It’s a new year, and with a new year comes new goals, new resolutions, and (hopefully!) new achievements. If you’re hoping to increase the number of sessions and unique visitors to your website in the new year, then you will definitely need a plan laid out in order to achieve that goal. Two years ago, this headline might’ve read “5 Tips to Improve Your Search Engine Rankings,” but now that consumers are looking for products, services, and information in several places in addition to the search engines, it’s important that you explore all of your options to expand your website’s visibility and not your rankings. We are going to provide you with some tips to help expand your website’s visibility in 2015.
Tip #1: Content Marketing Should Be Your Main Focus.
When it comes to visibility anywhere on the Internet, content is king. Not only will content greatly aid in your Search Engine Optimization efforts, but it can also be shared throughout social media and syndicated on other websites. Providing your audience with valuable content on your website can help you all across the board.
When writing content, make sure to keep your audience front and center. What are they interested in? What do they like to read? What headlines capture their attention? Also, keep in mind how your audience reads content online. Most users will scan the content for bolded headlines and bulleted lists, so make sure to use these tactics to break up the content for your audience.
Tip #2: Local Businesses Use Google Maps.
If you’re a local business with a brick-and-mortar location or a service area, you will definitely want to ensure that you’re listed (correctly) on Google Maps. This will mean creating a listing with Google Local, or if a listing already exists, claiming the existing listing. Google Maps results will often show up before organic search results on a page when certain services and products are searched locally.
Listing is not going to be enough to be found well in Google Maps. Make sure to optimize your profile by filling out all of the information correctly, adding photos, verifying your website and getting satisfied customers to leave reviews. These actions can help to ensure a better visibility within Google Search Results, as well as Google Maps search results.
Tip #3: Pay Attention To Your Analytics.
Data doesn’t lie. Using the proper Analytics tracking methods can help you determine which parts of your website are the most utilized by your audience, and which parts can be improved upon. Also, you can hone in on your digital marketing success through Event Tracking & Goals within Analytics. This data will provide you with endless value.
Having the data right there isn’t enough. You will have to know how to interpret it as well. Google provides free online resources to breakdown Analytics, and you can even become Analytics certified by taking a test. The resources are free, so what are you waiting for?
Tip #4: Install a Security Certificate.
Google’s Matt Cutts has actually come out and said that a security certificate can help to improve the rankings of your website (given you don’t have any penalties against you). A security certificate (adding the https:// to your website) can be an easy way to increase your visibility, but you will have to make sure that you troubleshoot any issues that should arise after you install the certificate. Create a new Webmaster Tools account, make sure there are redirects in place, and make sure any internal links are fixed before you go too far.
Google has endorsed making websites more secure for users, and that’s why they endorse adding security certificates to websites so heavily.
Tip #5: Make Sure Your Site is Responsive.
The first thing you can do to increase visibility is by making sure your site is visible in the first place. There are a variety of platforms and devices that users can use to experience your website, and you don’t want to make searching for information challenging. While people are still focusing on building out mobile-friendly websites, responsiveness will ensure that your website will be visible and navigable on any device or platform, making it simple for users to browse and find information.
Do you have some objectives or goals that you’d like to achieve in the new year? If so, share them with us in the comments section!
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