10 Ways SEO for A New Website Can Increase Your Google Ranking
SEO for a new website is necessary for readers to discover it.
And how exactly do new content marketers do that?
Well, it helps to know a little about how SEO works first.
SEO (search engine optimization) is the art of increasing a website’s search engine ranking.
How will the website be found? How will folks discover it on social media? SEO accomplishes these common dilemmas in online marketing.
Unfortunately, SEO for a new website is often misunderstood.
Many new website owners will stuff keywords all over the place. It’s in their website title, H1 tags, blog posts, out-bound links, etc. Search engines could suspect spam and web traffic will suffer.
Others will beg larger websites for back links to their site…but the linking site has poor-quality content. If external and internal links on a site are filled with links to low reputable sites, SEO for a new website will fail.
Luckily, there are ways to ensure SEO for a new website will generate organic growth from search engines.
Create Content With The Right Keywords
It’s easy to get caught up in keyword competition.
But it should go without saying that using keywords that are appropriate for the content on a website is SEO for a new website 101.
If the site is about gambling but uses keywords targeting video games but the content does not reflect both topics, how confused will search engines be?
Very! And the website’s search ranking will suffer as well.
Create Scannable Content
Remember those long, dry blocks of content in history books in high school?
Yeah…don’t do that with website content.
Most online readers are trying to extract information quickly. So, creating scannable content will help SEO for a new website tremendously.
And there are several easy to accomplish this:
Use short sentences.
Readers scan content just like a search engine, so short phases are optimal for using SEO for a new website.
Use short paragraphs.
There will be times when a content marketer provides more details in content. It’s good practice to keep paragraphs to 3 -4 sentences so readers can read them quickly.
Use bulleted or numbered lists.
Lists are quick reads and make for excellent placement for anchor texts and targeted keywords.
Infographics.
Infographics are a great way to convey information to a reader in an attractive way while incorporating keyword tags in pictures and graphics metadata for SEO for a new website.
Use Bold, Italicize, and White Space.
Who would have known that CTRL+B could make a difference in making content scannable! Bolding, italicizing, and white space helps call out important information that content marketers want readers to capture.
Link To Relevant Sites With The Right Keywords
Until a website gets a little more search engine clout, there will always be a website with a greater reputation.
But don’t be so quick to look at competitors as enemies.
Linking to other optimized content helps search engines determine how relevant websites are. Thus, increasing the linking website’s search ranking.
Get Links From Relevant Sites With The Right Keywords
SEO for a new website works in reverse when a content marketer is so fortunate to receive a back link from more reputable sources.
And for the same reason listed above: it helps Google and Bing push a website’s search rank to the top.
Pay Attention to Web Analytics
A website’s analytics will help determine invaluable data to drive web traffic.
When using SEO for a new website, web analytics can show metrics like:
- Which keywords are generating the most search engine traffic
- Which webpages get the most traffic
- Where back links are coming from
- How many likes/shares a website’s posts received
- How a website compares to competitors
Use Long-Tail Keywords
Most content marketers go for top performing keywords when using SEO for a new website.
But optimizing unique long-tail keywords helps search engines determine if a website is relevant for that specific search term far quicker than short-tail keywords.
It’s smart SEO for a new website trying to build a reputation.
Stop Neglecting Metadata
Search engines scan all content.
This includes a webpage’s metadata.
Content, headlines, pictures, videos. They all can hold metadata and a smart content marketer will ensure specific keyword tags are embedded here.
Follow The Right Social Media Influencers
Take note of the topics being discussed by influencers. Do they use long-form blog posts? What do their landing pages look like? What products do they sell?
A new website can easily build a mighty content strategy just following what top influencers do.
Use those keywords in tweets, Facebook ads and posts, guest blogs routinely and search engines will take notice.
Is The Site Responsive?
Statistics say people get 70-80% of their information from cell phones.
When they visit a new website, content should load easily, pages should load quickly, videos should play with one click, and information should not be cut off because of the smaller screen ratio.
SEO for a new website should include a responsive theme.
Don’t Forget to Spell Check Content!
Misuse of language semantics, misspelled words, keyword stuffing, and just bad content formatting is a fast way for search engines to determine if a website is spam.
