The basic principles of SEO and how it helps online businesses to rise in the rankings
In today's digital climate, the online landscape has become a bustling marketplace where businesses vie for attention.
Simply copying what your competitors are doing may seem a good way of keeping on top of search engine rankings but is also a sure-fire way of constantly remaining on the back foot.
By understanding the principles behind SEO, you can not only manage your company’s website more efficiently, but you can also analyse the tactics you employ and be proactive to outrank the competition to ensure that your business is an SEO winner.
What are the basic principles of SEO?
Keywords
The foundation of SEO lies in keyword research. Without it, your audience and Google won’t know why your site is worth visiting. At the end of the day, Google only cares if your site answers user queries. If you can’t answer that query better than your competitor, then enjoy never reaching page one.
On-Page Optimisation
On-page optimisation involves fine-tuning the elements within your web pages to make them more search engine-friendly. Optimising titles, meta descriptions, headings, URL structures, image alt tags, and ensuring appropriate keyword usage and density can significantly impact your website's visibility in search engine rankings.
Quality Content
Crafting informative and engaging content is essential for success, according to Manchester-based SEO agency Dark Horse.
Search engines prioritise content that provides value to users, which is often referred to as the E.E.A.T acronym, that stands for ‘Experience, Expertise, Authoritative and Trustworthiness’.
By regularly updating your website with new and relevant content, you increase the likelihood of higher rankings and improved organic traffic.
Link Building
Building a strong backlink profile is crucial for establishing a website's credibility and authority.
Acquiring high-quality backlinks, by implementing digital PR and link building campaigns, will engage reputable journalists at news publications, and high domain websites enhance your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.
Collaborating with other businesses or industry influencers can also provide targeted and relevant backlinks to strengthen your local SEO efforts, meaning that you will get to reach more customers online in your target area.
User Experience
Search engines consider user experience as a key ranking factor. Optimising your website for speed, mobile-friendliness, intuitive navigation and easy accessibility enhances the overall user experience. A positive user experience not only boosts your SEO efforts but also increases the likelihood of conversions and customer retention.
Five Key Impacts of SEO on Online Businesses
There’s many positives that effective SEO will have on your online website. Here’s our top five benefits for your business:
1. Increased Organic Traffic
Implementing effective SEO strategies results in higher search engine rankings, leading to increased visibility and organic traffic. By appearing on the first page of search engine results, you can attract potential customers who are actively searching for products or services related to your business.
2. Brand Visibility and Authority
Featuring higher in SERP’s will help to establish your brand's digital presence, making it more visible and recognisable. Higher rankings and quality content build credibility and trust amongst users, positioning your business as an authority in your industry.
3. Cost-Effective Marketing
It’s a cost-effective marketing strategy when compared to paid advertising. While it requires time and effort, the long-term benefits can be substantial. Once you achieve higher rankings, organic traffic comes freely, providing ongoing value for your business.
4. Higher Conversion Rates
SEO focuses on attracting relevant traffic that aligns with your target audience. By optimising your website for targeted keywords and providing valuable content, you increase the likelihood of converting visitors into customers. This leads to higher conversion rates and improved business outcomes.
5. Competitive Advantage
In a highly competitive online market, SEO can give your business a competitive edge. Establishing a strong market position by outranking your competitors in search engine results will grant you a larger share of traffic coming to your website.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level in the search rankings and outrank your competitors?
