Search Engine Optimisation demystified
Before you think of optimizing your content, it is expected you have a good running website. Hallmarks of a good website include:
- Easy to read and follow.
- Aesthetically appealing yet professional.
- Provide relevant information to the readers.
- Has relevant and working links.
- One that is updated regularly.
After the website is properly set up you can worry about optimizing its contents.
Understanding how search engines work will be helpful in understanding how SEO works. Programmed computer algorithms informs how a search engine responds to user queries. Certain search engine software named spiders and bots regularly pass by websites and indexes its content. Later when a user searches a given keyword, the search engine reaches to the indexed information and pulls out the most relevant pages and ranks them according to the degree of relevance.
In the past getting your website ranked highly was relatively easy. As easy as adding the keyword to the title, using the keyword here and there in the text, or even copying content editing it and using it.
Things are different today. There is an increased competition for the limited first page slots. Besides, search engines have become ‘smarter’. Keyword stuffing, copying content among other underhand techniques no longer pass the scrutiny of the search engine software and algorithms.
Search engine optimization comes in a handy as a solution to this modern day challenge. It employs various methods to enhance ranking. Such methods as hypertext markup language (HTML) and associated coding. It is meant to increase relevance to selected keywords and eliminate barriers to indexing processes of search engine software. In addition to clean HTML codes, the ratio of content to code must also be within the recommended range if the content is to be ranked highly.
The most prominent SEO method has all to do with content. The proper use of niche content and appropriate keywords can easily land your site the top spots. If you cannot produce such content, enlist the services of a writer with SEO expertise.
What constitutes a topnotch SEO content? Proper use of keywords, quality and authoritative content.
Keywords are important in SEO because it is what drives traffic to your site. So there is no other way but getting it right. Do a keyword research and come up with a combination that is both relevant and competitive. The keyword(s) you settle on will guide content of the site.
The keywords should be properly arranged so that it just blends into the write-up. Stuffing the content with keywords result in poor write-ups which rank low in search engine results.
Then you must focus on quality. You should strive to produce content of exceptional standards. Ensure the content is original and unique. Duplicated content has no place in today’s writing. In fact plagiarized content is often flagged down by search engine software. When writing about a flooded topic, be creative and bring in new twists to story that makes it look unique.
In addition, quality content is one that is valuable and helpful to readers. You must first understand what your target audience want then come up with something that addresses their needs.
And don’t forget to make it as interesting and captivating as possible.
Finally, your content has to be authoritative. When you come out strongly and authoritatively, it is a show of confidence and portrays you to have a good grasp of the subject matter. This will build trust with your potential customers and lead to the formation of one big loyal customer base.
The resultant activities and reactions of your fan base cannot miss the attention of the search engines. They cannot help but display popular sites, and your content will inevitably rank highly on the search engine results pages.
