Once you have your keywords sorted out, it is time to start building and optimizing your website. Google does not allow you to simply stuff your page with keywords for rankings anymore; you are expected to be an authority, so prove you are one!
Write to Read, Not to Rank!
Whenever you write an article, create text for a landing page, or even post a social blurb, make sure it is something that is worth reading. Google requires that ALL content be informative, unique, and useful. Having your website stuffed with useless keyword-stuffed content is about as effective as a chicken trying to fly South! It is more important that your content be interesting and descriptive, than it is for it to contain a keyword or keyword phrase. That may sound counter-productive to old school SEO buffs, but with the changes Google has made, that is exactly what is required!
All content that is created for your website MUST be 100% original. Duplicate content will destroy your reputation, not only with your followers, but with Google as well. The title of the article or blog you post should be catchy, but still relate to the information within the article. If the reader clicks on a title “Lose Weight Eating Chocolate”, and they start reading about how to lose weight by eating salads and fruit, they are not only going to leave the page, they are going to leave with distrust about your site, who you are, and what you have to say. So, if you promise weight loss with chocolate in your title, your article better deliver just that!
Content Title Quick Tips:
- Keep titles between 40 to 65 characters
- Use keyword or keyword phrase in title if possible
- Be creative, but keep the title relevant to content
Tags, Headings, Descriptions and URLS
The small things on your page add up to huge SEO benefits. Many website owners forget, or neglect to add the proper tags, headings and descriptions for their on-page SEO. Below are a few quick tips that need to be addressed on your page if they have not been already.
Meta Descriptions – Write a short description of your content. Keep it around 156 characters for the best results.
Optimized URL – The content URL should optimized to match the meaning of the content on the page.
Headings and Tags – Make sure proper headings are in place, h1, h2, h3, etc. This helps the reader stay focused on your content, gives the ability to quickly scan to important parts and looks nicer on the page.
Focus Keywords – Use tags to highlight specific keywords or keyword phrases to add focus for the search engines.
Image Tags – Use proper Alt tags on all images, and always use images in your content!
