Search Engine Optimization Resolutions For 2011
Here are nine (9) tips you can utilize with your company’s search engine optimization campaign for 2011:
1. Pick strong keywords. You have to make sure you’re using the best possible keywords for your website. In order to find out what keywords are the best, use Google keyword research tool.
The easiest way to find this tool is to search Google for “Google keyword research tool.” Then, enter any keywords relating to your company, your business, your product and your services, and Google will offer up information on your research. by revealing the approximate number of searches that have been taking place over the last month and over the last year. It’s really important to make sure that you’re picking the right keywords to focus on for your SEO campaign.
2. Once you have picked your targeted keywords, it’s time to get to work and write page-specific Page Titles and Page Descriptions.
Each page in your website should have a unique Page Title. Don’t just write one Page Title and copy and paste it to all pages. You may notice some websites write “Home”, “About Us” and “Contact Us” as the Page Title. Others will put the name of their business in their Page Title. You need to specifically write a Page Title for each page of your website and incorporate the targeted keyword or keywords within the Title for that page. Each Page Title should be unique. It’s like a headline on an article.
The same is true for writing a Page Description. A unique Page Description also needs to be written for each page of the website. Again, use your targeted keywords in the Page Description to describe that particular page. Titles and Descriptions don’t need to be perfect. Just get something going and come back later to tweak and improve.
3. Content is King. It always has been king and it always will be king. Let’s make sure that you’re writing good content; your content is fresh and updated, and that it contains the keywords you’re targeting.
4. Tag Everything. You'll want to make sure your website’s videos, pictures, graphics, PDF files, etc., are all properly tagged with an ALT tag and/or a description in the file properties. The description needs to contain a keyword or keywords that best describe the video, picture, graphic, etc.
5. Develop A Strong Link-Building Program. The process of link building occurs when another websites publishes a link on their website linking back to your website.
You want to make sure your website is included in industry-specific directories. While several directories are free, there are some directories that charge a fee for publication. Don’t go crazy on paid links. Think smart and choose paid directories that compliment your business.
Reciprocal linking may be a good idea to help kick-start a link building program. A reciprocal link opportunity works like this: I publish a link on my website pointing to your website, if you do the same for me. If you’re seeking reciprocal links, make sure you’re finding good link partners. For example, a guy who fixes cars may want to trade links with a guy down the road who sells tires.
Press releases are also a good way to get strong links pointing to your website. Writing blogs, participating in blogs, or writing a guest blog for another blogger are all good ideas. Writing articles for other websites that include your name and a bio that says, “For more information, visit www.mywebsite.com,” will also help you earn links.
Participate in industry-specific and topic-specific forums. Answer questions and be helpful. Social media also presents link building opportunities, especially when you are helpful with your Friends, Fans and Followers.
6. Google Places. It is free, and it only takes a few simple steps to get the process going. Here you can include information about your business, such as your address, your hours, and your location. This is a "must-have" when it comes to strong SEO.
7. Use Google Analytics. Google Analytics is a statistical package by Google allowing you to track visitors to your website. It will tell you where they came from; how they found your website; what pages they visited on your site, etc.
8. Study Your Competition. What are they doing on the Internet? What keywords are they targeting? How and where are they earning inbound links? Take a look at their rankings. Break down their website and try to find out why they are beating you. What areas can you make improvements and move your website about their site in the search engine rankings?
9. Repeat. Once you have finished the above steps, repeat the process over and over and over. You should always been looking better keywords, because people’s searching habits change. You need to make sure your Page Titles and Page Descriptions are truly accurate and that they properly reflect the content on each page of your site. Always write and make sure your content is fresh and updated. Add articles and press releases to your website. Make sure all elements are tagged, and develop a strong link-building program. Remember that link building never ends, it just keeps going on and on. Make sure you’re in Google Places and that your information is accurate and up-to-date. Study your Google Analytics results and see where traffic is coming from and what keywords are they searching in finding your website. Finally, you’re going to keep an eye on your competition to see what they’re doing.
These are our eight great tips for 2011. The ninth one, of course, is to repeat these resolutions and constantly look for improvements.
