This post is written by one of our team members, Eleanor.
SEO Basics
What is SEO?
SEO or Search Engine Optimisation is the process of improving your website ranking for organic search results in response to a query. Google, Yahoo Search and Bing are some of the popular search engines online.
What do organic search results mean?
Organic results are the list that appears naturally in search engines in response to your query, as opposed to the paid-for sections such as the Ads or Sponsored boxes on the top and right-hand side of the page.
How does a search engine ‘find’ the right results?
The results appear based on keyword matches in the query and websites content using the search engine’s internal programming. The closer the match, the higher up in the search list the website appears.
What are ‘keywords’ or ‘key phrases’?
Keywords are the words and phrases that you use in your content which relate to your business and are relevant to your audience. For example, if you are selling soaps don’t pick “bouquet of flowers” as your key phrase, even if that is what they smell like!
*Redbox Tip: Think of what words your user/client would use.
It saves a lot of deliberating later if you can develop a list of keywords before writing your content. With the web so densely populated with billions of sites, it is better to use two or three-word keywords or key phrases.
How does SEO benefit my website or business?
SEO can help your website appear on the first page of search results (preferably the top five), making it more visible to potential customers and clients. SEO also helps to build brand awareness as potential customers are more inclined to trust a website that appears on the first page of a search engine result.
How can I improve my website’s rankings?
Always keep your prospects and customers/clients in mind when writing your content. Make your content SEO-friendly by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases. When in doubt, KISS! (Keep It Short & Simple).
How to Create A SEO-Friendly Website
These days it’s not enough to simply connect with existing or potential clients, you need to engage them.
The more interesting, informative and accessible your website is, the longer the user stays on and the higher the chances they would return to it.
- Search engines, such as Google, are starting to recognise the importance of user experience and gives more credit to sites with quality, authentic and credible content. So when you write, write for the person first and foremost, not the search engine.
- Build the website right from its foundation up – your website coding, structure and layout should be search-engine friendly. This includes navigation, download speed, quality and relevant links, and more.
- Content quality – your content should fulfil the needs of the website user, be accurate, updated regularly, free of spelling and grammatical errors, and convey a sense of authority or expertise in your industry or field.
- Optimize each web page – make sure keywords are evenly spread across your website and appear in the page title, description and headline tags. Where they’re placed are more effective than frequency. (When it’s too frequent, you could be banned for keyword stuffing!)
- Include links – Having links within your content helps to keep your website relevant and increases its rankings on search engines. Backlinks are links that direct users to your page from a different website. These indicate the popularity and importance of your site giving it more credibility.
What to Avoid
- Flash animation or graphics: slows download time
- Excess use of industry jargon and terminology. Examples: innovative, sustainable, synergy, savvy, paradigm shift
- Repetition of keywords and descriptions: Quantity does not override quality here
- Clichés and over-used expressions: one stop shop, highest quality, conveniently located, cutting edge, locally owned and operated, for a limited time only
- Link exchanges or reciprocal linking: Excessive link exchanges (“Link to me and I’ll link to you”) is a violation of search engine guidelines
3 Trends to Explore
1. Rich Answers
While you are still trying to get your SEO visibility, don’t forget that the ultimate goal (if you so wish) is to get into the Rich Answers spot. This is the box that appears above the top organic search results with a snippet of information from your website.
Rich answers provide the most relevant information based on the search query. So how do you top the top of the list?
Start sentences with command words, ie: Call us today… Sign up now…Visit us for…
Headings should be clear and concise. Keep your titles, intros and paragraphs to the barest minimum but maximising on keywords.
2. Mobile Optimisation
We have entered the mobile age. Instead of just making your website device-friendly, take it the extra step and create an App. Mobile apps account for 52% of all time spent on online digital media.
Search engines are already including apps on their organic search results, encouraging users to download these apps to better engage with the content. And go even further with voice search for people on the go.
3. Video Advantage
Experts predict that video content will outpace the standard written form in terms of reach and engagement. Google have already been experimenting with video Ads in search results.
Want more website tips and ideas?
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