SEO Tactics Every Website Owner Must Use For High Rank In Google
With the regular adjustments seen in the Search Engine algorithms, it is impossible to create a rigid set of effective practices. However, basic principles hold good despite varying internet trends and search engine algorithms. You can support search engine optimization initiatives better by making your website more significant, accessible, and simple to use, while keeping straightforward points in mind. Here are some guidelines to achieve this
Create keyword-rich content
Keyword-rich content is the first step to successful Search Engine Optimization. Content is infused with relevant keywords and search phrases commonly used in searches for products or services and relevant to your website. Keyword phrases need to be placed prominently to captivate the reader’s interest and that of search engine spiders. Some guidelines to get you started:
- Use applications such as Nichebot, Google Adwords, Wordtracker, KeywordDiscovery and Google Analytics to find terms with high monthly volumes but not too much competition and are popular in searches.
- Use niche keyword phrases rather than all-encompassing phrases, (for example, “Women Plus Size Clothing” instead of “Women clothing”).
- Make keywords part of titles, headings, links, page URLs, alt text of graphics, text write-ups of audio/video files, and bold and italicized text.
- Keyword density should be good but not over the top. Try to write as naturally as you can.
- Use keywords at the opening of text blocks for superior indexing and ranking.
Develop pertinent content that focuses on customers’ needs
Content should be relevant to visitors interests, not difficult to comprehend and access, and most of all addresses their needs. Search engines favor web pages that are linked to by other sites. It tells the search engines that the content is useful. This will make search engines elevate your page rank and get it to rank higher in organic search. Frequently refreshed content will also encourage repeat customer and also lead to re-indexing of pages by search engines.
Create customer-friendly website design and information structure
Customers and search engine spiders should be able to traverse pages quickly. This is achieved through effective information structure – website navigation; displaying links with meaningful labels; positioning textual content, video, audio and graphics, and pictures effectively; etc. A web site page should include links to other pages on the site. Use a navigation menu or sitemap for fast access. Sitemaps improve the search-ability of websites too. These practices should be part of the web site’s development plan as they take time but are effective in building a strong foundation of the website.
Get backlinks to your website
Backlinks or links from third party websites improves your search engine ranking. Work at getting backlinks from reputed web directories and relevant industry websites. Linking websites are useful. They charge a recurring or one-time fee. Do not get lured by black hat SEO marketers that promise hundreds or thousands of links to raise your ranking. Their tactics may get you blacklisted and make your site disappear from search engines.
Some tips for getting backlinks are:
- Great, relevant content is effective in getting inbound links by becoming link baits.
- Have a “Link” button for simple linking to your website.
- Contact site administrators and develop mutually helpful relationships for exchanging links.
- Link to useful websites that are superior quality. You might get a link back.
- Publish quality articles in high page rank article directories. They let you place a few links in the author resource box. Also get in touch with owners of high ranking blogs and ask if you can deliver free content to them if they let you include links back to your website.
Use meta tags effectively
The description meta tag contains the text that gets displayed in search results. It should include appropriate keywords and should elicit interest of clients. The keyword tag, though not considered by most search engines, helps in the website’s categorization. The tags should address every page separately.
Study the website’s performance
After implementing an an SEO strategy, analyze the website’s performance to judge its efficacy. Use applications such as Google Webmaster Tools, Google Analytics, SEO Analysis Tool, etc.
Track SEO news
Search engines are constantly tweaking underlying algorithms. It’s a good idea to keep track of the latest happenings by registering with websites such as Search Engine Guide, The Official Google Blog, SEO Book, SEO Chat, WebProNews, etc.
Avoid content duplication
Duplication of content is a result of articles that if articles are republished on a number of websites, product and service specifications are similar except for title and image, session IDs are the only variations in URLs, printer-friendly version of pages are not excluded from search with directives in the “robots.txt” file, and if a website has numerous URLs names with similar content, etc. Search engines do not penalize you for duplicate content but backlinks created by duplicate content do not improve your site rank.
Steer clear of black hat tactics
Black hat SEO practices such as keyword stuffing and website cloaking are helpful in the short term but can backfire by getting your website banned from search engines. Stick to ethical SEO strategies that conform to standards.
Pertinent content, information design, and keywords should always be part of your SEO strategy with a mix of other tactics thrown in. By following this formula, your website will have a sound base irrespective of changes in search engine algorithms. Daljeet Sidhu is the author of this article.