Many now realize that a web site is not a “set it and forget it” affair. A web site that is found on search engines and thus generates quality traffic for a web site and a business takes a thoughtful structure and consistent maintenance, especially in regards to content creation. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is all the things, on and off site you do to make sure that the major search engines can find your site. The major categories of search engine optimization work are outlined below. Search engines like Google and Bing! Want to see that your site is easy to navigate and populated with helpful consumer information. Search engines have “bots” or active algorithmic code that scans sites for relevancy and present sites to consumers in the form of “search engine listings”. Being listed on the search engines, especially on the 1st page for the keywords relevant to your business, is fundamental to success in marketing your site online. It also contributes to the credibility of your business. You may be a thriving business with many customers, but the search engines don’t even know you exist. How do you fix that?
Onsite Search Engine Optimization
1. Conduct code audits for irregularities, search engines road blocks, efficiencies, meta tags
2. Tags Audit: Photos, title tags, H1 and others.
3. Content/quality Evaluation: This evaluation includes a review of site structure, page content volume and quality, site authenticity, topical relevancy, topics that are differentiators in the given market or represent opportunities to stand to the search engines. The presence of an active blog is fundamental to a successful web site that is findable on search engines.
4. Various design aspects of the site such as menu structure, present of reviews and testimonials and a blog.
5. Site Speed: Your site needs to load in a time efficient manner on desktop and mobile devices. Site speed is influenced by several factors, including image and files size, code quality and more.
6. Mobile Device Compatibility: Your site must be “responsive” to the environment it is viewed in. There are design factors and even Google requirements to a site being mobile appropriate.
Off-site Search Engine Optimization
1. Reviews
The presence of reviews on Google and other sites, the quality of the reviews and the level of response to the reviews.
2. Directory Listings – the sites Name Address Phone number listing being accurate, and the site must be listed in many online directories.
3. Google Business Manager
Your site must have an active, accurate GBM account and be updated on a regular basis. Images, reviews, must be kept current, location information accurate. The site must be verified by Google.
Questions, Next Step
Have more questions? Need help stepping through Search Engine Optimization or managing a complex site to keep it appearing on Search Engines? Contact Jennifer.Norene@gmail.com or visit her site at http://www.jennifernorene.com to learn more.
©Jennifer Norene 2018