SEO 2016

Want a higher rank on Google? Learn to think like the search engine to master visibility and guide users to your online 'island.'

1. Build Trust and Authority for Better Rankings

Creating a trustworthy and authoritative website is the foundation for appearing higher in search results. Google evaluates site quality and reputation by looking for engaging, accurate, and error-free content. For trust, your site should focus on clear writing that is easy to understand.

Reputation depends on backlinks — links from respected sites to your own. These function like digital votes of confidence, signaling your site is valuable. For instance, an article link from the Guardian or New York Times can significantly boost your reputation, indicating credibility to Google.

Authority is measured both by backlinks and social media activity. A larger number of high-quality backlinks combined with engaged followers on platforms like Facebook can give your site an edge. In essence, trust and authority work hand-in-hand to elevate your online presence.

Examples

• High-quality articles free of spelling errors improve Google’s trust in your site.
• A link from a prominent news outlet signals reputation to the algorithm.
• Accumulating thousands of social media followers strengthens site authority.

2. Choose Keywords Wisely to Guide Google

Keywords serve as the road signs that direct Google to your website. These words must relate directly to your content and reflect terms users are likely to type into the search bar. Effective keywords are specific enough to stand out — avoiding those dominated by large corporations like Amazon.

For instance, if you own a used bookstore, instead of competing with “bookstore,” try more specific terms like “online antique book store.” Tools like Google AdWords can analyze the popularity of keywords, helping you find terms that generate traffic but aren’t overly competitive.

Complement primary keywords with related terms to expand your reach. Words like “vintage,” “rare books,” or “collector editions” enrich your site’s SEO and better connect with niche audiences searching for specific goods.

Examples

• Keyword specificity like "online antique book store" avoids high competition.
• Google AdWords identifies high-traffic keywords without oversaturation.
• Supporting keywords such as “vintage” or “rare” appeal to specialized searches.

3. Speed is Everything for User Experience

Did you know that a slow-loading webpage can cost you visitors in seconds? Google values user experience, and a laggy site is penalized accordingly. Sites that make users wait for long loading times will rank lower since they discourage interaction and create frustration.

Research shows each additional second of load time leads to a 7% drop in conversions. Faster-loading sites not only improve customer satisfaction but also hold visitors’ attention long enough to increase purchases or ad clicks.

Using online tools like Pingdom, site owners can identify and shrink large image or video files causing delays. Compressing oversized files — such as reducing images over 200 KB — can significantly improve loading speeds and search rankings.

Examples

• A slow-loading site loses 7% of conversions per extra second.
• Large video files can be compressed for quicker load times.
• Tools like Pingdom pinpoint problematic areas affecting speed.

4. Backlinks: Your Digital Recommendations

In the world of SEO, backlinks from reputable sources function as endorsements of your business. More respected recommendations equal higher visibility. Directories like Yelp and LinkedIn can link to your site and boost its exposure, as long as they are used sparingly.

For visual content, Google highly values video links — prioritizing its own platform, YouTube. Posting tutorial or review videos that link back to your site introduces you to broader audiences while reinforcing authority in Google’s eyes.

For example, a fitness trainer can upload core-strengthening videos to YouTube with backlinks to relevant sections on their website and include keywords like "six-pack abs."

Examples

• Business directories like LinkedIn provide useful backlinks.
• Sharing a video on YouTube bolsters SEO ranking.
• Keyword-rich video titles add appeal to users and Google alike.

5. Leverage Social Media for SEO Power

Social media channels serve as platforms to amplify your content and generate backlinks. Google considers these links reliable as they come from high-traffic, legitimate sites such as Facebook, the most influential network for boosting rankings through shares and likes.

Posting engaging content like blog links or tutorials attracts “friends” who share your material, increasing visitor traffic. Include links to your social profiles everywhere, from your email signature to your website, keeping your network connected.

Google+, though less popular, can also improve ranking due to its association with Google. A small but strategic presence increases visibility in targeted searches.

Examples

• Sharing blog posts on Facebook contributes to valuable backlinks.
• A site link in your email signature enhances accessibility.
• Google+ boosts ranking due to its integration within Google's ecosystem.

6. Local SEO Thrives on Mentions and Reviews

For local businesses, visibility is about showing location-specific results. Listings in directories like Yelp should contain your exact name, address, and phone number to rank well in Google’s localized algorithm.

Mentions, similar to backlinks, improve rankings. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews strengthens your presence in local searches. Make it easy for users with pop-up prompts post-purchase and email requests for reviews.

For example, a restaurant gains visibility with frequent positive mentions on Yelp combined with a red pin location appearing on Google Maps when users search for menu offerings nearby.

Examples

• Reviews on Yelp increase local search rankings.
• Pop-up windows post-purchase let users leave reviews instantly.
• Consistent mentions in directories highlight exact location details.

7. Crossposting Articles to Social Platforms Boosts Engagement

Ensure your articles don’t just sit on your website but also appear on your active social media accounts for increased impact. Facebook is ideal for securing likes, shares, and comments since Google sees this popularity as a trustworthy recommendation.

For instance, ecommerce websites benefit from crossposting product guides or how-to videos, encouraging readers to follow links directly to the purchase page. The added traffic helps create backlinks that are useful for rankings.

Examples

• Crossposting product tutorials to Facebook expands viewership.
• Encouraging comments increases backlinks from popular discussions.
• Web traffic from social media creates active engagement signals for Google.

8. Choose Complementary SEO Tools for Accuracy

SEO doesn’t happen in isolation. Analytical tools like Ubersuggest reveal complementary keywords while services such as Pingdom fine-tune site operation. Investing in these aids reduces trial and error in your strategy.

For example, a fashion retailer can use Google AdWords to assess effective terms like "stylish coats" while Pingdom ensures fast loading for their lookbook heavy on imagery.

Examples

• Ubersuggest expands keyword reach beyond basic guesses.
• Pingdom helps avoid slow-load times paired with heavy visual content.
• Analytical data ensures SEO adjustments are based on facts, not assumptions.

9. Focus on Reviews for Conversion Growth

Prompting users for reviews directly after good experiences solidifies brand credibility. Simpler processes like review links embedded in confirmation emails or easily accessible forms increase customer likelihood of response.

Positive, visible reviews not only inspire trust but improve SEO rankings as higher engagement signals better relevance in Google’s system. Even if critiques arise, they show authentic activity promoting genuine interaction for your brand.

Examples

• Promoting reviews via email increases user participation rates.
• Positive Yelp reviews lift credibility for local businesses.
• Customer engagement post-purchase reflects sincerity.

Takeaways

1. Regularly update and correct broken backlinks to enhance site accessibility.
2. Post engaging content with strategic keywords across both your website and Facebook.
3. Compress visual files to improve loading times, rewarding visitors with quicker navigation.