Caveman SEO

It’s like nailing Jell-O to a tree.

Google’s constantly shifting policies regarding site quality, authorship, linking, and search results are enough to make a business owner go crazy.

I’m here to cut through the SEO insanity with one simple tip.

If you want your website to move to the top of the search engine results, consistently fill it with information that is useful to your customers and prospects.

That’s it. A caveman could understand it.

Following that strategy will never hurt you, because the search engine’s purpose is to find useful information.

Yes, you can hire an SEO firm if you’re in a super-competitive space or want extra help. Google even provides some ideas on what to ask an SEO company during the hiring process.

Don’t let yourself get caught up with anyone who uses the word “trick” when talking about search. Those are the things that could come back to bite you in the next Google algorithm update.

What the heck is an algorithm?

It’s basically the recipe Google uses to bake search results. You don’t need to worry about the algorithm, because its only job is to find good stuff for people who are searching. All of the “algorithm updates” are focused on finding better and better stuff.

• When you’re writing marketing copy for your website, blogging, posting images or videos, do it with your customers in mind. Write naturally, and use words they use when they talk to you.
• Next time you’re on a phone with a customer or prospect, take some notes. Better yet, ask them how they found you. If they did a Google search, what did they type? Talk about valuable information!
• Take it a step further and imagine you’re writing for a customer who is visually challenged. The Google robots can’t “see” any of those beautiful photos you’ve posted unless you properly identify them with descriptive ALT tags.
• If you haven’t updated your website since Clinton was President, it’s time to add some dynamic information. Brochure websites are not OK anymore. You don’t have to blog, consider adding some user-generated content via forums or community, pulling in a news feed, posting some photos from around the office. Just make it something that adds value.

Stop stressing out about Penguins and Pandas, and focus your full attention on your customers. You’ll never go wrong.

Photo Credit: williamcromar via Compfight cc