Search engine optimization (SEO) is easy and highly effective if you don't get led astray by bad information. Unfortunately, there is a lot of it out there that can get in the way of SEO success.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Ignore the tricks, keep it simple, and follow these 9 rules to better SEO:
1. Never spam or use automated links
Be weary of anyone who tells you that automated spam links are a good idea. They are bad for both the internet and your website and can even lead to harsh penalties if you are caught. Do yourself a favor and just don't do it!
2. Don't be stingy with link sharing
"Share the love" and link back to some of those that link to you. This builds relationships and expands your brand awareness. Just make sure you link to reputable sites with some connection to your business. This will improve your SEO and possibly bring more niche customers to your site.
3. Write for humans, not search engines
Who cares about a high search engine ranking if no one can even read your article? Don't focus so much on things like keyword density that can make your writing confusing to the reader. Instead, create exciting content that people will actually want to read and even share with others. This is what improves SEO--not an abundance of keywords.
4. Use the best keywords
Focus on words that are related to your business, not just the ones that have the most traffic. This will result in higher conversion rates because the traffic created is truly interested in your business. Stay away from high traffic, high competition words to ensure a better ranking and reach your target audience.
6. Never purchase links
Link buying violates the terms of service of all major search engines and the penalty for getting caught is severe. They can ban your site completely from all search results so that no one will find you and your competitor reaps the benefits. Be creative and find other ways to get links onto the sites you want, like providing content for a link.
6. Include a sitemap
A sitemap is essential to bringing traffic to your site through keyword searches. Without it, the search engine cannot read your site and it will not know to include the site in search results. Installing the sitemap is easy to do, either automatically with a plug-in or manually, so don't forget about this key element of better SEO.
7. Never use deceptive or unethical techniques
There are many types of black hat techniques out there, but they are essentially ways to improve SEO in questionable or unethical ways. Stay away from any methods that seem too good to be true because the search engines will exile your site if you get caught engaging in these acts. Avoid the risk altogether and rely instead on high quality content and good marketing.
9. Analyze constantly
Install analytics on your site to create a better experience for users and optimize searches. You can track everything visitors do and see while on your site as well as what keywords got them there. You will know what is and isn't working and be able to constantly improve the experience.
9. Do not plead for links
Asking for links without first establishing a relationship or offering something in return is a good way to look either very desperate or greedy. Take the time to get to know the webmaster and propose a symbiotic relationship whereby both parties benefit from link giving, not just you.
Search engine optimization can increase your site's traffic and build your business. But if done incorrectly or unethically, it can damage your reputation for a long time. Do your research and don't take shortcuts. Good SEO takes time and effort, but rewards you with traffic and customers.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Ignore the tricks, keep it simple, and follow these 9 rules to better SEO:
1. Never spam or use automated links
Be weary of anyone who tells you that automated spam links are a good idea. They are bad for both the internet and your website and can even lead to harsh penalties if you are caught. Do yourself a favor and just don't do it!
2. Don't be stingy with link sharing
"Share the love" and link back to some of those that link to you. This builds relationships and expands your brand awareness. Just make sure you link to reputable sites with some connection to your business. This will improve your SEO and possibly bring more niche customers to your site.
3. Write for humans, not search engines
Who cares about a high search engine ranking if no one can even read your article? Don't focus so much on things like keyword density that can make your writing confusing to the reader. Instead, create exciting content that people will actually want to read and even share with others. This is what improves SEO--not an abundance of keywords.
4. Use the best keywords
Focus on words that are related to your business, not just the ones that have the most traffic. This will result in higher conversion rates because the traffic created is truly interested in your business. Stay away from high traffic, high competition words to ensure a better ranking and reach your target audience.
6. Never purchase links
Link buying violates the terms of service of all major search engines and the penalty for getting caught is severe. They can ban your site completely from all search results so that no one will find you and your competitor reaps the benefits. Be creative and find other ways to get links onto the sites you want, like providing content for a link.
6. Include a sitemap
A sitemap is essential to bringing traffic to your site through keyword searches. Without it, the search engine cannot read your site and it will not know to include the site in search results. Installing the sitemap is easy to do, either automatically with a plug-in or manually, so don't forget about this key element of better SEO.
7. Never use deceptive or unethical techniques
There are many types of black hat techniques out there, but they are essentially ways to improve SEO in questionable or unethical ways. Stay away from any methods that seem too good to be true because the search engines will exile your site if you get caught engaging in these acts. Avoid the risk altogether and rely instead on high quality content and good marketing.
9. Analyze constantly
Install analytics on your site to create a better experience for users and optimize searches. You can track everything visitors do and see while on your site as well as what keywords got them there. You will know what is and isn't working and be able to constantly improve the experience.
9. Do not plead for links
Asking for links without first establishing a relationship or offering something in return is a good way to look either very desperate or greedy. Take the time to get to know the webmaster and propose a symbiotic relationship whereby both parties benefit from link giving, not just you.
Search engine optimization can increase your site's traffic and build your business. But if done incorrectly or unethically, it can damage your reputation for a long time. Do your research and don't take shortcuts. Good SEO takes time and effort, but rewards you with traffic and customers.
About the Author:
Jonathan X. Livingsworth is a media writer in the world of marketing. If you are interested in working with the latest in marketing he suggests you check out Email Marketing Consultants. You can learn more about this revenue marketing company at www.pedowitzgroup.com.
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