It can be said that a website is only as good as its search results. However, it can be hard to reach the top of Google’s list with millions of websites competing for the same spot. By utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) you can move your content to the top of search results without too much hard work. Our SEO strategies get those search engine elves working in your favor – the right way. Practice these SEO tips, and you’ll find yourself at the top of the Google’s “nice” list by Christmas:
1. Learn from the elves themselves.
If you’re going to learn the rules to SEO, you should learn from the decision makers. The king of search, Google, has its very own Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide that can help you move content toward the top. Yahoo! also has a guide available. These guides cover everything from how search engines operate to how industry experts ensure their content gets optimal exposure. Take advantage of the resources the SEO elves provide! With search engines giving you tips on how to work your way to the top of their list, there’s no reason to be get stuck at the bottom.
2. Spread and share SEO cheer.
Thanks to social media, search engines have become personalized to each individual and their social practices. Social sharing and bookmarking now heavily influence where your post shows up on a search results page. This tactic is great news for big corporations and small businesses alike in that they both receive the same advantage – free consumer insights. Your SEO improves with each link from your social media accounts to your website. Just imagine how quickly it will grow when others start sharing your content as well!
3. Stay off the naughty list.
A big SEO no-no is trying to spam your way to the top. Yes, content that is shared widely does have a better shot at being high on the search results, but not if it’s spammed. Search engines like Google and Yahoo! are used widely because they are the best, so if you’re spamming, you’re sure to get caught. Companies like JC Penney learned the hard way that cheating your way to the top will only land you on the naughty list (which is far from the first page of results). Your content should be organic. Find relevant topics and make your audience care.
There’s no cheating the system when it comes to SEO, there’s only good practice. Take advantage of the resources that are already out there, share with your networks and focus on the content. Think of SEO as the Internet’s own set of elves: they are always in the spirit of giving if you’re on the nice list!