4 Tips For Starting Your SEO Strategy
Definitions for this article:
SEO: Acronym for Search Engine Optimization
Ranking: where on the list your website appears when people search for words or phrases related to your business
SEO is the term used to describe the work that is done, primarily to your website, that helps search engines prioritize your web pages and show them to people when they search for topics related to your business. Your website is ranked according to how well your SEO has been set up on your website. For example, if you type in “caterer near Bowling Green KY” Mission Catering Company is on the first page of Google. It “ranks” 3rd organic position on the first page of Google.
There are two types of ranking; organic and paid.
Organic is the type of ranking we just discussed. Search engines determine your organic rank based on how well you have set up your website to be “read” by the search engine.
Alternatively, paid ranking is achieved by running ads on the search engine and bidding money on the words you want to ranked highest for. While paid advertising might get you ranked first or second on the first page of search engines for a while, the moment you stop paying for the ads, you won’t show up for searches anymore unless you have done the work to be ranked organically.
So how can we make sure that our sites are ranking? Here are a few things you can do to help your site rank higher:
#1 Site Map
Make sure that your site map is submitted to search engines. Your site map is what search engines read to decide how to rank you. If your site map isn’t submitted, you won’t be able to be ranked. You can submit your site map through Google Search Console. Once the site map has been submitted, you’ll be able to where your average page ranking is, how Google is “reading” your site, and any errors your website is reporting that need to be fixed before Google will increase your ranking.
#2 Update your site regularly
Whether it’s a blog, or updating your reviews consistently, having updates made to your website at least once a quarter helps search engines get the message to review your website and understand that it is staying relevant, making it more likely to be shown to searchers. This also gives you the opportunity to keep your audience engaged. Incorporating changes to your website in your communication strategy to customers helps dive repeat visitors to your site, which signals to Search Engines that your site continues to be useful to people, and therefore useful to show to new people.
#3 Have an SSL Certificate:
Search Engines are becoming more and more selective about showing sites they recognize as “secure” to viewers. Even if you do not sell products or services online, having an SSL certificate is necessary if you want search engines to show your site to searchers.
#4 Pro-Tip! Name Your Photos & Keep Them Small
Search Engines want to see that your site is running as fast as it can. Visitors hate slow loading site, and search engines know this. They also read EVERYTHING, including your file names! Name your photos in a way that is relevant to your business, or the topic you’re hoping to rank for. Also, make sure your photos stay under 1 MB. Huge files can slow down your site speed. Photos are often overlooked when thinking about SEO, but definitely is something search engines look at to determine how you rank!
If this article was helpful, share it with someone else! If you’re looking for more tips and education, follow me on Facebook and Instagram! DM me your questions, I’ll try to answer them in a post so everyone can get the answer.
If you’re reading this and know you want help with your digital systems but have no idea where to start, I’ve got your back. Feel free to schedule an intro call with me, and I can help point you in the right direction!