all about... Organic Search Engine Optimization

INTERNAL + EXTERNAL SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION

Search Engine Optimization, often referred to as SEO, is THE major component in how you rank in searches. A good website is simply not enough in today’s highly competitive online world. But that’s ok, because guess what… it’s EASY!

SEO is all about TRUST with the Search Engines. The better your website is (accurate and helpful info; easy to use and navigate; clean and current code; mobile friendliness) the more accurate your target audience will be and visitors will stay for longer periods of time and return for multiple visits. Search Engines like that, and they will see that your website is one to rank higher and higher as time passes. So, with every SEO technique you execute, remember TRUST is the big factor.

We have two areas of SEO… internal (within your website) and external (outside of your website).

ONSITE / INTERNAL SEO PRACTICES

Internal SEO is something you want to get in place, and monitor for necessary updates. It does not need to change often, but needs to be done well. Adding content to your website occasionally is good, as long as it is quality content and not just filler for the Search Engines. Every feature or bit of content on your website should be specifically geared to the end user, making their visit more worthwhile. Here’s a selection of important areas to nurture:

Simple + Descriptive Domain Name
Quality, Descriptive Content, outlining target audience, services/product, company, and other data that may help you outrank competitors. Cross link to other pages in your website if it makes sense… and consider linking to external websites, but only if they are of high quality.
Meta Title Tags: Up to 70 Characters, Detailed, Related to Page Content
Meta Description: 180 to 240 Characters (with Spaces), Detailed, Related to Page Content
Meta Keywords: 5 to 10 Keywords or Keyword-Phrases, separated by commas
XML Site Map for ALL Websites
Site Map Webpage for LARGE Websites
ERROR Page to capture broken links
Webpage Re-Directs for Updated/Redesigned Websites
Do you have any partnerships? Consider cross-linking, if the connection makes sense.

EXTERNAL SEO PRACTICES

External SEO is much like link-building. It’s the idea of creating this web of connections that all lead back to one important resource: YOUR WEBSITE. External SEO is a process that truly lasts forever, but you only need do a little bit at a time. Search Engines want to see that you are established, and growing via organic growth. The whole idea is increasing your digital footprint. Following are a selection of ideas you can use to get started:

For new website, new pages, or heavily updated content, submit your website to Search Engines such as Google.com and Bing.com. Here are a couple direct submission websites:
- GOOGLE: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/submit-url
- BING: http://www.bing.com/toolbox/submit-site-url
Create and maintain Local Business Profiles, one websites such as these:
- GOOGLE: https://plus.google.com/u/0/dashboard?hl=en
- BING: https://www.bingplaces.com/
- YELP: http://www.yelp.com/hanover-pa-us
- PATCH: http://patch.com/
- MERCHANT CIRCLE: http://www.merchantcircle.com/
Did something big happen? Write an engaging Press Release and send it to the local papers!
Do you network on Social Networks? Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Twitter, and many others help your rankings too.
Do you write interesting articles about your expertise? Blog it on your website or on blogs such as WordPress.com and Blogger.com… Share it on your social networks… And submit it to article websites such as www.ezine.com.
Do you have any memberships? If they offer a profile, make sure your account is content rich with a hyperlink back to your website!

KEEPING TRACK OF OUR EFFORTS

With Google Analytics, you can monitor the effectiveness of your SEO efforts over time. It is a fantastic and free tool that you can integrate into your website.

Google Analytics – http://www.google.com/analytics/