What is SEO?
Customers often ask questions related to search engine optimization (SEO). While it seems like the questions always remain the same, the answers are constantly evolving as Google and other major search engines adjust their formulas and the way they present site rankings for their users. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that I come across, in a blog about SEO FAQs.
How does Google decide who to rank higher?
Takeaway: Now more than ever, it is important to have fresh, relevant content on your site at all times.
There are several factors that go into a search engine results page (SERP). In the past, website designers and optimizers were able to strictly utilize keywords and tags behind the scenes in a website’s coding. However, they figured out how to game the system by dubious ways to get anyone to their site. As the site owners got smarter, so did the search engines. As Google and the other major players evolved they became much more focused on the actual content within a website. So now more than ever, it is important to have fresh, relevant content on your site at all times.
What features should I have on my site?
Takeaway: A blog is one of the most important features to have on a website.
A blog is one of the most important features to have on a website. Having a blog constantly refreshes your site’s content and also engages your customers. When you have a blog with exciting and relevant content (like this one) search engines tend to put more weight behind your site when you are ranked. Your customers will also stick around longer on your website and can interact with you through comments within a blog.
Also, make sure that your blog content, or website page, has keywords and headings that are friendly to search engines. This is where a content specialist or an optimization firm can help.
Are there any pitfalls in writing a blog?
Takeaway: Avoid duplicating content on a website.
One thing to make sure to avoid is duplicate content. For example, within several blog platforms you often find your posts archived in the margins within your site. If your archived headings are the same as your blog headings within the main body of the site, there is potential that a search engine will view you as trying to cheat by duplicating content. This can actually penalize your site’s rankings within a SERP.
Why was my site dropped from page one on Google?
Takeaway: Google regularly updates its major search algorithms which can negatively impact site rankings.
Every few months Google adjusts its major search algorithms. When they complete a refresh it can often times have an immediate impact on some sites’ rankings in a negative way. This is why it is important to work with a firm that can anticipate these updates and prepare for their aftermath. Google typically doesn’t announce when or what they are going to do, but they give advice through their own blog.
Wrapping up:
It can be difficult for a business owner to keep up with that or hire someone to keep up with all that goes into their website’s ranking on a SERP. This is where a firm like Prestige Marketing Advisors can come in. We have the experience and the expertise to make sure our customers are positioned as best as they possibly can in the digital world.