Always spell and grammar check content when using SEO for a new website trying to build a reputation with Google.
SEO for a new website takes work. A new site will not rank high on any search engine overnight.
Fortunately, it’s simple to make SEO work for any website, new or old.
Taking advantage of these tips on a routine basis will eventually make Google and Bing thank a new website with an increase in search ranking in no time.
10 Questions To Ask A Web Developer Before Hiring
Like most professionals, web developers benefit from one major advantage over their clients. That is, web developers understand their craft much better than you ever will. Therefor, finding a web developer you would trust with your business life is critical.
Yet, most of us don’t know have best friends that are also fluent in code. Just like when we hand over our keys to the local mechanic, when we hire a web developer we’re mostly hoping they’re moral compass is in tune. All this leads us to the big question, How can you be sure your next web developer is trustworthy, or even competent?
In this article, we’ll give you the right questions to ask your next web developer. These questions are designed to explore the competency and the trustworthiness of your prospective vendor. Don’t worry if you can’t grade every answer. We’ll let you know what to look for. Enjoy!
#1 Google’s Index Is {Fill In The Blank} First?
A great test question. The correct answer to this question is ‘mobile.’ Why is this so critical? Your web developer may or may not offer marketing services. Regardless, they should understand the importance of responsive (mobile adapting) programming. Google weighs mobile traffic heavier than desktop. If your developer knows that, than they know to prioritize your mobile design and development.
#2 How Can You Justify Your Cost Against Inexpensive Platforms Such As Squarespace?
Squarespace, WIx and even most hosting companies provide some sort of easy to use website builder. Not only are these services becoming more popular, but they’re also getting better and more inexpensive. The documentation on these services is extensive, and the DIY types can really make a quality product with a little elbow grease. The truth is, a pretty face on your new website just won’t cut it anymore.
Your prospective web developer shouldn’t evade this question, but instead embrace it. The truth is, yes there are very inexpensive options available. They’re not magic and there is a learning curve to these systems, but you can save a few dollars.
So, how can they possibly justify their cost? The answer is the return. Hopefully, your prospective developer is speaking to the potential return with a website designed to convert more leads and produce additional revenue. As well as provide a product that’s easier for you to self manage and save you money down the road on expensive issues that arise from DIY projects. In short, the cost is justified by providing a product that generates more in the long run.
#3 What CMS Do You Recommend & Why?
Every web development agency has their own preference, but there are some CMS options that are red flags. As well, this question is important because your developer should be willing to educate you on what they choose and why. Just the same, your web developer should be able to tell you what they will not recommend and why not.
The red flags are simple. First flag is having no preference. No preference means they don’t have enough experience to commit to a solid recommendation for their clients. Second red flag is a custom CMS. Custom CMS builders are usually traps. Custom CMS typically require lots of future maintenance. Seeing as they’re custom and only understood by the original developer, you’re locked into their expensive rates to repair issues they failed to fix pre launch. If your prospective web developer is bragging about their custom CMS, turn and run.
#4 When You Rebuild My Website, How Are You Going To Maintain Or Improve The Site Architecture?
Another great test of future performance. Again, not all web development agencies focus on marketing, but they should have an understanding of what might negatively impact you in the future.
The correct answer to this question is something similar to the following. First, we’ll crawl your existing website and download your existing architecture. We’ll then fit your URL structure into our wireframe. Any pages that are eliminated, or recommendations that are accepted and implemented, will then be accounted for by a 301 redirect strategy.
What does all of this mean? This means that your new website won’t shoot out redflags, or missing pages, to Google after launch. If your new website is launched and a bunch of pre existing pages have been removed, Google will flag your website with one error for every missing page. Then you will most likely be punished with lower rankings in the popular search engine.
#5 In Detail, Explain To Me How My New Website Will Comply With The GDPR
Another competency test, this question will reveal how familiar with recent events and best practices your prospective web development agency is. The GDPR is not yet established in the US, but user privacy is a major concern these days and we would still recommend GDPR compliance. It shows users that you’re serious about their privacy and the experience they have on your website.
Be sure your web development agency has user experience in mind, including the protection and encryption of any data released on your website. They should look for opportunities to display the efforts taken for GDPR compliance, as this will signal trust to your users.
