I have to admit that it’s a bit hilarious that I work behind a computer. I barely watch TV and while I enjoy technology I’m much more drawn to the outdoors. That said, I absolutely love the time I spend on my computer developing brands and working on my own business. I look at it as a valuable tool that when used appropriately will enrich my customer’s business goals, my own business goals and my goals as an artist and illustrator. Since technology is so vast and always changing I find it important to hang on to tiny bits of information that come from credible sources—providing useful information quickly. That said, I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned about SEO and Algorithms in a quick and precise manner that can start pointing customers your way today.

SEO

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is simply maximizing the number of visitors to your website by ensuring your site appears high on search engine results (i.e. Google, Bing, Yahoo, Pinterest, etc.). This is done by using relevant content on your website and ensuring that the site is setup properly for present-day technology. For instance, if your website is not mobile friendly search engines will automatically push your site back in the rankings. When I work on a website I have a step-by-step process that I complete to ensure a site is set up properly from the start. This means that I am syncing the site to Google Analytics, Google Webmaster Tools, creating a site map, installing and setting up plugins that are optimized for keywords and metadata. One way you can continue optimizing your site after you launch is to pay attention to your customers. What questions are they asking? What words are they using when referring to your services? These are keywords that you’ll want to include on your site. You should continue developing relevant content that may be added to your site in order to improve searchability over time.

Algorithms

An algorithm is defined as “a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.” Algorithms are used in so many different ways but what is most important for you to understand is how the specific habits of your potential customers effects what they are seeing on the web. We’ve all been there, scrolling the web or a news feed and we’re getting sponsored content or advertising that is specifically targeted to our searches and interests on the web. In some ways it’s fascinating and in some ways a little scary. I choose to look at the bright side. I’m constantly delivered information that is specifically targeted to my personal preferences. That said, when you are thinking about your website you need to create and deliver content that is specifically targeted to your customer’s needs. This is going to transform the traffic and the searchability of your web content.

3 Ways To Improve Your Traffic Starting Today

1. Optimize Your Visibility On Google
Google is by far the most utilized search engine. Its platforms are continually updated and optimized. If your site was setup by me then you are already synced to Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools—which is a great start. Another way you can improve your ranking is to create a Google business page and retrieve some reviews from your customers. This is an excellent way to show Google that your business is relevant and almost immediately you’ll see an improvement in your search ranking. Make your page stronger still by adding an address and phone number. Be sure to include your website.

2. Create Links Back To Your Website
Since many search engines are ranking your site by relevance the more traffic your site has the better it will appear among search engines. Are you using social media, email blasts or blog posts to point customers back to your website? This is something you should definitely be doing. It’s easy to add your website link to your social media platforms and remind people through relevant content that they can visit your website for more information. This is an easy way to increase traffic organically while showing the search engines that you mean business.

3. Incorporate Relevant Content
By now you’re probably saying to yourself “she’s used the word ‘relevant’ one too many times.” That’s because adding quality (or relevant) content is the number one driver of your search engine rankings. Algorithms are so advanced that they are looking for words that relate to your keywords within your content. That said, if you’re adding one or two words to drive traffic to your site but the copy isn’t matching the keywords than search engines may overlook your site. Take a look at the overall content of your website and make a list of words that you can include that will help potential users find you and relate back to the content that you have published on your site.

Anytime I mention SEO or Algorithms I’m immediately bored myself. My goal here was to provide quick and useful information to help you make better decisions for your web content starting today. If you’d like more information feel free to contact me directly by filling out a form here.