Search Engine Optimization What is SEO?
What Is SEO? SEO is an abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization Process of making a website discoverable through search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing Combination of optimizations on your website and on other websites (On Page vs. Off Page) On-going process to increase organic or non-paid traffic from search engines
Search Engine Marketing On Page vs Off Page SEO & Optimizing
What Is On Page SEO? Title tags Headings (H1, H2, etc.) URL Structure Image Alt Text Website loading speed Page Content Internal Linking
What Is Off Page SEO? Focus on increasing the authority and popularity of a website Links from other websites to your website (backlinks) Social media mentions, shares, retweets, re-pins, etc. Writing content made to be shared and linked to by influencers/website owners
How On Page and Off Page SEO Work Together
9 Steps To Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) Step 1) Review page content, choose a focused keyword phrase for that page and one variation (Example: locksmithing services and 24/7 locksmith ) Step 2) Update your page/blog titles -Be under 70 characters -The focus keyword should appear first -Each page title on your website should be unique -Except for your homepage/contact us page, don t include your business name
Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.) Step 3) Update your page/blog meta descriptions -Be under 150 characters -Incorporate the primary keyword and at least one secondary keyword -Provide a compelling reason for why someone should visit the page -Include keywords in a conversational format; don t just cram in keywords Step 4) Make sure your URL s are easy to understand and use dashes, not underscores. (Example: /my-blog-is-here )
Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.) Step 5) Incorporate heading tags (H1) - The page should have one H1 heading tag that incorporates the focus keyword Step 6) Update page content, include your focus and variation keyword throughout the content multiple times in a conversational manner; don t cram!
Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.) Step 7) Include a call to action (Example: download X, join our newsletter, comment below, etc.)
Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.) Step 8) Link to other pages/blogs internal linking helps google determine which pages are most relevant Step 9) Add alt text to images (Example: ThriveHive Logo )
Search Engine Marketing Keyword Research
What are Keywords? Typically between 2 to 5 words to make a Keyword Phrase What potential customers type into search engines to find your business Example: Boston corporate barbecue catering
5 Steps To Research Keywords For SEO Step 1) Make a list of relevant topics, questions, and industry specific concerns that your customers might search for Step 2) Fill in keywords/phrases under those topics that you think a target prospect/customer might use to find that topic (Example: If the topic is Locksmith Services, the keyword phrases might be Boston locksmiths, help unlocking my car, locks for a new home, etc. Step 3) Research and or think up related terms to the terms you wrote down in Step 2
5 Steps To Research Keywords For SEO (Cont.) Step 4) Go to https://spyfu.com, enter your website domain, mouse over SEO Research, and select SEO Keywords - type in each of your keyword phrases and take note of their ranking difficulty and search volume.
5 Steps To Research Keywords For SEO (Cont.) Step 5) Narrow down the list of keywords to about 5 15 focus keywords and phrases to be implemented on your website and into your blog posts/pages - Ideally choose keywords with high volume (80+) and low competition (< 60)
Search Engine Marketing Best Practices for Ranking Locally
Best Practices for Ranking Locally Set up and optimize your directory listings (Google My Business, Bing Places, Yellow Pages, etc.) [See Video Series on Online Directories] Be consistent, use the same name, address, and website everywhere Try using local location keywords on the home page, throughout the website, and within title tags and meta descriptions Engage with local groups/websites to start building backlinks from local websites
Best Practices to Ranking Locally (Cont.)