SEO in 2017 – DOTPIM

SEO or Search Engine Optimisation has been a widely used strategy since the launch of the very first website back in 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee. This evolving method has gone through so many changes over the years and when we move forwards to the present, hardened SEO’s tend to look back (not so) fondly at some of the methods utilised. These however we shall not be dwelling upon. Today we are going to look at some of the techniques used in 2017 that meet Google’s Quality Guidelines, are successful and above all, work in-line with the overall notion that user experience is paramount.

Does SEO still exist?

Before we continue, let’s address the notion that SEO doesn’t actually exist any longer. Of course it does. It’s just very different now. Back in the day (age is showing here), a business owner would optimise their website for SEO purposes. Today however, this discipline includes working on a website, social media and overall online reputation. Some may argue that this in itself is an all-round digital marketing strategy. They would be correct in assuming this but as we will moving on, a campaign of 2017 clearly holds some old school solid SEO techniques.

Here’s the deal

Keyword Research is important. It always has been and it likely always will be. After all, it is intrinsic to understand your demographic and which terms are important to your company. As a business owner it pays to be aware of the keywords customers are searching on in a bid to find your wares. Unlike days gone by, Google now recognises strings of words as opposed to a single term. Recognising user intent, results pages will reflect these giving an all round decent user experience.

And the best way?

Tip 1: Research important keywords using The Google AdWords Keyword Tool and Google Predict.

Tip 2: Target a single keyword per page

Tip 3: Include the keyword in content only where it reads well. Keyword stuffing is not good practice.

Content continues to be Queen. Each and every single piece of content you write must be unique and worthy of being shared. For your website it should be relevant, include your keywords where applicable, link internally and externally to specific sources and it must read well. Take your subject, product or service and write about it. You know your business better than anyone else so this shouldn’t be difficult.

Tip 1: In the first instance write without intent, solely about your subject.

Tip 2: Re-read, adding in keywords if applicable and necessary.

Tip 3: Include internal and external links to relevant sources that add value to the reader.

Social Media is a must. Google looks at all social media channels in order to determine levels of activity and engagement. If this is consistent then your website is awarded trust and worth. It really is that simple. If you are posting regularly and with strategy and your audience are responding (positively), this all has an impact on SEO campaigns of 2017. It comes back to the user experience and if this is a positive one because a person can arrive at your website in order to purchase a specific product directly from a social media post, you are making the process straightforward.

Tip 1: Post regularly and consistently

Tip 2: Converse and engage with your audience. If they ask you a question, answer in a timely response

Tip 3: Share well-written blog posts across social media channels. When shared these create links to your website which again helps build trust for your domain within search engines.