Back in Feb, we explored some of the general assumptions surrounding web design and attempted to debunk them
And we are back, back, back again, this time taking some circulating rumours around SEO (search engine optimisation) and unravelling them!
SEO is a key component to achieving continuing success for any website and online business. The services it includes range from adapting your site’s performance and architecture to crafting researched and strategic content to rank in search engines and entice your target audience. Applying an attentive SEO strategy is a great step towards online greatness, and is a definite box to be ticki when building up your online presence. So why isn’t everyone jumping on board?
Well, many people think that by doing the minimum whilst not having a full understanding of SEO is enough, and those people are missing out on a truckload of opportunities. With that said, we’re here to rule out the top 5 assumptions people make about SEO so the potential it offers can be seen by everyone, especially by those who might need it.
‘I have a couple of articles on my blog. That’s enough, right?’
*insert Britain’s Got Talent buzzer noise here* Wrong! First off, content is an extremely important ingredient in effective SEO, and to benefit from its effects is a continuous effort. This means, if you are lucky enough to benefit from a blog or news area on your site, it should be updated and added to regularly in order to really get your name out there and boost your presence amongst SERPs (search engine results pages).
Not only should your content be regular, relevant and well crafted, but it should also come with the right level of links and keyword inserts in order to take SEO that one step further. Sculpting your content around what your audience is looking for is a great way to ensure traffic and get that content up in the ranks.
‘Page speed isn’t that important, as long as it loads!’
When was the last time someone didn’t get annoyed when their page wasn’t loading at lightning speed Research shows that the ideal loading time for a website is 2-5 seconds, although 40% of us have admitted to exiting a page when it took longer than three seconds to load.
When wanting to benefit from the convenience that online services bring us, we expect every aspect of that service to be as such – simple, quick and taking us exactly where we need to be. Fast page speeds ensure great UX, help towards a good level of customer service and make for happy online users. Through SEO services, you are able to adapt and alter your site to ensure for the fastest page speed – it just takes that time, effort and attention towards your SEO strategy.
‘I just listed all the important keywords at the bottom on the page, that’ll do!’
Erm, no! We know it can be difficult to sprinkle in those all-important keywords into your web content. It must sound natural and effortless, all whilst working to draw in your target audience. But the way around this is not popping your findings in a list somewhere at the bottom of the page! Not only does this look lazy, but it does nothing for UX or representing your brand in a positive light. It also may confuse a lot of your users, and do anything but encourage them to stay.
Instead, invest in a highly skilled copywriter (like those found at Limely 😉 ) and get them to write your copy for you, as it is within their skills to integrate your keywords into copy as if by magic – your users won’t even know its there! Not only will it make your content effective in boosting your SEO, but it will help portray your brand’s expertise, care and attention to their user’s experience through clear and helpful content.
‘Meta tags and descriptions are irrelevant’
That tiny bit of text that makes up your own marker within SERPS can pack a huge punch and should never be disregarded! Your meta title and description is your chance to pitch your business and your webpage amongst your competitors.
For every one of your web pages, it’s title and meta description should be unique and strategically thought out; unlocking the potential to stand out amongst the other results within a search page, and get your users clicking. This not only helps sustain traffic but contributes towards generating leads and improving rankings.
‘My active social media presence is enough to lure in an audience’
Although effective social media marketing can gain you likes, comments and followers – it doesn’t directly affect your rankings or presence within search engine results, making it quite separate from your SEO strategy. With that being said, great social media marketing, alongside a well thought out SEO strategy, can help to guarantee a wide and engaging audience, lead generation and allow your business to perform at its fullest potential.
A flawless SEO strategy that leaves no stone unturned is crucial for online success – so, what are you waiting for? If you have questions, come and have a chat to Limely!
