There are I think a number of SEO Tips that will always remain true despite algorithmic changes:
1) Content is King – Let’s face it if your website content does not
reflect in a relevant way what your business is there is really little
chance of it succeeding in terms of the search engines.
2) Localisation counts – It’s now widely know that the likes of
Google are putting greater focus on highly contextual and localised
results. So, as always if you want to target the UK – Host in the UK,
have a UK IP and to target local results be mindful about geographic
areas with your keyword research.
3) Domain Name Domination – If you really really want to rank for a
very generic phrase or indeed have any chance of reaching a good rank
then the domain name is often key. Make certain where at all possible
that the domain name contains the keyword(s) that you would like to rank
for.
4)Keyword Research – Many use tools like Word-tracker and Keyword
Discovery or Google itself to find those rich keywords that will bring
traffic to a website. Fine, but think more about Google Instant for
example. Whilst on the subject of website traffic, is it converting
traffic? THINK about what will convert.
5) Back-links- Yep, everyone wants those all-important back-links.
Some pay for them ( No really??) Let’s face it the value of someone who
is RELEVANT in your sector linking to you will always remain high
despite how the algorithmic changes.
6) Your website code counts – If the coding on your website isn’t up
to scratch then how do you honestly expect a search engine to interpret
it and then magically come up with the results you wanted to see in
search.
7)Social Media- There is no escaping the rise of Twitter etc. But be
aware, you NEED a strategy for social media to work for you and your
business. Think about what angle your tweets will be coming from, how
you may deal with customers who directly criticise your service online.
Social Media should now ALWAYS be incorporated into any serious online
marketing campaign.
8)Images- People are now much more visually focused when it comes to
the information they are presented with online. With the arrival of the
Ipad, smart phones and tablet devices we can expect that many will
consider a websites value by the way in which it looks. YES Google can
interpret images and read them, so make sure everything is labeled up
correctly.
9) I Have just mentioned mobile devices. Which of course are now ever
more prevalent in today’s society. Think about optimising your website
for mobile viewing. How does it look on an IPhone? Or a Blackberry?
10) Remember most importantly to enjoy the experience of optimising a
website. The growth in visitors will surely spur you on to keep going.
But there WILL be dull days, where you think all that work you put into
the website has been in vain. Don’t give up– press on!