Introduction: What is Search Engine Optimisation?
seo, search engine optimisation
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving the ranking of a website on an internet search engine (Google). The higher your website’s SEO ranking, the closer to the top of the search your website will be.
Why is it Important?
why do you need search engine optimisation, seo strategy
High visibility for relevant searches can bring qualified visitors to a website, but rankings and click-through rates vary by query, device, location and the way Google presents each results page. The practical goal is not simply to chase position one. It is to appear for searches that match your services and give the visitor a compelling, accurate reason to click.
With Google constantly tweaking its algorithm, there’s no longer such a thing as a standard SERP for everyone. There is also little point in trying to ‘game’ the system, Google quickly catches on to the latest ‘get ranked quick’ schemes and squashes them out of existence.
For a long term effective SEO strategy you need to understand your customer needs and create and maintain content that satisfies these needs. Your website designer can help you structure your website and content to maximise the impact of your content.
How to Optimise Your Website for Search Engines & Increase Traffic
Website optimisation, seo tips, how to rank higher on google, search engine ranking
Website optimisation helps your website load faster and provide a better user experience (UX) to your visitors. This can be achieved by choosing good quality hosting, using caching and content delivery networks (CDNs) to deliver your static content, using next gen image formats such as .webp and minimising your websites code and css files.
A first time website builder should avoid all the above and seek help from someone who knows what they are doing with this as it is quite possible to brick your entire website trying the above.
There are a number of ways to rank higher on Google. The best way is to publish high-quality content on a regular basis. This will help you to improve your website’s domain authority and increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Another method is to use keyword research to identify the right keywords to target. You can then use these keywords throughout your website, including in your titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
You can also improve your ranking by optimising your website for mobile devices. Google now uses mobile-friendly criteria as a ranking factor, so making your website mobile friendly can boost your ranking considerably.
A simple way to improve the amount of traffic to your website is to use social media. Social media can distribute useful content, introduce it to people who may link to it and bring visitors directly to your website. Social activity is therefore a valuable marketing channel, but posting more often is not a direct guarantee of improved Google rankings.
On-Page SEO and Off-Page SEO Strategies
On page optimisation, off page optimisation
On page strategies concentrate upon your website content in order to rank well on search engines, a site should have relevant content, a good design, and be easy to navigate. All of these things will improve the UX and will help Google index your website correctly.
Off page strategies are any activities you undertake outside of your website to help improve your search engine rankings. Any activity that doesn’t involve publishing content on your own website falls under off-page SEO. This includes social media activity, listings in trade directories, Google Maps listings, Google Reviews, Google Business Listings, answering questions in forums which contain backlinks to your website.
Relevant links and mentions from trustworthy websites can strengthen visibility and referral traffic. Quality, context and editorial relevance matter more than accumulating a large number of links.
The Best Strategies To Improve Your Website’s Rankings
Best seo strategy, google ranking factors
An effective SEO strategy is similar to a successful investment strategy. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The list below is just a few of the things you could include in your SEO strategy. Google is fickle, and changes its algorithm frequently, if you diversify your approach to SEO then any changes they make will have a minimal negative affect on your websites ranking.
- Improve your UX page loading speed, navigation etc
- Produce high quality content
- Optimise your site for mobile devices
- Encourage sharing on social media
- Research and use appropriate keywords for new content
- Ensure any new URLs include keywords
- Get listed in directories, Yell.com, Trade Directories, Tripadvisor
- Get set up on Google Business, Maps and Get some Google Reviews
Conclusion: Boost Your Website’s Rankings
Think long term, vary your approaches, avoid spam email offers
If you own or manage a website then you probably receive a few emails every day promising to make you No.1 on Google for a very reasonable fee. Unfortunately there really are no shortcuts for an effective long term SEO strategy.
Manipulative SEO tactics may produce short-lived movement, but they can also lead to ranking losses or manual actions. A useful website, sound technical foundations and content written for genuine customer needs provide a more dependable long-term strategy.
Think long term. Where do you want your business and website to be in 3 years time? Build a strategy that gradually adds new content and focuses upon search terms that work for your business. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. If you are impatient for results, consider paid advertising on Google or Facebook. If money is tight, increase your social media activity. If time is of a premium consider engaging a copy writer to write new focussed content for you.
If you would like to see how Helios Web Design can help you improve your website ranking please get in touch. Initial advice is freely given and we will be happy to recommend copy writers or social media experts should you require such services.
