Get a head start with your SEO with this quick-start guide.
While your SEO strategy should be something that is always evolving to adapt to changes in search algorithms, there are some things that always take precedence over others. Looking at the year ahead, here are the most vital components.
On-Page Focus
At the very top of your priorities should be on-page SEO. Removing duplicate content, which can be difficult for Google to index, and making sure your website is easy to navigate are among the first things that you should do.
Something that is relatively new in terms of importance is responsive web design, which can be discussed with an agency such as Cardiff web design agency ambercouch.co.uk. With more people than ever accessing mobile devices, compatibility is essential.
Set Up Behind the Scenes and Get Writing
Once you’ve worked on the appearance of your site with your Cardiff web designer, your website should be linked with both Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools. Webmaster Tools will also allow you to check that your page is being indexed – also a next-level priority. Once you’ve done this, focus on your content. The importance of good-quality content cannot be overstated, and because of recent algorithm updates it is more important than ever to make sure that your website performs well.
Keyword research plays an important part in using these tools. By understanding what people are looking for, you can start to piece together an approach that will keep you competitive.
Get Talking
Engage with both your audience and industry influencers. By creating audience profiles, you will be better positioned to create content that speaks to them and ensures a good performance on social media, which also impacts your visibility in searches.
At this point, you should also ensure that your website’s title tags are relevant – you’re creating relationships online, so you want to make sure that the workings behind the scenes maximise your visibility.
Rifle Through the Toolkit
Once you have all of these things covered, you can expand on what you have by selecting the best tools to manage your SEO. There are many different tools for monitoring performance, and by understanding the basics, you’re in a better position to decide what works best for you.