If you are looking to take your business to new heights in 2016, where does search engine optimization fit into your plans?
Better known as SEO, this is an important driving vehicle when it comes to marketing your brand. If you’re using SEO practices, the drive is typically much smoother. For those companies not engaged in SEO, the ride can be a tad bit rougher.
While you’re likely putting the finishing touches on your work for 2015, don’t go into the New Year without understanding how SEO can be a relished superstar in your branding plans.
What’s on Your Branding Plate?
Look at your branding needs as putting together the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner. Is your plate going to be full or will it be semi-full at best?
In order to get the most out of SEO next year and hopefully years beyond that, consider the following:
- Keywords – One of the main components of a well-run SEO program is finding the right keywords to register on search engines, notably Google. Whether you’re doing the SEO work in-house or outsourcing it via seo agencies, make sure solid keyword strategies are never overlooked. Take the time to do regular market research of what words best work for your brand. If you’re in the business of selling furniture, keywords such as furniture, home furnishings, furniture for sale etc. are prime targets. Also be sure to keep records of how such terms perform on a monthly basis, adjusting the keywords as needed going forward;
- Content – Having the best keywords in the world will not do you a ton of good if your content is average at best. Search engines like Google won’t tolerate stale, irrelevant, spam-oriented content. Make sure you know who your brand’s audience is, allowing you to get the most viewers possible. Your content should also be reviewed for simple things like typos, questionable headlines, statements that may or may not be true, and size. In many cases, a shorter piece of content that has some solid meat to it is better to run than a drawn-out article that really serves no purpose when all is said and done;
- Socialize – Never underestimate the power of social networking, especially when it comes to promoting your brand. Sharing content with other reputable sites is a good way to get your brand in front of many more eyeballs. Keep in mind, however, that sharing means a 50-50 approach. If you’re expecting others to share your message, you need to do the same for them. Also make sure that you utilize social media regularly, not when you feel like it.
If an overall SEO strategy has been lacking in your business for some time now, make 2016 the year you no longer neglect it.