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Getting a good Google ranking is the holy grail for most business owners. However, competition is fierce and it’s not always easy to achieve. That’s why having a robust search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy in place is essential. 
In this article, we’ll talk through some of the activities you should consider if ranking highly on Google is important to you. 

1. Revisit your website 

Assuming you already have a website, your first task is to take a step back and assess how well it’s performing.  
 
This is really important as your website sits at the centre of all your SEO and digital marketing activities. It’s critical that it’s correctly optimised to give you the best possible Google ranking. 
 
Questions to ask include: 
Is there enough content on the site (ideally, at least 300 words per page)? 
Are the right keywords being used (and used sensibly) in front-end content? 
Is the metadata in the back-end of the site keyword-rich? 
For local businesses, are geographical keywords present and is there a navigable map on the contact page? 
Does the site include visual and/or interactive features such as images, infographics, videos and podcasts? If so, are these optimised with relevant alt text where applicable? 
Is new content being added regularly, including blog articles? 
How easy is it to find what you’re looking for using the menu and/or site map? Is there a search button? 
Is there appropriate use of internal and external links throughout the site? 
Will the site display correctly on smart phones and tablets? 
How quickly do the pages load? 
 
Answering these questions honestly will help you work out what needs to change to improve your Google rankings. 
 

2. Get your social media into shape 

Posting regularly on the right social media platforms can do wonders for your search engine rankings. However, as with all things online, there’s a right and a wrong way to go about it. 
 
Here are our top tips for SEO success: 
Choose the right platforms. Do your target audience hang out on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram? If you’re not sure, find out. 
Create unique content for each platform. Using tools like Hootsuite to replicate content across channels saves time, but it’s an SEO no-no. Plus, each platform has a different audience. You need to tailor your approach accordingly. 
Make sure your content is relevant and interesting. This makes it more likely that people will engage with your posts – and likes, shares, and comments are great for SEO. 
Use hashtags to help people find your posts and include keywords. 
Post interactive content to add interest, such as images, infographics, and videos. 
When people ask you questions or interact with you, respond promptly. 
Always link to relevant pages of your website where appropriate. 
 

3. Write regular blogs and guest blogs 

High quality content is still one of the biggest SEO ranking factors. So, as well as keeping your main website content up to date, write regular blog articles about interesting developments in your industry or to promote special offers with genuine benefits. 
 
It’s OK to talk about your products and services in general terms, but don’t make the content too sales-oriented. E.g. you could write about a new product launch as this is ‘news’ rather than just information about what you do. Your blogs will rank more highly if Google sees them as useful and relevant. Focusing on helpful content has the added benefit of establishing you as an authority in your field. 
 
Reciprocal guest blogging can work well for SEO. Take care to partner with sites that have a natural affinity with your business (not the competition!), as backlinks need to be relevant if they’re to positively affect your rankings. An example is a clothing retailer guest blogging on a fashion design site and vice versa, especially if the companies do business together. 
 

4. Register with online business directories 

This is key for businesses that rely on local trade. An up to date Google My Business profile is a ‘must’ and you can also research local directories in your area.  
 
National directories such as Yell.com and industry-specific directories like Check-a-Trade are worth registering with, too. Include keywords and images when entering your information and add as much detail as you can about your business, products and services. Keep all your profiles up to date. 
 

5. Consider online advertising 

If you have the budget, a Pay Per Click campaign will help you get noticed on Google. Other options to look at include display advertising, banner advertising, remarketing, and social media advertising (sponsored posts).  
 
To identify what works for your business type, research what your competitors are doing. Any adverts you create will need to be optimised with the right keywords and tags, so you may need to research these first. 
 

6. Use analytics to track performance 

If you don’t use Google Analytics, sign up now. You’ll gain access to invaluable information about your website, including where visitors found you, which pages are most popular and how much time they spend on your site.  
 
You’ll also be able to see which keywords are working best for you, both organic and paid-for. All this information can be used to refine your SEO activities and help improve your rankings. 
 

Need an optimised website? Give itseeze Web Design Twickenham a call! 

As the hub of your SEO strategy, a fully optimised website is the place to start if you want to boost your Google presence.  
 
Our expert team will be pleased to discuss your requirements and explain how our affordable web design services can help. Call us today on 01784 456 833 or 07961 123 799, or contact us to request a call back. 
 
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