Make Note of These Vital SEO Guidelines for 2016

Digital marketing is rapidly changing as technology transforms the way people browse the web. It comes as no surprise that SEO services are researching the best search engine optimization practices, since staying on top of changes is fundamental to staying relevant. Speaking of, how do you stay relevant in the rapidly-changing world of SEO?

Well, you’re here, which means we’ve got a pretty good idea. At least for the first part of 2016, anyways. There will be changes, and it’ll be back to the drawing board. But if you can nail these practices for the time being, you’ll be in excellent shape to take on any changes down the road.

This year, search engines will be approaching rankings based on the quality of content. The central focus of digital marketing has finally centered on appealing uniquely to all target audiences—so say goodbye to “umbrella content”, or in other words, it’s time to get personal.

Let’s move on to the guidelines, where we’ll prepare you to take on search engine optimization by the horns this year. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Search engines look for quality content

Sounds simple enough, right? Not exactly. You need to understand what search engines (or, at least, Google) consider ‘quality’ content. Generally speaking, high-ranking content contains the following:

more words,

fewer static keywords,

and is valuable.

From an SEO standpoint, a 1,150-word guide using various proof terms and relevant terms (we’ll cover those) that goes in-depth about a particular subject ranks higher on search engines, every time.

You can stick your single keyword in your brief post as many times as you’d like; it just doesn’t rank anymore. Content should provide value for the reader, instead of just briefly introducing a subject. And yes, the search engine robotic overlords do know if it’s valuable or not.

Proof terms and relevant terms are overhauling the idea of keywords. Now, it’s better to include these throughout your content rather than picking a single keyword and throwing it in multiple times. If you’re writing about “horse breeds”, that shouldn’t be the only term you rely on ranking with. Instead, also make liberal use of “types of horses”, “Thoroughbreds”, and “coat colors”. Or, other topics you’d like to cover. You get the idea.

Here’s some more helpful tips on search rankings:

Optimization isn’t just for new content

In the past, you could rely on opting your blog post for proper SEO and leaving it there. Sorry, but those days are gone. Site-wide optimization is now equally as important as in-content optimization for search engine rankings. We made that bold for you to emphasize this point. It’s no joke; if your whole site isn’t properly optimized, you can forget ranking on the first search page.

Watch where you’re sticking your links

You’re probably familiar with the joke about kids sticking their tongue on a frozen pole and immediately regretting it. The SEO equivalent of that is spamming your links on other sites and directories. It may sound silly, but if you still rely on throwing your link out into the internet wherever it can go, you’re gonna have a bad time.

“But ‘Search Engine Robotic Overlord’, ranking likes when my link is everywhere!” No, sorry, it doesn’t. What it does like is when your link is seen many different places because it’s been shared by people who find it valuable. This may be through social media, or other sites linking to your content because it’s relevant.

Want to know how to get your content shared? Scroll back up to the first guideline, and there you have it. Really, we weren’t joking—you need to be creating valuable content to be ranked. If you’re typing up some content and thinking “good thing I don’t have to read this”, you can’t expect other people to want to read it.

Back to creating valuable content

Perhaps you’ve reached this point and are feeling a bit in over your head. This isn’t unusual; everyone is good at something. SEO services exist to be awesome at creating valuable content for those who don’t consider it their cup of tea. This is probably the most important guideline of all, so pay attention:

If you’re not creating valuable content, it is absolutely worth hiring someone to create that valuable content for you.

You know the value of search engine optimization for site traffic and marketing, or else you wouldn’t be here. Optimization just isn’t something you can be ‘okay’ at and get the results you want.

Learn more about the important of valuable content in these articles:

Congrats, you’re up-to-date on SEO!

Or, well, you should be. Again, if you’re not sure how to proceed, don’t freak out. There are various SEO services out there to help you. In fact, you’re sitting in front of one right now! Adventure Web Interactive specializes in every aspect of web design, including search engine optimization. So if you need help, you know where to find us.

You can always visit our blog daily for the latest in social media marketing and SEO practices as well. That way, you stay in the loop.

If you DO need additional help with SEO and creating valuable content, this is a reminder there is an awesome, free guide for redesigning your website right here on Adventure Web Interactive. Emphasis on the free.

We also offer marketing solutions for you, including blog writing services and social media management. That way, you don’t have to worry about using SEO the right way—we’ll handle that for you.