Mini-Biz Buzz

Today’s topic is SEO (search engine optimization). I know very little about this subject, except for the fact that it is vital for your company website and blog. If you sell cupcakes, and want to be found when someone does a Google search for cupcakes, this is where SEO comes into play.

First, this is a good reason to have a blog even if you have a company website. You will update your blog more frequently than your website. And search engines like more content and frequently updated content. More information for search engines to index leads to more hits on your site. Plus you can link between your blog and website, and search engines love links.

There is an element of mystery surrounding how search engines order sites in search results. But there are some things that you can do to improve your search engine optimization (SEO).

Know the keywords for your site - Keywords are just words or phrases that people will use when searching for sites/products like yours. Make a list of about 15 words and phrases that naturally come to mind, and use them in place of more general terminology you may be using. Make sure you use these words and phrases in a way that sounds natural. The key words shouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Post Titles - The post titles supply important information to search engines. If you are writing a blog for personal use, and aren’t interested in showing up in related Google searches, you can be as creative and off-the-wall as you want. But for business purposes, use straightforward phrases that incorporate keywords for your business. The titles of my posts are, for the most part, a clear statement of what’s in the post. And if I’m writing about a movie, book, or another site, I include that in my post title.

Links – As I said before, search engines love links! Both incoming and outgoing links provide valuable information about your site for search engines. In your posts, your outgoing links should be attached to keywords in the text, for example "World’s Best Cupcakes" instead of "click here."

ALT - Within the HTML code for each image you use, there is something called "ALT." This determines the text that appears while the image loads or if the image is unavailable. It has two functions; it lets the reader know what's coming and tells a search engine what is in the image. I know HTML can be intimidating, but here’s an example:

You have uploaded a picture of your new Halloween cupcakes. Use ALT text like this: alt="Halloween cupcakes with pumpkin". This gives the search engine that much more information.

These are a few of the most basic basics. I highly suggest reading more about this. There are a ton of articles and blogs on the subject. And you can start with this post on Lucky Marketing Firm's site.  And when you can afford it, definitely hire a professional, at least to take a look at where you’re at and so they can give your sites an overhaul.