I’ve always enjoyed analytics and learning about online behaviour; like what interests my readers and what type of content is most engaging. Analytic tools such as that provided by WordPress.org, Google Analytics, and Alexa.com are all great for understanding what works and what doesn’t so that you can find a way to make your site or blog better by implementing a concise SEO strategy.
So how do you design a website or blog that will be more optimized for search engines?
Before you hire a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company, here is an SEO strategy checklist that will increase web traffic on your own:
1. Keywords:
The basis of any SEO strategy starts with keywords. Ensure that you choose keywords that are relative to your website/blog post so that people who are searching for those topics can easily find you. You can use Google Adwords to learn of a keyword’s competition level and search volume. Aim to use words that have low competition and high search volume for optimal results.
2. Meta-description:
This is what shows up in search engines when you appear as a match. Type a sentence or two that describes your website/post. Be concise. Be interesting. There’s no point in giving it all up front – you want to leave the visitor wanting more so that they will click on your link. Part of any SEO strategy includes good “ad” copy.
3. H2 tags:
A solid SEO strategy includes the technicalities. Make sure that each post/page on your site has a sentence that captures the tone that you are trying to portray. Then make that your H2 tag. This is a technicality that makes your site/post more appealing and search-friendly for Google.
4. Image:
Be sure to provide an applicable image along with your site/post and write your keywords in the caption. This makes the image searchable as well as your site/post since they are linked.
5. Sharing:
After you’ve optimized your site/post, be sure to share it among all of your social media. This helps to increase traffic and engagement.
The difference between a site with SEO strategy and one without it could mean thousands of visitors, hundreds of thousands in website ranking (Alexa.com), and immeasurable exposure that your site/blog could really use.
There are far more tricks than the ones I’ve mentioned above, but this is a great way to get started. Search Engine Optimization can cost you thousands of dollars (and it really makes a difference), but hopefully you’ll see some increase in traffic from the pointers that I’ve provided above.
What are some SEO tips that you could share that would help increase site/post traffic?