This article is a continuation of my previous blog post on ‘How to get started with website SEO’. You can also take a look at the webinar here. 

Question 1

How to rank higher in general Google search?

Here are a few things that you should keep in mind to rank better:

a.) Provide unique & informational content in your website and blog. Make sure, your posts are 250 words+ for Google to find them.

b). Update your blog every once a while. Google likes fresh content.  If you have not launched your blog, fill it with

c). Do not stuff your content with keywords in an attempt to better your SEO. keep it contextual. The headline and your body content should match. Trust me…it does not work. You cannot trick Google.

d). Use long phrases as keywords rather than just a word or two. Use Google Adwords tool to find out your desirable keyword.

e). Add social media buttons to your content so that people share it online.

f). Another great way to rank higher is adding your local business details on Google+. Here is an example. When someone types in ‘Jewel Stores in Bangalore’, the first searches on Google always show stores which have Google+ pages.

g). Social signals work really well in Google. Make sure you are active on social networks, especially on Google+.

h). Its vital to give your pages a strong meta title. Content which is ‘untitled’ does not rank. Whenever possible, insert the keyword phrase in the page title.

i). Avoid using Flash. It may look appealing, but in SEO, its a complete NO NO. Moreover, its worse for mobiles where they may never render.

j). Provide Alt tags to all your images.

k). Avoid posting duplicate content – same content on more pages than one. Google indexes content only once.

l). Use Google Authorship. This way, your Google+ profile will be linked to your published posts, your image will appear in Google searches next to your blog and also you will be deemed as an expert in the field.

Question 2

How do I prevent my content against theft?

a). Contact the blogger: Contact the blogger via email or phone. You will get contact information from the ‘About’ or ‘Contact Us’ page. Inform the blogger that the content he/she has ‘stolen’ is copyright safe and be sure to add the link of the post that is in question.

b). Ask them to pay: For the content that has been ‘stolen’ you can ask the blogger to pay in order to use the content.

c). File a DMCA complaint: If the blogger does not remove the content, file a DMCA complaint against the blogger. 

d). Register your copyright: Make sure you have a copyright notice on your blog. It need not be on every page, but yes, it should be visible – in the footer or the company about page.

Question 3

What are meta tags? Are they important for SEO for Website?

A meta tag is a unique HTML tag that provides information about a webpage. Unlike other HTML tags and codes, meta tags do not alter the way in which a page is displayed. They provide information about…

Who created the page?

When it is updated?

What the page is all about?

Which keywords represent its content?

Yes, meta tags are important for SEO for website. Title and description meta tags are most important for SEO. Title meta tags define the title of your document and description meta tag gives a brief description (a line or two) about the page. The meta description guides a potential site visitor to your site. Both, title and description meta tags are used by search engines to index a particular page. Make sure, you pay ample attention to your meta tags for well-written meta tags can really soar your page rank.

See this image below. It shows the snippet preview – what a site visitor will see on search engines and the meta description which defines the snippet preview.

Keyword tags are also a form of tag, but with Google’s new algorithm, Hummingbird, Google has stopped indexing keyword tags. However, other search engines do index keyword tags.

Question 4

How do I get more visitors to my blog?

Keep these in mind…

a). Post effective content and be consistent: On your To-Do list, this should be your number one goal. Write content which is compelling, offers some value to readers and is enticing. If you have not launched your blog, make sure there is enough content in it well before launch. Post blogs consistently (2-3 per week at the minimum).

b). Search Engine Optimize your blog: Proper SEO for website is necessary if you want your content to be searchable in search engines. Make sure your meta title, description, header tags are in place.

c). Use the right keywords: Use Google Adwords to find long tail keywords that are less competitive and structure your content around them. Use top notch content…you cannot run away from Google for long.

d). Include social sharing buttons: Share your content on social sites and link them back to your blog to get more visitors.

e). Participate in forums & Q&A sites: This is one of the best ways to get traffic to your blog. Become active members in 2-3 forums which are relevant to your blog. Share your opinion, provide informational and genuine feedback and add your blog links subtly. Also, become an active reader on blogs that are similar to yours.

Question 5

Now, that I have visitors on my blog, how do I ensure that I can get their details?

Here are a few ways in which you can increase conversions:

a). Provide proper calls-to-action. Test and analyse with A/B tests which perform better.

b). What is it that you are offering? Are they distinct enough for a first time visitor?

c). Add your credits – testimonials, reviews, awards and customers.

d). Provide bigger images to make your posts more engaging.

Question 6

Do we need to update sitemap manually every time?

If your site is on WordPress and you have installed XML sitemap plugin, then it will happen automatically. This hold true for any other reputed CMS system. However, if you have a simple website, you will have to do it manually.

Question 7

Do we have added advantage for SEO if we run Google Adwords?

We do not have any such data which proves the above statement. But, by using Google Adwords, you will be able to analyse what people are searching for and then use that data to create your content.

Question 8

Suggest me a tool with which I can check if my website is penalized or not?

Normally, if your website is penalised, Google Webmaster will send you a notification. You can then correct your website as per Google’s guidelines and submit it for re-verification.

Question 9

If our targeted landing page for SEO is only image based sans any content (like Pinterest), is it possible to optimize it for SEO?

You don’t have a choice…Google is blind. You have to have content on your website. There is no alternative. Images also have Alt+text, but then again, images only compliment content, they are not content per say.

If you have further queries, please feel free to drop me a comment. :)

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