SEO (search engine optimisation) can seem like an daunting task, but the key is to remember that search engines use bots to index your content, so by organising and writing your site in a way that make sense to the bots, you’ll make it easier for them to find and index your pages.
Here’s 10 ways you can do just that…
1. Use structured site navigation
Group similar pages together under menus and try not to let pages get “orphaned” as it will be harder for bots to find them.
2. Create a sitemap
Another way to help bots find your pages is to add a site map – then they can follow the link to every page. You can also submit your sitemap directly to Google Search Console.
3. Use Search-friendly URLS
Try to write descriptive URLS that will help bots (and humans) understand what your page is about. So use something readable like yoursite.com/shop/fencing/overlap-panels rather than yoursite.com/jfldws0wj-sdkdfisnwk-sdkdnwj.
4. Include keywords naturally
Search engines are much cleverer than they used to be. You don’t need to stuff your content full of keywords in the hope it will rank well. Instead, use descriptive keywords naturally throughout your content.
5. Write descriptive title tags
Make the most of your title tag. Write a descriptive title that accurately describes what the page is about, and keep it under 60 characters long.
6. Write persuasive meta descriptions
The meta description is the short piece of text that appears under your title on search engine results pages. It isn’t used by search engines to determine what your page is about, so focus on making it persuasive, so people will be drawn to click to find out more. The maximum length that will be shown is 160 characters, although it is often less if a published date is shown.
7. Use header tags in your content
Use descriptive headers throughout your content and header tags to show their importance – H1 for the title, H2 for headings and H3 for subheadings.
8. Use descriptive names for images
Your images are yet another way for bots to understand what the page is about. At the moment, they can’t actually understand the image, so for this reason it’s important to give them names that make sense like wooden-fencing.jpg rather than IMG_3859.jpg, and also include descriptive alt text that adds extra information on what’s in the picture.
9. Make sure your site is as fast as possible
Google likes fast websites – you can see how fast yours is using their speed tester or by looking in your Google Analytics.
10. Be mobile friendly
There’s now more smart phone owners than desktop PC users, so more and more people are searching Google on their phones. If Google doesn’t consider your site to be “mobile-friendly“, it simply won’t show it in mobile searches.
