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6. Keep calm and SEO
We’re sure many of you have heard the term ‘SEO’ or ‘Search Engine Optimisation’ many, many times now. And while designing your website and writing content with the aim to rank higher in search engine results is admirable, don’t go overboard. Keyword ‘stuff’, engage in black hat SEO practices and you run the risk that your site will evaluated as spam and be demoted or banned altogether. Optimising pages is fantastic, over-optimising pages makes them unlikeable, unreadable and unengaging to real people and this is something that search engines are finally taking into account when assigning rankings.

7. Linking up…
Search engines such as Google will evaluate the number of backlinks to your website as part of the way that they determine your search engine ranking. Because of this many website owners have rushed to get as many links as possible but we urge caution. In many cases of paid link sites they are considered bad links or ‘bad neighbourhoods’ by the search engines – in a nutshell they are ‘spammy sites’ and will only do your site harm. Focus on quality over quantity and ensure that any links on your site are functioning (not dead or broken links) and relevant to the products and services you provide.

1. Focus on long-tail keywords

Recent updates to the Google algorithm has moved keyword searches in a more organic way. Google now responds well to queries in the form of questions and so long-tail keywords are working.

2. Work on your headlines and titles

The better the title or headline the more likely it is that your articles or blog posts will grab attention. Ideally titles should be keyword optimised and a maximum of 60 characters – this is what current search engines like best.

3. Become a member of industry Facebook and LinkedIn groups

Connecting with others in your industry or niche will allow you to position yourself as an expert in the industry while also ensuring you keep up-to-date with what others in the industry are doing.

Small Business Marketing consuming over 20 hours per week

Many small businesses are dedicating 20 hours per week on marketing their business according to a recent survey by Constant Contact. While the effort pays dividends across several metrics, the challenges the time investment poses should not be understated.

There are numerous avenues and channels where small and medium businesses can reach their customers, both traditional offline and online, but it’s the online marketing that is consuming most of time and overwhelming those attempting to market this way.

Once you have organised your business’ website there are many ways you can make the most of your online presence to drive traffic to your site with a view to generating more conversions and sales.

Have a chat with your specialist team members and implement some strategies to increase your traffic.

SEO/Website

• Focus on long tail keywords or organic keywords
• Optimise existing posts
• Demote irrelevant google site links
• Make proper use of categories
• Start a forum on your website

Social media came about as a new way for people to communicate on a personal level – but it’s no longer personal! Social networking is now growing rapidly amongst businesses as the place to engage, connect and inform their customers. Just like a website – a profile on social media will allow your business to build your brand, advertise to and communicate with not only customers but potential customers, business partners and even employees.