You have a beautiful website. You've got stunning pictures, bold graphics, and a complete catalog of your goods or services. So why aren't you getting any traffic?
The short answer is that your prospects can't find you.
People use search engines like Google to find the products and services they want. If your website doesn't rank high enough in the search results, it's like you don't exist.
Being found requires search engine optimization (SEO). Your website may be stunning, but is it optimized?
It might need tweaking. Here are six SEO marketing tips to help your customers find you online.
How Search Engine Optimization Works
SEO is one of the most cost-effective and productive digital marketing techniques available. But it can also be a complex process—made more so every time Google updates its search algorithms.
The most recent updates have shifted the focus of SEO marketing from simple keyword placement to user experience. Specifically, Google is looking for credible websites with useful information that answers the user's query.
Six Essential SEO Marketing Tips
Google has shifted its focus to content interpretation and user intent. So, old search engine optimization techniques like keyword stuffing and paid backlink services are no longer effective. They can even hurt your SERP ranking. Here's what to do instead:
1. Website Performance Audit
Understanding where you are right now is critical to determining what you need to do to get the results you're after. Fortunately, Google has created some free tools to help you out.
With Google Search Console, you can check indexing status and measure your site's search traffic and performance.
Google Analytics lets you determine how visitors find and use your website. It reports metrics like how long each user remained on your website per session, pages per session, bounce rate, and the type of device used to visit your website, among others.
2. Keywords Still Count — Do Your Research
Keyword research is more important to SEO marketing now than ever. Relevant keywords, especially long-tail keywords, help point Google to your website.
Long-tail keywords (three or more words strung together) better reflect the user's search intent. That allows Google to find websites that better align with the user's query.
3. Optimize User Experiences (UX)
Anticipated user experience (UX) has become an important metric for Google's search algorithm. UX covers everything from site performance to how easily users can find information.
Your website needs to be fast and efficient across every channel. That includes being mobile responsive to ensure users on any device have a good "page experience."
4. Create High Quality, Authoritative Content
High-quality content is essential to ranking highly in Google searches. It also helps position your company as an industry authority.
But it needs to be relevant to your specific business and answer your ideal customer's questions. Your keyword research can help you develop topics that work for search engine optimization.
5. Authoritative Backlinks and Internal Links
Backlinks are the original basis for Google search, and they are still highly relevant today. But quality counts more now than ever. Getting links from companies you already have relationships with is a good place to start. Creative, authoritative content targeted to potential customers and the media that cover your industry is another.
Also, include an internal link if your blog post refers to a subject you've already written about. Internal links help Google better understand your website and industry authority. That can help you rank higher.
6. Use Google My Business
Ever search for a business or product "near me?" Most of us have. If your customers are local, Google My Business is a critical component of managing your online presence in Google Search and Maps.
Digital Marketing Beyond SEO
Search engine optimization can help your customers and potential customers find you online. But to really grow your online market, you need more than a few SEO marketing tips.
A multifaceted digital marketing strategy can help you stay ahead in the online, global economy.
But you don't have to go it alone. From SEO to web design and content creation to social media marketing, Addison Tech can help.
We're your digital marketing specialists. Contact us today, and let's see how we can help you take your online marketing to the next level.