People who are just getting started online tend to have more questions, but even those of us who are experienced might find ourselves pondering about why things are done the way they are, and how we might do things differently with each individual website. Listed below are some of the most common questions asked regarding SEO and marketing via search engines. We try to keep these answers short and simple. If you have a question, please send it here and it’ll be added below.
What is SEO?
SEO is an acronym for Search Engine Optimization. In a nutshell, it’s a multi-layered process put in place for improving the ability of websites to be found on the internet via popular search engines like Google and Bing. A lot goes into SEO work, and the various bits and pieces of the process are always changing as new search algorithms are tweaked and/or launched. SEO can affect things like PageRank, or how high your site shows up in Google.
READ: Does Google PageRank Still Matter?
Why is SEO important?
Simply put, you want your website to be found online. There are millions upon millions of websites out there with new ones being launched every day. Without proper SEO, your website stands little to no chance of discovery. If you’re a business, this could mean you won’t find the success you need to compete online, and you won’t be able to reach your sales goals. If you want people to find you, you need to make sure you have a great website to offer them.
READ: SEO is NOT Dead … Far, Far From It
What’s the best way to optimize my website for SEO?
This one is more complicated to answer, as a lot of work goes into each search algorithm and there are various things that can make or break a website. In the past, you could rank higher simply by having backlinks from important, established websites. However, this is no longer the case. As algorithms have been updated, so also have the requirements needed to be a high ranking website. Backlinks are now among the least most important ways you can be found online, though they still do carry some merit. It’s the importance of content, website speed, and originality that help make your website important.
This includes things like making good use of Header and Title Tags, Meta descriptions, keywords and phrases, Internal page links with anchor text, image alt tags and filenames, and more. Even URLs can act as a good way to insert a few good keywords. You also want to make your website snappy; a long load time is a guaranteed way to make your visitors “bounce,” or go elsewhere for the content they’re looking for.
There are so many other things that go into it, but these things are a great start. Essentially, you’ve got to prove to search engines that you belong in their top spots. This can take months or even years, which is why we offer SEO services to help you along this journey.
Is Site Speed Really That Important?
Yes! In fact, recent Google algorithm updates have made website speed even more important. Read more about the Google mobile speed algorithm update here.
Should I Pay Someone for Backlinks?
Absolutely not! In fact, Google frowns upon this. According to the search company:
The following are examples of link schemes which can negatively impact a site’s ranking in search results:
- Buying or selling links that pass PageRank. This includes exchanging money for links, or posts that contain links; exchanging goods or services for links; or sending someone a “free” product in exchange for them writing about it and including a link
- Excessive link exchanges (“Link to me and I’ll link to you”) or partner pages exclusively for the sake of cross-linking
- Large-scale article marketing or guest posting campaigns with keyword-rich anchor text links
- Using automated programs or services to create links to your site
So NEVER pay anyone for backlinks. This includes linking to their website in exchange for them linking to yours. Not okay!
Thanks for reading! Contact us with any additional questions you have about Search Engine Optimization and marketing.