Like most organisations, you want to get as many web pages to number one in the Search Engines Results Pages (SERPS). But competition for this top spot is fierce – and, if you’re honest, you’re not sure which tactics to deploy. In this very short guide, we’ll share some Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) tips for better rankings.
Not sure what SEO means? The term encompasses a range of practices organisations can use to optimise the ranking position of certain pages in the organic search results.
Which practices? Read on to discover SEO tips for better rankings you can put into play today.
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SEO strategies for better rankings in a nutshell
These SEO tips for beginners are ideal for those just starting out. You can also get in touch with us if you have any questions.
#1 Use the right keywords
Google wants to provide its users with great experiences. Put simply, if someone types in ‘Italian restaurant near me’ then anything less than a list of luscious Mediterranean restaurants in their immediate locale won’t do at all.
Weaving the right keywords and phrases into your content will help search engines like Google and Bing understand the subjects you’re writing about – meaning it can then direct users accordingly.
To locate keywords and phrases:
- Type terms and phrases into Google Keyword planner
- Visit the People Also Ask section in Google search
- Consider using tools like Answer The Public
If you’re looking for SEO tips for better rankings, explore the tools mentioned above. Better results and higher-quality leads will surely follow.
#2 Use your keywords sparingly
SEO strategies can go awry after the keyword research stage. Having found the niche words and phrases needed to attract their target audience organisations enthusiastically repeat the terminology ad nauseum – presumably hoping that more mentions will equate to better rankings.
In fact, the opposite is true. Overusing your keywords and phrases is considered black hat practice and is more likely to send your web page into a digital void – never to be seen again.
Tip: your primary keyword or phrase should compromise 1-2% of your on-page content. Use the following calculation to work out your keyword density then adapt your content accordingly.
[times keyword appears] / [total on-page wordcount] x 100
#3 Compress images using a zip program
Large uncompressed images take longer to load. This results in a less than seamless experience for users trying to access your website and is one of many ranking factors used by Google.
This is one of the SEO tips for beginners that we emphasise when talking to clients (especially as it’s such an easy win).
- Screaming Frog is an SEO auditing tool you can use to identify pages with overlarge images
- Next, use a free compressing tool like TinyJPG to reduce the sizes of your images
#4 Add video content to your website
Believe it or not, people prefer consuming videos compared to text-based content like blogs, case studies, and white papers.
Different types of videos include:
- Explainers – where you go into detail about a product or service you offer
- Testimonials – living case studies delivered from the mouths of your customers
- Cultural – whereby you give viewers an insight into the values of your business
Of all the SEO tips for beginners on our list, this is the hardest to master. But don’t worry if you lack expertise. Why not embed a relevant video from YouTube or TikTok. It will still have a positive effect.
#5 Create first-class user experiences
Presuming your keyword strategy worked, and you’ve paid attention to other ranking criteria, digital footfall to your pages will swell. But things can still fall apart if the user experience is anything less than seamless.
Issues that could dampen your efforts include:
- Bloated content blocks that are hard to read (2-3 lines is optimal)
- Confusing or messy layouts that make required actions unclear
- Poorly-worded calls to action that perplex rather than persuade
- Over-burdened menu systems that make site navigation problematic
Need even more SEO tips for better rankings? Then why not talk to the Boss Digital team
With provable experience in helping B2B companies storm the search rankings, we’re perfectly positioned to help you get to number one (or even position zero). Book your free consultation now.
