As we shift to a more social web, businesses should know that on-page Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) still works and is still relevant in boosting one’s online rankings. This article will talk about what on-page factors you should pay attention to in 2012 and the SEO strategies that we feel still remain important to Google.
Though links, title tags, and meta descriptions are still important, you may need to think more about the user and less about the search engines this year. Keep in mind that Google always wants to please its users so do not take too much time chasing and monitoring their algorithms. Instead, create great content that is focused on your audience.
All veteran Internet marketers know that no singular strategy can boost one’s online rankings. An effective SEO campaign is all about the fusion of several disciplines into one cohesive strategy. If you want to succeed with your SEO campaign this year, you need to think diversely, pay attention to the smallest details of your campaign, and follow all the tips we will be sharing below.
1. Search Friendly URLs
Though probably a small part of Google’s algorithm, search engine friendly URLs should still be included in your overall strategy. Aside from the apparent search advantage one gets from having keywords in the URL, it also helps in providing instant anchor text when people make use of the URL to link to a certain page. Search friendly URLs, no matter how small its role is in Google’s algorithm, is still highly encouraged as it gives searchers an idea if whether or not they are on the right page.
2. Heading Tags
Heading tags usage started several years ago and since then have been an essential part of any on page SEO strategy. Though some evidence suggests that the correlation between rankings and heading tags is only minimal, it is not an excuse to ignore them. Heading tags are still useful in the sense that it help users determine if they are on the right page for their search query. As a smart Internet marketer, you need to ignore what others have been saying and start focusing on strategies that will further improve the user experience in your site.
3. Optimised Copy
One should not ignore the advantage of having an optimised web content. As Google becomes more sophisticated with its algorithms, you must avoid any kind of conspicuous optimisation and stop doing the tricks of the past. To further improve your web content copy, make sure to use Google itself in finding synonyms. Furthermore, when it comes to keyword research, a little creativity and a little thinking out of the box will make you go far in terms of finding good keywords that have high search volume and low competing pages.
4. Images
Though it may not seem important to SEO, there are some strong pieces of evidence that suggest that the images associated with Alt Text contributes in the ranking of a web page. If you are going to include images in your web page, make sure they are relevant and that they have the appropriate Alt Text thereby contributing effectively to the ranking of your site.
5. Steer Clear From Old Keyword Strategies
Instead of writing with keyword density, proximity, and prominence in mind, you need to write for your readers. Though proper SEO writing is still paramount, Google encourages that this year we write what feels right to us and by always considering the kind of content that will capture the interest of our readers.
6. Keep Your Content Relevant and Interesting
Be certain that you know who your target customers are and the kind of information they need and want. Most sites attract different kinds of visitors so be sure that your site content is addressing all types of visitors. Remember that your website is a very valuable marketing tool so make sure that it is receiving the kind of attention it deserves and that it has the ability to address the needs of your site visitors.
7. The Importance of Videos
Many businesses still fail to see the benefits of video marketing. By including videos on your web pages, you provide your customers another communication channel and do not bore them with a purely text-based site. Videos can also be included in the universal search so it will be wise to diversify your search visibility by optimising the videos you will be posting on your site.
8. Go The Extra Mile
Google and other search engines love results that are relevant and useful to their users. If you are doing the extra steps to please and delight your visitors, Google will eventually notice it and will give your site the visibility it deserves thereby outranking your competitors. Try looking at your site and its sub-pages and then think if you can consider it as one of the best websites in your niche. If you think it is one of the best, then you must be ranking well in the search results. If not, then you definitely need to take the extra mile and maybe start considering the tips we have shared above.
On Page SEO this year is all about creating contents that are useful, sharable, rich web pages that deserve rankings according to their quality. If you want your website to maintain its good ranking position, you will combine old school optimisation with usability, marketing and psychology to write and design site pages that will do well this year.
About Mark Standeven