Fully
understanding how SEO works is quite impossible. The constant update and
changing search engine algorithm make it hard to tell which of your SEO efforts
today is still convenient to use tomorrow. Nevertheless, it is an undisputed
fact that SEO is an important part of successfully marketing your business
online. Search engine algorithms might constantly change but there are a few
smart tips to make sure that your on page SEO efforts work well for the
benefit of your website.
Know
the right keywords
You
rank well because of the keywords you use. You should first and foremost be
able to identify which keywords you'd like to rank for. Knowing the right
keywords to rank for allows you to enhance your chances of gaining a wider set
of search volumes both local and abroad. The wider your search reach is, the
higher the possibility for you to find your potential customers.
There
are several keyword tools that you can use to know what most people are
searching on the web like Google's Adwords. On the other hand, you might do the
simplest way by searching for the keyword you're trying to target and look at
Google's suggestions. These suggestions appear because that's what the audience
are looking for.
Take
note though that while the suggestions may be endless, you should limit your
target keywords to four words maximum. Use the exact phrase to be more specific
and if you want to rank locally, make sure that you get to include the location
of your business.
Optimise
your titles
When
you're writing, your content is not the first thing that the audience will be
looking for. They would first look on your web page's title and see if it’s
specific, relevant to what they are looking for, and engaging enough to make
them read it. Incorporating your keywords in your titles is a smart move
because it helps you be found easier when people search for your target
keywords. Keep in mind though to avoid using vague titles or make it look too
spammy with too many keywords. Too long titles are usually cut off by Google so
make sure that you create unique titles that is ideally under 70 characters
long.
Write
an interesting meta description
Whenever
you visit search engines and search for a keyword/s, Google's first page shows
the top 10 web pages complete with a title and a little snippet of text. Those
snippets you see are actually meta descriptions. Just like titles, meta
descriptions describes your page's content and tells your audience what your
page is all about. If written correctly, your meta descriptions will be enough
to market your business. This is why it’s important that you summarise your web
page and still make it sound interesting, specific, and informative. It's even
better if you can include important keywords within the description.
Make
use of the “alt” attribute
If
you don't know it yet, you can actually optimise the images you put into your
blogs and help Google determine what your image is all about. In fact, Google
does not know what kind of image you have unless you make use of the alt
attribute. With the alt attribute, an alternate text can be displayed whenever
the image fails to load. This increases the relevance of your page and helps
Google determine what your image is all about. Thus, it is imperative that you
make sure that the images are relevant to your content and optimise them more
by including your keywords in the alt attributes.
Use
Google-friendly URLs
Creating
optimised titles and engaging meta descriptions are smart SEO practises but
when it comes to creating an optimised URL, not all websites adhere to
Google-friendly URLs. Just like your titles and meta descriptions, keeping your
URLs short, sweet, specific, and keyword rich is one way to be found on Google.
It's easier to remember http://i-am-a-website.com/blogs/category/first-blog/ than http://i-am-a-website.com/blogs/wiZ%@eg8263ehgweurt1265138778/. The second URL doesn't make sense at all and
it doesn't add value to your SEO efforts because it lacks coherent words.
For
more information on how you can make your SEO better, visit us at Devon SEO or check out our Facebook page for more tips on how to build your presence
online.
