Search engine optimization (SEO) is an ever-changing game. Google is the undisputed leader in search engine optimization and its algorithms are continually evolving. Unfortunately, what was once thought to be true is no longer the case, as SEO rules are constantly being updated. What was once thought of as a wise SEO move could now lead to demotion in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).
This means that it is essential for any business owner who is serious about their online presence to understand the current SEO rules established by Google. If you are looking to increase your website’s visibility, you will need to not only understand the rules but also be prepared to abide by them. So, let’s take a closer look at Google and its SEO rules, and discuss some of the ways that you can legally improve your visibility.
How Does Google Rank Your Website?
Google is a search engine giant and, as such, its algorithms for ranking pages are continuously changing and difficult to keep up with. SEO experts and businesses owner alike spend hours trying to decode the algorithms and figure out how pages are ranked. While the exact algorithm that decides each website’s ranking is kept under wraps, what is clear is that each ranking factor is based on the principle of relevancy.
Simply put, Google is trying to give each person searching the best and most relevant results. Thus, Google will reward websites that produce content that is interesting, informative, and of the highest quality possible. This means that you should focus on writing well-researched and well-written content, that is regularly updated and optimized for search engine purposes. This is the cornerstone of any good ranking strategy.
Google’s Quality Guidelines
Google has established a set of guidelines that all websites need to adhere to in order to improve their visibility. If you ignore these guidelines, you risk seeing your website plummet in the ranking when the next Google algorithm update is rolled out.
The guidelines address the need to produce high-quality, relevant content, and they also focus on how the website’s HTML is coded. Thus, you must ensure that your website is correctly coded, and has no elements that could mislead visitors or search engines alike. Keep in mind that Google frowns upon anything that would be seen as a “black hat” SEO tactic, and will penalize sites that that adopt such practices.
When it comes to content, it is essential to ensure that all of your content is relevant, accurate, and well-written. Also, it should focus on providing value to the reader, as well as being easy to read and navigate. A good user experience is something that Google looks for and rewards, so always keep the user in mind when creating content.
How To Legally Increase Your Visibility
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basic SEO principles that Google wants websites to follow, let’s go over some of the ways that you can legally increase your visibility. These tips and tricks should not only help you rank higher, but they will also be beneficial to your users.
Optimizing Your Content
First of all, good and relevant content is your best friend when it comes to increasing visibility. Make sure that your content is regularly updated, and focus on keywords that are popular with your target audience. Try to create content that is well-researched and informative, as this will be rewarded by Google. Also, focus on creating content that is easy to skim, as this will make it more user-friendly.
Structuring Your Content
When creating content, it is important to make sure that it is easy to read and navigate. This can be done by using headings, subheadings, and bullet points or numbered lists, to make it easier for readers to skim the content and find what they are looking for.
Optimizing Your Website Structure
A website’s structure is one of the most important elements of SEO. Make sure that you have an organized and logical structure, that is easy to navigate. Your homepage should have a clear call-to-action, as well as links to the most important pages of your website. Also, make sure to include internal linking as this will help users navigate around your website.
Image Optimization
In addition to SEO principles, make sure to optimize your images in order to increase your visibility. Include keyword-rich ALT tags, and reduce the image size so that it loads faster. Google looks favorably upon fast-loading webpages, so make sure that this is a priority when optimizing your website.
Utilizing Social Media
Finally, social media is one of the best ways to boost your visibility, so make sure to include a social media presence in your SEO plan. Focus on sharing quality content, which is informative and engaging. And, be sure to connect with other influencers in your field so that you can spread the word about your brand.
By following the tips outlined above, you will be able to increase your visibility and rank higher in search results. Remember, Google’s algorithms are constantly changing, so it’s important to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and apply the best practices that are currently available. By doing so, you will be well on your way to a successful SEO strategy!
