Web Optimization

Hey Everyone!
Yesterday I attended a lunch and learn on how to make your website appear first in line, when searched for. I often get this question from clients: "How do I get to the top of the Google list?" The answer was reiterated to me, yesterday.

Simply the five steps (and you can read more about them at: http://www.bluetraffic.com/local-marketing/5-steps-improve-online-visibility):

1. Start by learning how your potential customers are searching for you.
I often am asked how to come up with the best keywords? Bluetraffic.com has a great tidbit on this, but also I honestly sit at my google screen and say to myself, "if I were hunting for a local dress maker, what words would I use to google search them?" Then I do just that and see what comes up. That way I can decide if that's the location I want my website to come up in.

2. Look for ways to work your keyword phrases into your website.
Now I know, that without spellcheck I would not function very well. I'm reliant on spellcheck to do the spelling work for me, but I also know there are others out there that are just as bad at spelling and grammar as I am, hence use that as a tool. Think about how you may misspell something or use the jargon term instead of the actual term to find something? For example, it's not common that one searches for "incorporated" when searching for a company they are interested in. Most likely they search for the abbreviated term "inc." Keep that in mind when your choosing your keyword phrases or keywords.

3. Promote your website with social media
Has anyone seen the new movie, called The Social Network? It's a very powerful tool to advancing your business. People now a days spend a tremendous amount of time on such things as Facebook, Twitter, and My Space. As a business owner, you should use that knowledge to your advantage. Check out ping.com that will also help you post all at once, rather than trying to hire your teenage son/daughter to do such things for you. If your very serious about this sort of advertising, there are companies out there to assist you in that en devour, such as Bluetraffic.com or lavarow.com.

4. Open Google Places acct: www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter
Very good advice! This is a powerful tool to help people find you, not only in your own "website city address" but your local physical location.

5. Start a Google Adwords campaign at https://adwords.google.com/
I've talked about Google Adwords in the past. I have even had pretty good luck with landing customers out of Adword campaigns. I do think it's a matter of what your willing to do to get customer's though. If this is your lively hood and advertising is a must for you, then I'd agree that Google Adwords is probably one of the best tools out there for advertising. Other than Facebook Ads.

Well folks, this is just my opinion. I hope everyone has learned, what I think is the most important lesson, pay attention. Pay attention to your website, your content, your links, your life!

Peace,
Misty