8 Things You Need To Know About Search Engine Optimization to Stay Relevant in 2016
SEO is rapidly evolving. The same techniques you used last year are rapidly falling out of favor for more advanced and efficient models of search engine optimization. Google often modifies the techniques it uses to prevent people from exploiting the algorithm. While that’s great for preventing dishonesty and spam, it also means you’ll have to re-learn SEO concepts to adapt with the ever-changing model.
The Importance of Investment Return
Expertly selecting keywords that will help you jump in the rankings is wonderful, but a jump in your page rank doesn’t necessarily mean you’re maximizing your revenue. KISSMetrics, RJMetrics, or similar tools will allow you to track the movement of your customers and determine which search queries are ultimately leading to your financial success. Using this route to maximize the effectiveness of your keywords, rather than where you score…
New mobile ranking factors report from Searchmetrics shows the key differences
The summer of 2015 is when Google searches on Mobile Devices exceeded that of personal computers world-wide for the very first time. A landmark in the world of Search, and something not only Google are looking to capitalize on, but something all business owners and marketer should (at the very least) be aware of. “So what does this mean for me?” I hear you cry.
Looking at it from the perspective of a Webmaster, Business Owner, SEOs and content marketers, it raises the question of strategy.
Do we follow a ‘One size fits all’ strategy addressing both Desktop and Mobile under one roof, or do we begin to use a separate strategy to tackle mobile search as a separate entity?
In short, I think it’s time we look to use two strategies which we'll discuss. Using the ranking factors below, should certainly aid…
Bear these site migration tips in mind to maintain rankings of your e-commerce store during a domain change or site restructure
Moving is hard. I would know – I started my life in the Northeast, moved across the country to Texas, and then to Chicago. It’s difficult to get settled into a new place, making new friends, finding a place with decent pizza
in your neighborhood.
It’s even more difficult when we’re talking about websites – there’s the potential for big wins, and big losses. Everyone wants a new, modern website – but few consider the work that needs to be done to ensure that website produces the results you desire. It gets even more complex when you add E-commerce to the mix – payment gateways, shopping carts, affiliate sites, coupons and more! It turns into a big project, fast.
In my role as an SEO Account Manager, I not only deal with the…
Comparing the 2014 and 2015 ranking factors research
Searchmetrics, technology provider for enterprise SEO and content marketing analysis, has carved out a global business which answers the key questions asked by SEO professionals and digital marketers.
Following on from their 2014 Search Ranking Factors report, Searchmetrics have released their 2015 ranking factors, highlighting the key considerations to impact a brands search and content marketing strategies. Click here for your copy.
Last year I completed an analysis of the 2014 Searchmetrics findings – assessing some of the key insights and opportunities for brands use as part of their search strategy as well as overall digital vision. Here I will compare changes with 2015. Of course, Moz, also have their own definitive ranking factor review - Dave Chaffey has analysis of their 2015 ranking factors report.
Searchmetrics 2014 summary
From the 2014 Searchmetrics report, there were a number of metrics that supported the opportunity for…
Simon Swan's interview with Nick Eubanks on mastering keyword research
To ensure the success of any digital plan requires putting the right building blocks in place to guarantee you’re developing your strategy from the ground up. In a recent blog article I discussed the importance of ensuring your website has a sound information architecture and introduced you to the tool Screaming Frog. Another key building block is to ensure your strategy is targeting the right keywords and phrases based on your objectives as well as who and what audience you’re looking to target.
Keyword Research is an essential requirement as part of digital strategy and can be applied for a number of different digital tactics such as SEO, PPC, Affiliate or Social media This visual from Moz.com on SEO fundamentals clarifies the level of importance any digital marketer should give to mastering the art of keyword research for SEO.
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A summary of the 2015 ranking factors analysis
Value: [rating=5]
Recommended link: Moz SEO Ranking factors 2015 edition
SEOs everywhere have now been following the SEOmoz (now Moz) ranking factors for a very long time - I think I start recommending them in training ten years ago in 2005!
Over time, the analysis has become more complex with a move from trusted experts' opinion to additional correlation based analysis. In many ways, I prefer the original breakdown of on and off page factors for its simplicity - as shown below, but there are many more factors to consider now of course.
You can get the full detailed report from the link above. In this summary I highlight the main ranking factors, with a brief analysis of the implications for marketers who aren't full-time SEO.
The Experts' opinions on ranking factors
The best quick summary on ranking factors for non-specialists is, for me, still the Experts' analysis. Here's…
Does branding really matter when it comes to your SEO ranking?
How does brand affect your SEO ranking? This is a question that’s often pondered upon by webmasters. Most fail to make a connection between the two at all. Any webmaster who knows how Google algorithms and indexing work recognizes that there’s no way to measure the popularity of a brand. Yet, there’s constant talk of brand and its relationship to SEO ranking.
Before I start explaining about brand and its relation, let's go through Amit Singhal’s post on building high-quality sites. He mentioned a list of questions that should we keep in mind before creating quality websites. In the below image, most of the questions can be answered in just two points:
1. Brand
2. Expert author
Going through these questions will help you determine whether the site is branded. For instance,…
Simon Swan's interview with Danny Denhard, A digital marketing consultant with 13 years experience in the industry, talking about consulting and giving away some great SEO tips
This interview discusses Danny’s views on how digital marketers should consider what are the key elements in maximising the return from the plethora of digital channels now available to sell a produce or service. Danny shares some fascinating thoughts on how brands need to rethink how they position themselves within the digital market and the importance for brands to build an authority, not to chase the Google algorithm but instead look to craft a voice of trust and meeting the needs of your audience through creating a utility and loyal community.
Q. Can you tell us a about your consultancy? What services you offer and the types of business you work with?
I offer three main product lines; consult, train and advise. I work with the full spectrum…
Best practice tips to give your landing pages better regional reach
The Internet has given us greater power than ever before to reach out to people wherever they are in the world. There’s one problem with that though – sometimes your core group of customers are located virtually on your doorstep, and unless you take steps to connect with these, much of your online marketing efforts may be going to waste.
Who needs regionalised landing pages?
If you’re selling a range of identical products through your website to people right across the country (or even the world) from a central warehouse or depot, you probably don’t need a regionalised landing page. But if your website is used as a means of promoting your bricks and mortar presence, or a service you provide in specific geographic areas, then regionalised landing pages should be…
How do consumers search for local products and services?
Google and IPOS research shows American shoppers are searching on their mobiles for local store information, including opening hours, address and directions. This has implications for Advertisers to ensure the right information is available!
4 in 5 consumers are using search engines to find local information, and 18% of local smartphone searches result in a purchase within a day.
The infographic highlights 4 important tactics for retailers to embrace:
1. Ensure Ads include your address and directions, across all devices.
2. Tailor copy to take account of local searching.
3. Build an attribution model for local searches.
4. Use radius bidding and local bid adjustments.
Download the full Infographic to find out more information from this American research on Local consumer search behaviour.…
