Researching the perfect keywords for your website content takes time.

A little bit of research will tell you that Google no longer focuses on keywords alone and that high-quality content is the way to go. Suddenly, all that hard work seems to go down the drain…or does it?

Focusing on Keywords Alone is a Bad Idea

There used to be a school of thought that said stuffing your website content full of keywords would improve your rank. Back in the early 2000’s, that was often the case. But now, Google and other search engines are too smart; they can see right through this tactic.

Focusing on keywords alone leads you to create thin content for the sake of improving your rank. This content does little–to-no good for your audience—the same audience Google wants nothing more than to assist. What used to attract search engines now deflects it, destroying your rank in the process.

SEO and Content: It’s a Partnership

Does this mean that keywords are a thing of the past? No! Instead, SEO and content must go hand–in–hand in a beautiful partnership. Google’s process on how search works says this:

“Put useful content on your page and keep it up to date.”

The keyword here (no pun intended) is “useful.” If you can create content that is useful and meaningful to your reader, the rest will fall into place.

For example, think about your blog. Content that is written to benefit your reader and teach them something that relates to your niche will have at least some of your keywords appearing naturally. You won’t have to force it. (The forcing is what causes Google to see warning signs, the same warning signs that hurt your rank.)

Supplement, Don’t Stuff

When you write content, you should aim to add value to your reader’s life. Keyword research gives you much-needed insight into what your audience is searching for. You can use your keyword list to supplement your content instead of stuff it. For example:

There are many other uses of keywords when it comes to technical SEO. If you’re interested in truly improving your rank—and doing so fast—hiring an SEO specialist is the best route to take.

Need Some Content Help? Call Us!

Your SEO strategy and content are the peanut butter and jelly of your website conversion sandwich—you simply can’t have one without the other. If you find yourself struggling to make both your SEO and content happen, reach out to our team at Iceberg Web Design by sending us a message.

The post SEO & Content: Are Keyword Lists Still Useful? appeared first on Iceberg Web Design.

What is Google My Business?

Have you ever wondered why some businesses show up in a Google search with 5 stars and their hours listed, and yours does not? That information comes from your Google My Business profile. Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool used to manage all your company information with Google, including Search and Maps. This is vital to your organization, because 64% of online searches come through Google ₍₁₎, and over a third of mobile searches are related to location ₍₂₎. Other significant features of GMB include collecting and responding to reviews and tools to help you see how customers are finding your business. Ultimately, you get to control how customers see your information on Google searches and in Google maps.

Let’s get started!

There are two ways to get started with GMB: by claiming ownership of a business, or by adding your business.

Here’s a great video that covers the steps to get started:

Getting the most benefit from your listing

Whether you are just getting started or have already claimed your listing, there are many different tools you can use to manage your business information and help potential customers find your business. Here’s a list of some the most important things you should do.

Four Ways to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

1. Add Your Hours and Phone Number

The number listed in your GMB profile absolutely needs to be a local phone number, and should match the phone number listed on the landing page your account links to. You will also want to make sure your business hours stay up-to-date. You can enter holiday hours or other changes to your regular hours in advance and they will be displayed to users as those days approach. If you don’t provide special hours for regular holidays, users on Maps and Search will be warned that the location’s hours may differ on designated holidays. You should therefore supply hours explicitly for these days even if the special hours are the same as your regular hours to ensure that users know that your hours are up-to-date.

2. Update Your Business Details

Select the most specific category for your business that you can. You may also want to include other details such as whether you accept credit cards or a special offer you have for new customers.

3. Add Business Images

Add images to show the interior and exterior of your business, photos of your products or services, and your team members. Remember from our previous email that it is important to use your branding information consistently across your entire online footprint. Another tip: use photos that show different people in the spaces. Empty business rooms may give the impression that no one uses your business! Even if you are using your phone, make sure you use high quality photos with good lighting, after all it is your brand.

4. Review Insights

GMB has useful tools for analyzing how people find your business listing online. Insights focus on how customers use Search and Maps to find your listing, and what they do once they find it.

Still need help?

We offer a variety of website and SEO services. Call Shane at 763-350-8762 to schedule your consultation and get started.

Stay tuned! The next blog posts in this series will discuss:

• Keyword research
• Keyword targeting
• Online reputation

₍₁₎ Explicit Core Search Share Report by ComScore, 2015

₍₂₎ Google’s Performance Summit, 2016

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