The way Google determines its search engine rankings has always been a bit puzzling. You may be asking yourself, what does Google consider?
Google not only uses computer algorithms, but also examines the more human aspects of search when deciding Search Engine Results Pages.
Specifically, Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) are now concentrating on how well a web page helps viewers accomplish a given task.
So What Does This Mean for Small Businesses?
Make sure your content answers questions your clients may have. Think about why viewers are visiting your webpage and what task they hope to accomplish when they type a query into Google.
If someone is visiting your company’s web page, ask yourself – what are the main elements of this site that you would want to be easily visible and accessible?
Ensure viewers can effortlessly find their way to your contact information, form fill-ins, services provided, and company blog if you have one. A web page that does not make all of this pertinent information readily available will likely have a high bounce rate.
Making the Page Count
Here are?a few statistics showing why a company blog is a must-have for any marketing strategy.
- Create blog posts that answer questions, and compel viewers to dive further into your website. If you are able to answer their questions and help them reach their goal, viewers in turn may want to purchase a product or service from your company. Blogs that are consistently updated with engaging and useful content have higher rankings in organic search. Check the image to the right, provided by Rockbot.com, for some statistics on why a company blog is a must.
- Include photos and links that make it so your web page is a one stop shop for a searcher. Google will consider how your web page answers the searchers question, and gives other outlets to help accomplish the task they are trying to complete.
- Don’t forget to tag your pages with the appropriate keywords so that Google can rank your page accordingly.
- With all of this in mind, it is also important to remember that crowded web pages are just as deterring as empty web pages. The key here is finding a balance between the two.
- Double check that your website is optimized for mobile viewing too. Google will reward your website with higher search engine rankings if your page can be accessed from a mobile device.
The ROI
Once your web pages are laid out in an easy-to-navigate and appealing manner, you can focus on the return on investment – or ROI.
This is where you turn your new website visitors into happy customers. You must set up a system that allows you to take appropriate action with any of your potential leads, as these leads become your customers.
Here, being persistent can pay off – literally. Be sure to connect immediately with any lead that fills in a contact form inquiring about a service or product. Time is of the essence, and acting fast will be most beneficial. If the visitor did not make a purchase right away, they may be on the fence and speaking with competitors.
Send any leads an email that day and continue the following days reminding them of your company’s fantastic services. You could even send over an email with a coupon inside to really reel in the potential customer.
If the lead left their phone number, giving them a call with a personalized message letting them know you care about their inquiry and are available to speak with them about how your company can help can transform curious leads into trusting customers.
An Example
LaffCo. Painting’s home page is optimized to push viewers to convert with visible and accessible contact information and links.
An example of a well-constructed web page would be the Brush Strokes blog from one of Sweet Rose’s own clients, LaffCo. Painting. This blog not only gives viewers a look into the beautiful work LaffCo. Painting completes, but gives tips on painting decks and even how to choose the best painter, proving LaffCo.’s expertise in its field.
Searchers who are looking for painting tips and best practices will find their answers on these blog pages, and if they are looking to hire someone, they are given the option to get a free quote on the same page that also visibly displays any necessary contact information.
Google considers how well your webpage fills in the gaps. What Google doesn’t want is for searchers to constantly be hitting the back button, continually searching for answers on the results page. If all the answers are on one page helping your searcher accomplish their goal, Google will reward you with better search engine rankings.
Search engine optimization can seem like a daunting task, especially for the small business owner. It’s understood that you might need help optimizing your web page for the best search engine rankings.
Fear not! Sweet Rose Studios is here to save the day. Not only will our team help you create a fulfilling website that is enhanced for exceptional search engine rankings, we will be sure to implement the best online marketing strategy for your company to increase your online presence, drive conversions, and build great client relationships.