#6 Besides A Fresh Design, How Do You Plan To Upgrade My Web Presence?
This is one of, if not the most important question your prospective agency will answer. Similar to question two, this is a chance for the web development agency to sell themselves. The truth is, web development is easier than it’s ever been. So easy in fact, you could probably take on this project yourself if you had the time.
In this segment, let your guard down and let the agency try to sell you. At this point, if they’ve earned your trust, now they can get you excited about how they’re going to really set you apart. Whatever you’re being pitched, when it’s all said and done, the next level of service they’re going to offer needs to impact the bottom line someway. If they’ve barely scratched the surface of strategy, and really stayed at design and development, than this agency is not for you.
#7 If I Audited Your Most Recent Launch, What Mistakes Would I Find?
Just like a job interview, you want to give your next web dev agency a chance to self evaluate. The purpose of this question isn’t to be hard on anybody, but to make sure any prospective vendor is always looking to get better and improve process.
Most projects hit a road bump or two. Even if they don’t, there’s almost always budget restraints that stop any good web dev agency from finishing their “wish list.” This question should reveal a bit into the agencies innovative ambitions.
#8 Post Launch, What Services & Warranties Do You Offer?
Don’t sign a new contract without a warranty. At least 30 days should be awarded for a faulty product. If your website is launched then gets hacked, or breaks on an update, your web development agency should be held accountable for their product.
Most CMS take maintenance, at least quarterly. Make sure your agency offers some sort of affordable program for ongoing maintenance. Just like a car, preventative maintenance makes for a long lasting vehicle that won’t break down on its way to your destination.
#9 Do You Use Custom Or Pre Built Frameworks & Themes?
There’s nothing wrong with custom frameworks or custom themes, in fact many time they’re preferred. There’s also nothing wrong with pre built options. Just make sure your agency is transparent about what they’re using. Custom options take longer and cost more. What you do not want is to be charged custom prices for prebuilt themes. Prebuilt themes and frameworks provide a giant head start to the leg work of a new website project.
#10 One Year After Launch, How Should I Measure The Success Of My Website?
Finally, the juicy stuff. This question should provide a look into the value your new web dev agency is providing. A year from now, what will have improved for my company with your new website? Without an in depth answer to this question, why would you be hiring anyone at all.
Like we said, the bottom line here is revenue. You want more than a facelift on your digital brand. How will a new website increase web traffic, leads or even sales?
Hopefully, your prospective web dev agency answers somewhat like this.
In a year from now, assuming all else has stayed the same, we believe the analytics will reflect a better user experience. Your users will show a higher time on page, a better conversion rate and far less bounces.
In Conclusion
Hiring a new web development agency can be intimidating. Heading into the sales process, you’re at a major disadvantage without the same level of knowledge as your vendor. Follow this guide and don’t be shy about asking web development agencies the tough questions.
Ecommerce Website Design: Convert, Convert, Convert
There ain’t no party like an ecommerce website development party! Unless of course, that website isn’t converting. Ecommerce is a booming industry right now, but 95% of online retailers are not doing it right. The first of many flaws holding back small business owners, the conversion rate optimization of their websites.
So the question remains, how do you build an ecommerce website optimized to convert? The answer is multiple conversion options on multiple funnels. Shoppers these days visit a site from email, social media, paid search, display ads and regular ol’ organic search before they make a purchase.
Your new or existing ecommerce website needs a conversion strategy for every channel. The messages should align, but provide a variety for each user at each stage of their buyers journey. Here are three ideas for the design and strategy of your digital storefront.
Awareness Stage: The Value of Visiting Your Website
In the awareness stage, prospects are not searching for your product. They’re not in Google typing in terms like “black friday electronics near me.” These buyers are people we are reaching out to via programmatic display or social media.
For that reason, your landing page should offer a value similar to the user’s ask. Meaning, they didn’t ask you for pricing, or popular products. They came to your website at your request, so thank them with one of the follow:
- A percentage discount off their first order.
- Downloadable content that solves a pain point.
- A new article that outlines getting the most out of the product after purchase.
What do these things accomplish? First, this users first interaction with your brand is now a positive one. Second, you given your loyalty to your prospect before they’ve given anything to you. Third, you’ve now earned a chance to capture the user’s email address and nurture them into a lifelong customer.
