The rules that govern the search engine optimization universe have changed dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days of simply filling your web page with keywords and waiting for the hits to roll in. While marketers are steadily increasing their investment in online content, they are unable to reap the benefit of these investments without learning the new rules that govern search engine optimization.
To achieve the highest possible level of visibility, you’ll need to be fully aware of these rules. Read on to learn more about how you can implement them as soon as possible.
- Intention Makes a Difference
To provide a relevant search result, there is no longer any need for you to include the exact keyword. While search engines used to rank sites based on their keyword density, they are now more focused on the way that a user is interacting with the webpage.
The user’s intent is how the effectiveness of a website is decided upon, as well as the amount of time that they spend on the page once they receive their desired answer. Getting the click is no longer the main objective, it is what takes place after the click.
- Keywords Are Not the ‘Be All End All’
Putting keywords in the site’s headlines is no longer important. Google’s algorithms are more intelligent than ever and they are able to interpret the meaning behind the words. For example, if someone was to perform a search of “top restaurants”, the user would receive sites that directed to them to top rated restaurants, instead of a page that was filled with similar keywords. According to SEO experts, search engines want to see additional terms that are relevant to the search before recommending a site to their users.
- Consider The User Experience
Now that keywords are no longer as important, original content is king and a site that is looking to improve their search engine optimization must embrace the responsibility that comes with providing it. Producing original content that makes the user want to return again and again and creating content that caters to their interests is incredibly important.
If you do provide curated content, be sure to give credit to your sources. Sites who do not can cause users to believe that they lack honesty and are not trustworthy.
- Mobile Optimization Is Pivotal
More users depend on their smartphones for search engine purposes than ever, as desktop computers continue to fall by the wayside. As a result, a site that wishes to reap the full benefits of search engine optimization must be optimized for mobile surfers. Mobile apps are typically created in these instances, which provide a much more engaging experience for the user.
By following these four rules, your search engine optimization becomes a snap. Implementing them as soon as possible allows your business to grow exponentially.
- Fully Optimized Images
An image must be optimized, so that a search bot is fully able to read it. Give any image that you use the correct file name and ALT name. Make sure that your text is accurate and descriptive, so that a search engine can crawl through your images more easily.
- Interlinking
When you interlink your pages, it makes it much easier for a search engine to crawl through them. If you have pages that do not receive very much traffic, linking them can increase their visibility. Be sure to interlink only to pages that are relevant.
- Social Media Engagement
A site’s social media presence now plays a major role in their level of overall visibility. Take time out to establish your page on all of the major social media hubs, like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. By interacting with your social media followers, you can also build trust in your clientele.
- Site Speed
If a website does not load quickly, this will severely diminish a company’s digital marketing and search engine optimization efforts. Loading speed is now a top ranking factor, so eliminate any and all clutter that keeps your site from being available to users as quickly as possible.
- Social Share Buttons
Sites that offer quality content are able to draw users naturally and when these users find unique content, being able to share it with friends and family is pivotal. Offer users an easy button that they can click in order to share your content with other interested parties.