Top of Search: SEO Matters

By MSW -

Tips, Tricks & Lessons Learned for Google Success


Let's face it, we all want to be at the top of the list when someone searches for our products or services in Google. In fact, we need to be at the top of that list to be found. Most people don't scroll past page one of search results, and honestly might only look at the top 2 or 3 results. MSW Interactive Designs is here to help you learn ways to improve your search engine rankings and try to get your business to top of search!

What is SEO? 


SEO stands for search engine optimization, or in other words, it's everything you can do to rank better in Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. Google uses over 200 factors to determine which websites will rank first on its results pages. Unfortunately, no one really "knows" all of those factors or the impact of them. To make it even more difficult, Google is constantly changing its algorithm, by either adding or removing factors, or maybe just changing the weight of certain factors.

Google & Your Business


Our internet marketing company at the Lake of the Ozarks gets a lot of calls from people stating, "Google keeps calling me..." One thing you need to know is that Google will never call you. Why would Google call you? They have plenty of other things to worry about - I mean they are running the largest website in the world! Those phone calls are people trying to sell you services that you probably don't need, for more money than you should pay.

Being Top of Search
Source: SearchEngineWatch.com


According to Search Engine Watch, if you're not on page one of a google search, you're not going to be seen! Therefore, it's imperative that you take the steps to improve your search engine rankings.

1. Let's start at the search. Ask yourself these questions:
  • What do I want my business to rank "top of"? 
  • What do your prospective customers ACTUALLY type into Google? 
  • Does your website have those terms and info on it? 
TIP: Use Ctrl+F to find a word or phrase on a webpage.

2. The next step is to identify your target market:
  • Who is your audience? 
  • What are the internet habits of your intended audience? 
  • What do they really search for?
 TIP: Use Google Keyword Planner (you can do this without buying the Google Adwords).

3. Finally, you want to come up with a keyword strategy:
  • What phrases do your customers search for? 
    • Example: "kid-friendly restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks" 
  •  Be specific with your audience: Head Keyword, Middle, Long Tail 
  • Know Your Competition

Pay-Per-Click vs Organic Search


If you're ranking well organically, save your money for something else, like social media! However, if you're in a competitive market or if you have a brand new website that's not ranking organically yet, pay-per-click can make sense. In the long run, you're better served to spend money improving your website first, than you are spending money on pay-per-click advertising.

Local Search 


Your Google My Business Page, with your correct location, can be very beneficial when it comes to search. Many people will search for location-based keywords and look at the Google Map search results. Being located in the local listings area of Google search means people can easily click on your business and get directions right to your location. Another great thing about these listings is that people can read reviews. Be sure to ask your best customers to do a review on Google Maps for you. In addition, get listed in other local directories and ensure that your listings are consistent. Keeping a local focus will help you compete with the big brands!

Mobile Search


In 2015, mobile generated MORE web traffic than laptops and desktops. A mobile-friendly website was a must yesterday! Therefore, it's important to have a "phone-first" approach to both content and user experience. Use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test; it's the ONLY mobile test to trust and the only one that matters.

When it comes to your SEO, you can count on MSW Interactive Designs. In addition to our website design and social media services, we also offer an SEO package for those of you with existing websites. However, if you're in need of a brand new website, our website design company at the Lake of the Ozarks has you covered! We build custom websites that rank well in Google for the search terms you want your potential clients to find you. Give us a call at 877-284-0267 for more information on our Lake of the Ozarks internet marketing services today!

MSW Interactive Designs ~ We Put the Web to Work for You! 




www.MSWInteractiveDesigns.com
Phone: 877-211-5492
Info@MSWInteractiveDesigns.com

Location: Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA

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