When a new client hires me to create their keyword strategy to help them get more Google visibility and increase their CTR (click-through rate), I have them fill out a questionnaire first so I can learn more about them, their business, their goals, what they want to achieve, and other things.
At the end of that questionnaire, I ask them to read the following statement and tick it off as 'read/understood':
"Just a heads up - nobody on the planet can guarantee to get your website on page 1 of Google, and I am absolutely not saying that by doing a keyword strategy I WILL be able to achieve these results.
However, this service will put your website in the best shape possible to *hopefully* be rewarded by Google with higher rankings, higher Google conversions & more visibility.
Again, not even the top SEO expert in the world can/will/should guarantee you a page 1 Google ranking."
The reason I include this statement and have them acknowledge it, is because the truth is that having the right keywords and optimising your website is not enough; it's just the first step.
SEO is a dynamic and multifaceted practice that involves various strategies to improve your website's visibility.
Today we're exploring why merely adding keywords and optimizing your website is not sufficient and we'll delve into what you can do to drive website traffic once these foundational elements are in place.
1. 📝 High-quality content is not optional
Keywords are the building blocks of SEO, but content is the foundation on which your SEO strategy stands. Google's algorithms prioritize high-quality, relevant content that provides value to users. While your website may rank initially for certain keywords, if the content doesn't meet users' needs, your rankings can drop over time.
2. 🔗 Backlinks and Off-Page SEO
High-quality backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites. They tell search engines that your site is authoritative and relevant. Off-page SEO is the practice of building and earning these backlinks from reputable sources.
Strategies for improving off-page SEO include:
Guest posting on authoritative websites in your niche.
Earning mentions in relevant forums and social media.
Collaborating with influencers and experts in your industry.
Monitoring and disavowing toxic backlinks that might harm your rankings.
3. 📱Technical SEO
Beyond keyword optimization, technical SEO is another critical aspect that impacts your website's ranking. This involves optimizing your website's structure, performance, and ensuring it's search engine-friendly.
Important technical SEO factors include:
Mobile-friendliness and responsive design.
Fast loading times.
Secure website (HTTPS).
Properly structured URLs and sitemaps.
Optimized meta tags and headers.
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BONUS TIP: Did you know that when Google crawls your website to gather information about it, it crawls your mobile website before your desktop version?
This is why you MUST make sure your mobile website is formatted correctly, fully optimised, and easy to use because you want to give Google a good first impression and not get penalised for a poor mobile site UX!
Speaking of UX...
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4. 💻 User Experience (UX) Matters
Google also takes user experience into account when determining rankings. Websites that are easy to navigate, provide a seamless experience across devices, and load quickly tend to rank higher.
To enhance UX:
Use a clean and intuitive website layout.
Optimise images and videos for faster loading.
Implement user-friendly navigation menus.
Ensure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
5. 👍🏼 📈Social Media and Content Promotion
Social signals, such as shares, likes, and comments on social media platforms, can indirectly impact your SEO. A strong social media presence can lead to increased traffic, which can, in turn, improve your website's SEO.
6. 📈 Monitor and Adapt
SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. It requires constant monitoring and adaptation.
Regularly check your website's performance, analyze the effectiveness of your keywords, and make adjustments as needed. Keep an eye on your competitors and industry trends to stay ahead in the SEO game.
How can you do this?
I've made it really easy for you! Check out my Desktop SEO & Content Planner + Guide which tells you exactly where to find your website data and what to do with them, and then helps you to brainstorm content based on what your data is telling you.
This will cut down any guessing games you're playing, and remove doubt and confusion on what you should and shouldn't be using your limited time and energy on when it comes to promoting your website and improving your SEO.
There is an A3 and A4 version, or get the bundle that includes The Ultimate Website Checklist for Service-Based Businesses
To sum it up, while adding keywords and optimizing your website is a crucial first step in improving your SEO, it's just the tip of the iceberg.
Achieving long-term success in search engine rankings requires a holistic approach that includes high-quality content, off-page SEO, technical optimization, user experience, and strategic content promotion.
By focusing on these aspects and staying adaptable, you can drive substantial website traffic and establish a solid online presence that will continue to thrive in the ever-evolving world of SEO.