An issue search engine optimization professionals often face with their clients is exactly how much of the site to optimize. Not everyone can afford to thoroughly optimize their entire website, and even companies that can usually argue to drop the smaller things that seem inconsequential. What these companies don’t realize is that even the small, inconsequential-looking things can make a big difference in a site’s relationship with the search engines.
Imagine a marathon runner. They don’t just stretch their leg muscles before a race. They stretch as many muscles as they can think of, warming them up one at a time so that every part of the system can support the trial ahead. A marathon runner who doesn’t warm up thoroughly can end up with an injury. A site that doesn’t take care of all the small details can run into trouble down the track, with even the best SEO efforts being held back.
The same goes for SEO. The things you do around the traditional SEO tactics can count towards your overall success. It’s all about getting a fitter site.
The things you do around your SEO can all help get your page up in the rankings. Even better, the continued fitness of your site will help you stave off competitors and keep hold of your position. Here are some of the indirect ways to help your SEO:
*Customised 404 pages. A customised 404 page can prevent your site’s users from just giving up whenever their browser is unable to retrieve the right page from your servers. A normal 404 error page is boring and uninformative. Companies have remedied this by providing a customised page that explains the kind of problem that might have occurred, providing a link to a page that will work, and often providing an apology or joke to smooth things over. Customised 404 pages can get your users back on side. Talk to us at SEO Consult about customising 404 pages.
It’s important to remember not to optimise customised 404 pages. They are not put on the index and don’t count for your SEO. The page you provide a link to does, however, and it’s important to choose carefully.
*The tone of your site. While site design and architecture has a direct impact on your SEO, the overall tone and feeling does not. What it does have an impact on is your site’s attractiveness to internet users. Your keyword research will help you to build a profile of your target users. Use this to steer your site in the right direction, and help it build reputation.
*Internet participation. Most SEO experts recommend that businesses participate in various areas of the net in the hopes of netting some inbound links. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore the areas that aren’t going to get you a direct link. There are plenty of places on the net that are worthwhile participating in simply because it enhances your online reputation. This leads to an increase in popularity and, perhaps, eventual links. The search engines pay attention when your business is mentioned around the net.
