This content will be covered in more detail in a course I’m currently procrastinating the writing of.   Hopefully this will help get you started!

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Here’s what puzzles me: if an SEO Expert does anything that is beyond ‘best practices’ you’ll have to hire him/her again to change everything after every Google algorithm update.  So why do so many people hire SEO Experts?  The safer content optimization strategies are simply best practices and a little common sense.

Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned so far & 10 Tips and 10 Tips for Optimizing Content for SEO:

  1. First, use software that search engines (computers) can actually read.  ie: WordPress (this includes all the plugins & themes that you add – are they also up to standards and securely coded?)
  2. Then, optimize your content so search engines (computers) can read it.
    1. Be clear: If you’re writing about your famous bacon salad – be sure to use the words “bacon salad” in the text somewhere!
    2. Use sub-titles appropriately.  If it is important and on topic, put them in the proper Heading format (don’t just embolden them)
    3. Use “alt” tags with images.
    4. Don’t use excessive images/ audio/ video so as to create slow load times.
    5. Use links with “title” tags.
    6. Use the descriptive text as the link (anchor text) instead of “click here”.
    7. Don’t hide your content beneath ads.
    8. Use proper grammar and spelling.
    9. Use “Rich Text Snippets” or “Microformats”  (for videos, images, recipes, etc) to make it easier for the search engines to see your content.
    10. When writing a sponsored post or receiving compensation of any kind use no-follow (paid links give an un-natural advantage to those who have paid for them).
  3. Create engaging and valuable content so other sites will want to link to you.
  4. Link to other sites that your readers will love.
  5. Keep links of your most popular and engaging content on the front page.
  6. Use interlinking (with your own content) to give readers interesting content to read, and keep them on the site longer. Ie: your might be interested in… or Top 5 Most Popular Posts widgets.
  7. Use breadcrumbs.
  8. Refresh old content – keep revised and relevant.
  9. Post regularly, post often (keep your audience interested and engaged).
  10. Use social networks (and Google Plus).

 

Beginner Checklist

If you’re starting out, you’ll love our comprehensive 52 point checklist for your website! Read through once, and then work on items one at a time as it comes up!

52 Edits Checklist – beginners categories

Cathy Mitchell

Single Mom, Lifelong Learner, Jesus Follower, Founder and CEO at WPBarista.