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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.
8. Real people matter
While giving attention to how to achieve success online it’s so important to not lose sight of what you are striving for – to provide a product or service to a real, live customer. Treat each and every online visitor in exactly the same way that you would if they were standing directly in front of you.
9. Maintain your database and contact
Getting website visitors to sign up for a newsletter or mail out list will help you to maintain your contact and the potential for repeat custom. An incentive such as a free report, e-course or e-book can assist you in increase the number of people on your database. Once they have signed up don’t lose them – don’t pester them with constant, repetitive or irrelevant emails – once a month and on special occasions should suffice. You also need to ensure that any newsletter or EDMs (electronic direct marketing) contains high-quality content and provides an unsubscribe or opt out option.
10. Personally connect
While we all should take cyber security seriously, particularly our personal online security, there is a lot to be said for endeavouring to make that personal connection with visitors via your online presence. Many find it reassuring to put a face to a name (or a brand) – think Richard Branson and Virgin Blue, Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook – having a team photo on your website or social media profiles will help to build a rapport between your business and your customers.
Talk to the Website Design Centre team today for more information on how we can help you to implement some or all of the top tips for online success. Contact us here
