This involves researching which terms your ideal visitors are typing into search engines, and compiling a list of relevant ones. When choosing keywords it’s essential that they have good search volumes without becoming so competitive that you won’t be able to rank for them.
Once you’ve identified your keywords to target, the next step should be optimizing your pages to target those words. This includes including them in your title tag, h1 tag and meta description as well as adding them directly into the body of each page as well as internal links which reference these terms.
Not only does SEO include on-page techniques, but there are also technical aspects involved that aim to facilitate how search engines index your pages more quickly. This can be accomplished by adhering to basic usability standards as well as following best practices for site security and mobile friendliness.
Off-page SEO involves building relationships with other websites and promoting your content through social media channels, in order to gain higher ranks in search results and drive more organic traffic from search engines.
At its core, SEO strategies aim to produce high-quality content useful to your target audience. This approach has proven most successful for increasing website traffic quickly while simultaneously yielding lasting results.
SEO will remain an invaluable component of online marketing if you focus on producing quality content, and take the necessary steps to optimize it for search engines. But remember, SEO is no silver bullet; results take time. By remaining patient with your investment and sticking with the process over time, your hard work will eventually pay off in full. Are you ready to take your marketing to the next level? Contact us for a complimentary consultation on how we can assist with growing your business!