You have put in a lot of efforts to create the web site, using exquisite design, high-quality content and attractive images, yet there is so less traffic on your web site?
Ever thought of trying search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques to increase the traffic?
Search Engine Optimisation is a marketing strategy process which helps the web site gain visibility on major search engines, such as Google, Bing and Yahoo, through organic search results. SEO is as important as web designing and requires skills and strategies to help the web site appear in the top 10 search results, increasing the ROI opportunities for the company.
SEO technique comprises of two processes: On-page and off-page search optimisation. These two processes decide how the web site will be ranked on the search engines. On-page search optimisation is the process in which keywords are identified and placed across the pages in a strategic manner. It considers elements such as page title, meta tags, page headings, image names, load speed, bounce rate, etc. In off-page search optimisation, link building of inbound links to the domain from other web sites is conducted.
Steps in Search Engine Optimisation: A well-formed, verified and scrutinised strategy for SEO is the key to success for the web site. There are several steps to be taken under on-page and off-page search optimisation in order to achieve the desired results. These are:
Step 1: Keyword Research- The first and the most important step in SEO is to test and identify some key phrases for the whole site and some for a single page. They should be indicative of the content and should be placed strategically across the page. The number of keywords for the site and pages will depend on the size of the sites. It is important to optimize every single page to the full extent through right keywords.
Step 2: Web site Design and Development- The design and structure of the web site is crucial. The idea is to make the site search engine-friendly and make it look appealing to the target audience. Tags and titles must be indicative and well-structured.
Step 3: Know Your Competition- It is important to know how your competitors are faring in terms of page ranking and web traffic. It helps in determining the cost and resources for your SEO efforts.
Step 4: Inbound Links and Link Building- You can use cost-effective ways of submitting your new web site to search engines using inbound links. The pages have to be connected to each other through inbound links and internal site linking because disconnected pages cannot be found easily.
Step 5: Sitemaps- A well-structured sitemap can help search engines to index all your pages and you can improve your site’s ranking with good anchor text for your navigation links.
Benefits of SEO: By now you must have realised that SEO is an integral part of Internet marketing. Yet some of the points mentioned below will help you in deciding why you should invest in search engine optimisation.
- Long Term Positioning- SEO helps on web site get a position on the Internet that stays long term in the rankings.
Increased Return on Investment (ROI) - Investment in SEO is a wise option to gain high ROI.
Increased Web Traffic- It helps your web site to draw large number of visitors that can be converted into potential customers. This will ensure higher sales!
Minimum capital investment- It is the best marketing strategy in a cost-effective manner.
Navigability- SEO enables link building that makes the navigation to the web site through various search engines easy.
Investing in Internet marketing tools, such as SEO and PPC advertising, will ensure that your web site does not go unnoticed. Higher number of visitors to the web site will further ensure that you get new customers and your customer base is expanded.
Search Engine Optimisation involves increasing the quality, as well as the volume of traffic on a specific website. Google Adwords, Pay Per Click (PPC), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), and Social Media Optimisation (SMO), you have an Internet marketing plan that works in the age of digital marketing.
