Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a process of ranking a Houston website high on organic search results of a search engine like Google for relevant search terms (keywords & phrases) entered by consumers. The search engines use a set of rules and check points in their algorithm to determine the ranking of websites. It’s noteworthy to understand how Google, leader in search engines, works in terms of the organic optimization and White Hat methods (other than the paid option).
Google is known to change their search algorithm constantly to improve the search experience of the online consumers. About 86% of the buyers in current generation use search engines to research products and services before making their purchasing decision. Hence, it’s vital that your business website is fully optimized for search engines so potential clients can find you quickly and easily before they can find your competition.
The changes in the Google’s algorithm emphasize on 6 main factors.
1. Content Freshness
Original content that has a time-stamp of 3 yrs, 3 months, 3 days, 3 hrs, 3 mins matter now. The latest the better. Hence, regular updates on the Blog help in getting the website re-indexed by the bots. Also, ongoing Social Media posts create fresh content for optimization if integrated to the Website.
2. Social Media
As businesses move into 21st century, social collaboration is important for businesses to create an active online relationship and engagement with their loyal and potential customers. Google personalizes search results based on consumers’ social interactions and sifts through feeds for latest content.
3. Onsite Optimization
Onsite optimization is a right mix of keywords, phrases, meta tags, headings, descriptions and html tags throughout the website content to create relevancy, easy crawling and better indexing.
4. External links
The more sites linking back on keywords (also called link backs or back links) to your site increase popularity and ranking. Hence, Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc and external sites help in link building increasing the Google placement and authority.
5. Local listings
About 70% of the searches are based on local content. Business listings created on local search engines, maps, and online directories create a good local search optimization strategy generating targeted local traffic. Additionally, customer reviews on Yelp, Google Places etc also effect the Optimization.
6. Mobile site
Sites optimized for smart phones get a percent boost in SEO. Plus, they also help in better user experience and conversions as more and more consumers use smart phones to search and browse for local businesses.
The search is so personalized that no two people see the same results for the same keyword. The results are based on their previous browsing history, search history and their social media interactions. It is important to understand these changes to apply them aptly to your search engine strategy so you are not wasting time, effort and money doing the wrong (Black Hat also known as Webspam) or ineffective work.
A well planned Search Engine Optimization creates bigger market exposure and website traffic. We all know that more website traffic means more sales and more profits.