Consideration Stage: The Value of Your Brand
In the consideration stage, users are considering your products vs other types of products. For example, if you sell trampolines your prospects may be considering your stock, water slides, batting cages or any other kind of backyard entertainment. In this stage, it’s important your website speaks to the benefits of trampolines versus the other alternatives.
How can your ecommerce website accommodate these users? Here’s a list of ideas below.
- Side by side comparison of your product versus theirs. Create a visual that easily displays the value of your product.
- Is your product digital? Offer a test trial and let users experience first hand the quality you offer.
- Create a video archive page. Let users view the product in use before making a final decision.
The reason for these ideas is the intent of the buyers. Buyers in the consideration stage know they have a problem that needs solving, but are considering different solutions. Many times, you can find these users via organic and paid search because they are researching their product options. These article provide answers to their many questions.
Decision Stage: Why Your Ecommerce Website is The Only Option
In the decision stage, buyers know they have an issue, know which route they’re going and are now deciding on a provider. The decision stage is covered by every channel, because you can retarget via search, social or display. When users search for terms like “best prices on laptops,” they’re showing the intent to purchase. Now is when your website needs to be optimized to convert.
Here are some strategies for your ecommerce website to convert these prospects:
- Product page optimization. This seems like an obvious one, but so many ecommerce websites have done it all wrong. Most products page fail to send trust signals and offer too many unnecessary distractions.
- Exit intent. You might have got their attention and even provided the best price, but this user is a little jumpy. Make sure you offer additional value before they can leave the page with an exit intent popup.
- Account automation. Don’t settle for one purchase. Let your website store user information and establish account pages. This way buyers can make repeat purchases with ease and you can email them when it’s time to buy again.
Remember, ecommerce website design is no easy task. In fact, even the perfectly designed platform will need continuous optimization. Whether you’re looking for a new build, or looking to optimize for more purchases, we hope this article helps you to enhance your ecommerce website’s conversion strategy.
Your New Website Project: Questions To Ask Web Developers
Web developers are easy to find these days. On every street corner there’s bound to a serviceable web professional. Unfortunately, the over saturated digital industry makes it hard to find the cream of the crop.
You may be in the market for a new website. Perhaps you are looking to learn more about your existing platform. Whatever the case may be, we hope this article can give you a starting point to auditing the work of your web developer.
#1. Are Their Web Development Projects Being Farmed Out?
No matter what’s being promised up front, be diligent and ask a lot of questions. Perhaps the most important question to find an answer to is this, “Who is really programming my website?” Web developers are expensive and it’s fairly common for agencies to farm out a lot of their work.
In some cases, that may not be a problem. Yet, in many other cases you need an project manager on hand who is in communication with an in house team. Your project manager should know you, your business and your website goals inside and out. If they’re dealing with location, language or other communication barriers because their developer is not in house, then your project may not come together how it should.
#2. Hiring Your Own Programming Contractor
Before you buy a used car what’s the first thing you’re going to do? Take it to a mechanic so that they can find problems that your untrained eye cannot.
Websites are very mechanical, and each cog should spin in unison with the next. Hiring your own web developer to check under the hood can reveal issues that will cost you down the road.
#3. Is Your New Website Custom?
You may have been sold on a WordPress website that included a design process, custom theme and added security features. That’s great, but there are some things to be aware of.
For example:
- Is the theme or custom plugin warrantied? If not, how can you guarantee they will comply with the latest WordPresss updates.
- What inspired the design? Can I see your portfolio? Is this design different from your other projects, or are you ‘plugging and popping’ each website?
- Who is your security vendor? Is this a cost your adding on from Wordfence or Securi that I can simply add on myself?
Be sure to dig deep into your next website project before you sign on the dotted line. With a very competitive digital industry, it’s not uncommon for some agencies to push quantity over quality. Be sure to ask the right questions up front and weed out the developers who don’t take your brand as serious as you do!
Need some design inspiration? The hyper creative team over at Design Contest put together this amazing infographic for web design best practices in 2018. Check it out.
Source: https://www.designcontest.com/blog/8-web-design-trends-for-2018-infographic/
