Search Engine OptimizationWhat is SEO?

What Is SEO?

● SEO is an abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization

● Process of making a website discoverable through search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing

● Combination of optimizations on your website and on other websites (On Page vs. Off Page)

● On-going process to increase “organic” or “non-paid” traffic from search engines

Search Engine MarketingOn Page vs Off Page SEO

& Optimizing

What Is On Page SEO?

● Title tags

● Headings (H1, H2, etc.)

● URL Structure

● Image Alt Text

● Website loading speed

● Page Content

● Internal Linking

What Is Off Page SEO?

● Focus on increasing the “authority” and popularity of a website

● Links from other websites to your website (backlinks)

● Social media mentions, shares, retweets, re-pins, etc.

● Writing content made to be shared and linked to by influencers/website owners

How On Page and Off Page SEO Work Together

9 Steps To Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page)

● Step 1) Review page content, choose a focused keyword phrase for that page and one variation (Example: “locksmithing services” and “24/7 locksmith”)

● Step 2) Update your page/blog titles

-Be under 70 characters -The focus keyword should appear first -Each page title on your website should be unique -Except for your homepage/contact us page, don’t include your business name

Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.)

● Step 3) Update your page/blog meta descriptions

-Be under 150 characters -Incorporate the primary keyword and at least one secondary keyword -Provide a compelling reason for why someone should visit the page -Include keywords in a conversational format; don’t just cram in

keywords

● Step 4) Make sure your URL’s are easy to understand and use dashes, not underscores. (Example: “/my-blog-is-here”)

Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.)

● Step 5) Incorporate heading tags (H1) - The page should have one H1 heading tag that incorporates the focus keyword

● Step 6) Update page content, – include your focus and variation keyword throughout the content multiple times in a conversational manner; don’t cram!

Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.)

● Step 7) Include a call to action (Example: download “X”, join our newsletter, comment below, etc.)

Optimizing Your Website SEO (On Page) (Cont.)

● Step 8) Link to other pages/blogs – internal linking helps google determine which pages are most relevant

● Step 9) Add alt text to images (Example: “ThriveHive Logo”)

Search Engine MarketingKeyword Research

What are Keywords?

● Typically between 2 to 5 words to make a “Keyword Phrase”

● What potential customers type into search engines to find your business

● Example: “Boston corporate barbecue catering”

5 Steps To Research Keywords For SEO

● Step 1) Make a list of relevant topics, questions, and industry specific concerns that your customers might search for

● Step 2) Fill in keywords/phrases under those topics that you think a target prospect/customer might use to find that topic (Example: If the topic is “Locksmith Services”, the keyword phrases might be “Boston locksmiths”, “help unlocking my car”, “locks for a new home”, etc.”

● Step 3) Research and or think up related terms to the terms you wrote down in Step 2

5 Steps To Research Keywords For SEO (Cont.)

● Step 4) Go to https://spyfu.com, enter your website domain, mouse over SEO Research, and select “SEO Keywords” - type in each of your keyword phrases and take note of their ranking difficulty and search volume.

5 Steps To Research Keywords For SEO (Cont.)

● Step 5) Narrow down the list of keywords to about 5 – 15 focus keywords and phrases to be implemented on your website and into your blog posts/pages - Ideally choose keywords with high volume (80+) and low competition (< 60)

Search Engine MarketingBest Practices for Ranking

Locally

Best Practices for Ranking Locally

● Set up and optimize your directory listings (Google My Business, Bing Places, Yellow Pages, etc.) [See Video Series on Online Directories]

● Be consistent, use the same name, address, and website everywhere

● Try using local location keywords on the home page, throughout the website, and within title tags and meta descriptions

● Engage with local groups/websites to start building backlinks from local websites

Best Practices to Ranking Locally (Cont.)