We get this question all the time, “Do you do SEO?” And while I am rarely at a loss for words, I still struggle with the answer. Why? Because it’s a loaded question.
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, means something different for everyone. For some people, it’s Pay Per Click advertising (which refer to strategic partners.) For some people, it’s extensive keyword research or content development which we can do.
Yet I can’t say we don’t do SEO. It’s just that we take a more common sense SEO approach; good content added over time using proper semantics. HUH?! Let’s take a closer look at common sense SEO strategies and how you can use them to help improve your website’s page rank (on your own or with some help from Marketing Cafe.)
Content Development
Are you sharing useful, relevant information on your website? This means more than just adding your hours of operation and your location
It means writing articles about the topic(s) for which you want to rank. If you want to rank well for red widgets, write about red widgets; how to decide which red widget to buy, the various kinds of red widgets you carry, etc. This is what one of my college professors referred to as “No $&!%” research. It’s common sense.
Content Placement
Is the most important information at the top of the page? Remember high school English when your teacher told you to put your most important ideas at the beginning of your essay so the reader would know what they’re reading about? Ummm, that’s still true even if your Smith Corona has long-since been donated to a museum.
Proper Semantics
Are important keywords in <h1> or <h2> tags? Are you using <alt> tags for your images so the search engines know what those pictures are? Again, no rocket science here. Important things should be highlighted so your readers can quickly scan your article. OK, the <alt> tags might be more technical but still simple to implement and common sense once you think about it.
Here are some more helpful articles on common sense SEO strategy for your small business.
- Common Sense: The Secret Ingredient of any SEO Campaign, from Search Engine Journal
- Beginner’s Guide: Common sense WordPress SEO strategy, from WP Candy