Building Blocks of Organic SEO: On-Page Optimization Techniques That Drive Results
Like all marketing techniques, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategies come in many shapes and sizes, and not all work the same way. You’ve probably encountered the flagship versions of PPC and Local SEO – a paid platform tactic and a more concentrated version of SEO marketing, respectively – but what occurs at search optimization’s base level on a more global scale is maybe a little broader and more intimidating to understand. Organic SEO, whether you realize it or not, is probably the first thing you think of when investigating how to promote your business quickly and effectively. So how is it different?
Let’s demystify what organic SEO is all about. Unlike paid counterparts, organic SEO optimizes your website and its content to rank higher in SERPs naturally. There are no paid ads or outsourcing to SEO companies – just the bare bones of compelling copy and keyword research. The goal of organic SEO is to attract relevant visitors on a wide scale who are actively searching for what you have to offer without having to spend a fortune on advertisements. However, it isn’t as simple as putting up a graphic and a few headers. To truly master organic SEO, you need to learn the essential building blocks.
- Keyword Research: You may have heard this before, but keywords are the backbone of organic SEO. People will use these magic words and phrases to find information online and, hopefully, your business. To market specific products and services, conduct thorough keyword research to identify which words pull up your industry and services.
- On-Page Optimization: Once you have your keywords, it’s time to optimize your website’s pages. This includes crafting compelling meta titles and descriptions, incorporating your selected keywords naturally in your content, and using header tags, and image alt tags. Remember, though, not to overdo it. If a search engine thinks you’re plugging too many words into your site’s data, it will bring you down a few rungs on the ranking ladder.
- Quality Content Creation: Content reigns supreme in the world of organic SEO. High-quality, informative, and engaging content keeps your audience hooked and helps search engines recognize your relevancy and authority. Try out different forms of content like blog posts, videos, infographics, and your brand’s aesthetics to cater to different preferences and boost your chances of ranking higher.
- Link Building: Building a strong network of quality backlinks is like participating in a digital popularity contest. When reputable websites link back to your content, search engines view it as a vote of confidence and elevate your credibility amongst high-ranking businesses. As you would include a peer-reviewed source in an important essay, you want to use – or be – the best source that gets your point across. Focus on creating unique content that others naturally want to share and link to.
- The Power of Social Media: Social media platforms are examples of organic SEO all on their own. Think of how often you see someone tweet about a tasty drink or post about a new product that changed their life. This is an example of social sharing, and when used by your business, it can greatly generate organic traffic and encourage your audience to form a social community around your brand. Amplify your content by promoting it on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. You’ll only spread that further if enough people buzz about your services!
Most importantly, remember that achieving significant results with organic SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and dedication are key, so keeping a steady eye on your site’s performance and the latest SEO trends is important. If you’re ready to take your website’s visibility to the next level and attract a wealth of organic traffic, explore and experiment with these basics to get a good start for your campaign.