Google and other search engines are always tweaking their algorithms to make sure you get the best and most relevant results for your search queries. This means there are constantly new requirements and techniques to stay ahead and secure those top organic spots, annoying we know.
But luckily, as an SEO agency, we know a thing or two about how to boost your website’s rankings. Here are a few of our insider SEO tips:
1. Create quality content
Content is key but it’s essential to make sure this content is relevant and useful for the user. Google is always on the hunt for reliable and trustworthy content, so if yours fits the bill, you might just earn yourself a top spot in organic listings or even snag a featured snippet, if you’re lucky!
To figure out if your content is high-quality, Google follows the EEAT rule – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This means Google looks at the creator’s credentials, reputation, and real-world experience associated with the topic.
It is not a direct ranking factor but reflects the qualities that Google tends to reward high-ranking pages for. Plus, if you’re creating really great content, other sites might start linking to you on their own because they see you as a go-to source for useful info.
2. Build backlink profile
Backlinks are like a vote of confidence from one website to another. Imagine you’re searching for a great restaurant, and everyone keeps raving about the same spot; you’re definitely going to want to check it out, right? That’s how backlinks work.
When other sites link to yours, it’s like they’re giving you a big thumbs-up. Google sees these endorsements and starts to trust that your site is valuable and worth a visit, which can lead to better search rankings for you. The more backlinks you build, the more votes of confidence you gain.
Although, a quick heads-up: buying backlinks isn’t the best way to go. Google’s pretty sharp about spotting lots of bought links and prefers natural, relevant links. For a healthy backlink profile, it’s best to aim for a mix of do-follow and no-follow links. Do-follow links can boost your site’s authority, while no-follow links might not add strength but can still drive traffic and enhance your brand’s visibility.
3. Internal linking
Internal linking is key for SEO as it helps search engines understand how your website is structured. When you link to other pages on your site, you’re giving search engines a map of your content, making it easier for them to crawl and index your pages.
It can also guide users to more content on your website, keeping them engaged and exploring your site longer. Not only is this great for SEO but can make it easier for people to find the exact information they’re looking for.
4. Keyword optimisation
When someone searches for a specific term, Google scans websites for keywords to understand what the site and its content are all about. If your website doesn’t include the right keywords, your chances of ranking high are pretty slim.
But here’s the deal: don’t go overboard with keywords. Stuffing your page with too many can look spammy to Google and hurt your rankings instead.
It’s best to use keywords wisely and make sure they fit naturally into your content. This helps both users and Google get a clear idea of what your site is about.
5. Mobile optimisation
With so many people using their phones to browse the web, it’s crucial to ensure your website works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. Mobile optimisation isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for capturing and retaining traffic. If your site doesn’t look good or function well on mobile, you could miss out on a ton of traffic.
6. Page load speeds
Nobody likes a slow website, and neither does Google. According to Google, faster websites are more likely to rank higher. It’s all about giving users a smooth experience and serving up sites that are both relevant and helpful, not ones that make people want to click away.
Page speed optimisation plays a huge role in this, and there are plenty of tweaks you can make to ensure your website loads quickly. It not only helps to keep visitors happy but also makes it easier for Google to crawl your site.
Remember, most people don’t go beyond the first page of search results, so aiming for that top spot is key to attracting more potential customers and clicks. Keep your site speedy, and you’ll have a better shot at catching both Google’s and users’ attention.
7. Optimise images
Perhaps one of the most underrated yet simple SEO tricks is optimising your images. By using descriptive file names and adding alt text, you can make your site more accessible and provide search engines with extra clues about your content. This helps search engines understand and index your images better, which can give your rankings a nice boost.
Ready to take your SEO up a notch?
Reaching page one of Google doesn’t happen overnight, or by using the above tips alone. It takes time and expert tailoring to ensure your website reaches the top spot, but with the right techniques and dedication, SEO offers a great return on investment.
At Nu Image, we offer free SEO audits to give you a clear picture of how your website is performing and highlight any areas that could use some improvement. To get your free SEO audit, drop us an email at hello@nuimagedesign.co.uk or give us a call on 01603 859007.
Social Media Management