Consumers want, nay need, your services. So, let’s make sure that when they come looking, you are already at their doorstep. When developing or revamping a website, there are a few things you can do to optimize your site for search engines. But before we begin, it is important to note that search engine optimization is not the most important part of your website. We often forget this, but nothing is better than good, quality content. Although you are optimizing your site for robots that creep through it with programmed algorithms, the main target of your site is still your fellow humans.
SEO Pitfalls to Avoid
First, let’s look at things you should avoid because they will prevent those robots from doing their jobs properly.
- Over-Optimization
Algorithms are always being updated to better suit the needs of those searching for different things. Therefore, shoving a bunch of keywords, tags, titles, bad links, and etc. looks robotic and isn’t very user-friendly. It’s the main reason why Google and others of their kind make sure to penalize websites that are not genuine. User-friendliness is the most attractive part of any website!
- Content
This may fit under over-optimization as well, but it needs to be emphasized. For example: “Los Angeles Web Design Company Apex Global Solutions SEO Company” has a bunch of keywords that may help predict what a consumer needs, but it does not feel real and is a nuisance to read. Not only will search engines avoid these kinds of wordings, but people will actively avoid reading further. A good example is: “Apex Global Solutions is a Los Angeles based graphic design company that specializes in web design and internet marketing” which sounds much better and still gives a good amount of keywords.
SEO Tips to Help Your Site Get Found 
- Keywords
Keywords should be everywhere and should combine words that best describe what services or content you have to offer your consumers. Predict what words people will type into their search bar and don’t feel like you must limit it to one keyword or key phrase per page. Although, ideally you don’t want to overwhelm your audience with a ton of random keywords but you should know your target words. Keywords should be:
- Short, simple phrases or words
- Within the URL (if possible)
- In the page title
- Inside the paragraph title
- Within the introduction
- In your paragraph’s content
- Inside captions for images
- Tags
Tags/ metadata can be hidden or shown to your audience. You must label everything- Images, graphics, titles, web pages, and web apps and should be concise descriptions. Meta-tags are looked at a lot less, but they can add valuable information to search engine spiders.
- Content
Not to sound repetitive, but quality content is extremely important. All of your content should be engaging, relevant, and useful. Otherwise, what would be the point of visiting your website?
Just as important as content is social media. Get out there and make yourself known. Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter are just some of the social networks that can help you get found. There are literally hundreds of networks that can be tailored from niche cultures to the masses.
- Accessibility
Finally, everyone who is on the Internet uses it differently. Whether people look at inverted colors or use speech- to- text to fill out forms, you should optimize your site so that their Accessibility Tools can access your goods. Also, mobile accessibility is a must as more and more people are using the Internet through their phones.
Conclusion
All of the things mentioned above will keep your site relevant. Unless you are advertising directly to consumers, it can be difficult for people to find your site. Therefore, search engines need this information to help you get found and give you quality consumers looking for your services. Follow these basic tips and you most certainly will succeed.
Additional SEO Tools
Google AdWords Keyword Planner
Webmaster Tools (Should be able to connect to Google Analytics)