Mastering SEO in 2018: Techniques to Boost Traffic and Rankings
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Authenticating SEO Knowledge
- Understanding Keywords
- Creating In-Depth Content
- Monitoring Your Website's "Heartbeat"
- Importance of Google Reviews
- Becoming an Authority in Your Field
- Generating Traffic to Your Website
- Keeping Visitors Engaged
- Conclusion
Introduction
Good afternoon! In today's article, we will dive into the world of SEO for beginners. As 2018 approaches, it's vital to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques to drive more traffic to your website, increase your Google rankings, and ultimately boost your profits. But before we begin, let's address the need for authenticity and credibility in the SEO industry.
Authenticating SEO Knowledge
In the vast sea of SEO experts and companies, how can you ensure that the information they provide is reliable? Wouldn't it be great if you could verify their expertise based on actual SEO numbers? Unfortunately, many self-proclaimed experts fail to deliver the promised results for their own websites, let alone their clients. Before we proceed, I want to authenticate my knowledge by sharing my real and current SEO statistics. These numbers will demonstrate that I truly understand SEO and can help you achieve success with organic search.
Understanding Keywords
Keywords are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. They are the words or phrases that people enter into search engines when looking for information, products, or services. To find the right keywords for your website, start by brainstorming with friends, contacting potential clients, or conducting thorough research. These keywords should be relevant to your offerings and reflect what your target audience may search for. For instance, my company, "A Nerds World," offers web development services in Toronto. While some people may search for our brand name, we focus on attracting organic traffic from users searching for keywords like "best web developer Toronto." It's important to compile a diverse list of keywords and create content around each one.
Creating In-Depth Content
Content creation is at the core of SEO success. In 2018, it remains paramount to consistently publish original, in-depth content on your website. Gone are the days of short, low-quality articles that barely scratch the surface. Aim for nothing less than a thousand words per piece to provide value and engage your readers. By regularly sharing this content on your website and social media platforms, you increase your chances of ranking higher on Google. Remember, creating quality content is an ongoing process. Dedicate time to brainstorm ideas, develop a content calendar, and consistently put out valuable and informative articles.
Monitoring Your Website's "Heartbeat"
Your website is like a living entity, and its "heartbeat" is crucial to its success. Just as a doctor monitors a patient's pulse, you should monitor your website's updates and revisions regularly. The Wayback Machine is an invaluable tool that allows you to see the historical changes made to your website. It's essential to show Google that your website is alive and constantly evolving. Regularly updating and adding fresh content demonstrates to both users and search engines that you are an active and authoritative presence in your field.
Importance of Google Reviews
When it comes to ranking on Google, positive and authentic reviews play a vital role. Regardless of whether you offer products or services, strive to obtain honest reviews from your customers. Solicit these reviews from various sources to ensure credibility. However, avoid the temptation to fabricate reviews, as it can backfire and harm your reputation. Google relies heavily on positive reviews to determine your website's authority. Just look at the example of a garden shed in London that became the top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor simply because of its stellar reviews. Remember, the more genuine positive Google reviews you accumulate, the better your chances of ranking higher.
Becoming an Authority in Your Field
Establishing yourself as an authority in your field is key to gaining Google's trust and achieving higher rankings. Google considers several factors when determining authority, and while the exact algorithm remains a mystery, we can focus on a few key aspects. Creating quality content, having a strong presence in various media outlets, and accumulating positive Google reviews are essential steps. Additionally, longevity in the industry and consistently providing valuable insights and solutions to your audience further solidify your authority.
Generating Traffic to Your Website
Driving traffic to your website requires a multi-faceted approach. Simply relying on SEO keywords is not enough. Embrace various methods, including digital and traditional marketing strategies. Leverage platforms like social media, flyers, radio ads, and physical brick-and-mortar locations to attract visitors. Remember, the more avenues you utilize to generate traffic, the better your chances of ranking higher on Google.
Keeping Visitors Engaged
Once visitors land on your website, the goal is to keep them engaged and encourage them to explore further. Optimizing user experience is vital. Ensure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and designed with the user in mind. Encourage visitors to read, scroll, and interact with various pages. The longer they stay on your website and the more pages they visit, the stronger the signal to Google that your website is valuable and worthy of higher rankings.
Conclusion
As we move closer to 2018, it's crucial for beginners to understand the fundamentals of SEO. By focusing on authenticating knowledge, understanding keywords, creating in-depth content, monitoring website updates, obtaining positive Google reviews, becoming an authority, generating traffic, and keeping visitors engaged, you will be on the path to SEO success. Remember, SEO is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing journey that requires dedication, creativity, and adaptability. Embrace the power of SEO for your business and watch as your online presence flourishes.
Highlights:
- Authenticating SEO knowledge through real numbers
- The importance of understanding and utilizing keywords effectively
- Creating in-depth, valuable content for SEO success
- Monitoring website updates and revisions
- The significance of positive Google reviews for credibility
- Establishing authority in your field to gain Google's trust
- Utilizing various methods to generate traffic to your website
- Optimizing user experience to keep visitors engaged
FAQ
Q: How can I verify the expertise of an SEO professional?
- A: Look for actual SEO numbers and rankings to authenticate their knowledge. Request proof of their success, such as their own website's rankings in prominent search engines like Google.
Q: How do I choose the right keywords for my website?
- A: Brainstorm with friends, talk to potential clients, or conduct thorough research to identify the relevant keywords your target audience might search for. These keywords should represent your offerings and attract organic traffic.
Q: How often should I create and publish content?
- A: Regularly creating and publishing valuable content is crucial for SEO success. Aim for in-depth articles of at least a thousand words and share them on your website and social media platforms consistently.
Q: How can I monitor the performance of my website?
- A: Use tools like the Wayback Machine to track your website's historical changes and updates. This will demonstrate to search engines that your website is active and continuously evolving.
Q: Are Google reviews important for SEO?
- A: Yes, positive and authentic Google reviews are crucial for establishing authority and gaining Google's trust. Focus on obtaining honest reviews from customers, as they significantly impact your website's rankings.
Q: How can I drive more traffic to my website?
- A: Utilize a multi-faceted approach by leveraging various marketing strategies. Make use of social media, traditional marketing methods, and physical locations to generate traffic and increase your chances of ranking higher on Google.
Q: How can I engage visitors and reduce bounce rates on my website?
- A: Optimize user experience by ensuring your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and designed with the user in mind. Encourage visitors to explore different pages and spend more time on your site, signaling to search engines that your website is valuable and engaging.