Search Engine Optimization
So what is SEO? SEO stands for “search engine optimization.” It is the process of getting traffic from the “free”, “organic” or “natural” search results in search engines.
Think of Google and Bing as librarians!
They have to collect info about EVERY page on the internet so they can help people searching, find exactly what they are looking for!
Every search engine has a SECRET formula called an “Algorithm” that turns all the info into usefully rank search results!
When you own a website, your SEO matters!
75% of users searching online, don’t click past the first page of results, while 80% of users ignore the paid ads!
Words Matter
Search engines narrow results based on the keywords you search.
Search engines only display websites that contain content with those specific search keywords.
Titles Matter
Think of the keywords within the page or post TITLE like the title of a book!
They “MOST LIKELY” describe the contents of the article, page, post, product, etc!
Links Matter
When a website links to another website, this is a sign of “recommendation” and “social clout”. Learn more about SEO backlinks in this blog post: https://www.coursenvy.com/free-backlinks
Think about it, if YOU recommend to your close friend to go see an AMAZING movie, they will most likely take your word for it and go see the movie BECAUSE they trust your suggestions!
This is the exact same on the internet. If other websites are linking to your website, this is the trusted website saying “Hey website audience, go check out this cool site we recommend! You love our content so you will most likely love theirs too!”
A website with lots of “quality backlinks” looks GREAT to search engines!
BAD BACKLINKS!
I have to restate the last sentence…QUALITY BACKLINKS!
Search engine algorithms have gotten REALLY good at detecting spammy, poor quality backlinks: including blog commenting, foreign PR sites social bookmarking websites, links from pages with very little content, backlinks from websites with duplicate content, link directories, links from irrelevant websites and content.
The last one is very important. When seeking backlinks, approach websites that are relevant/similar to yours!
EX: Offer to guest blog post on their site in exchange for a permanent backlink.
Words in Links
When you see a “hyperlinked” word while reading a page online, you are reading what is called ANCHOR TEXT or anchor tag.
EX: Coursenvy is your #1 source for the top rated online courses!
If you see the sentence above on a website and the anchor text “online courses” is linked to www.Coursenvy.com, then search engines will establish that Coursenvy.com is related to the keyword “online courses” and therefore rank higher in related search engine queries for that phrase! BUT don’t overdo this RICH anchor text. Use some NAKED urls too (i.e. www.coursenvy.com)
Reputation
Websites with a record of FRESH and ENGAGING content, combined with a growing number of HIGH-QUALITY links, can only HELP the site climb in search engine ranks!
If you are constantly creating NEW and SUPERB quality content, posts, videos, etc AND using relevant keywords in that content, you have nothing to worry about because you are the type of website Google will want to rank high in search results!
How Much Does SEO Cost?
Check out this detailed “SEO Cost” infographic at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshsteimle/2013/09/12/what-does-seo-cost-infographic
So How Much Does SEO Cost?
When you speak with an SEO professional, you should expect an hourly price of no less than $100 per hour from an agency or $50 per hour from an individual. Monthly FIXED Pricing – By far the most common pricing model, you should expect to pay at least $500-$750 per month to retain a trustworthy SEO firm, such at The Hoth SEO: https://www.thehoth.com
So if you are new to SEO and thinking about this career, look at the huge opportunity! If you can get 10 clients, you could make a fixed price income of $5,000 per month!
Check out our SEO services and pricing at: https://www.coursenvy.com/services
10 Steps to PERFECT On-Site SEO
So many of our students OVERCOMPLICATE search engine optimization. One of the first steps you can take to today in getting your SEO in check is to optimize your on-site SEO! We have an entire course on the topic of SEO, but here are 10 QUICK and ACTIONABLE steps you can take today with your website’s pages and posts content!
EVERY page or post on your website MUST be greater than 500 words.
Your focus keyword (the keyword targeted for each page) should appear at least ONCE in the H1 (the closer to the beginning of the page title the better) and H2 tags.
The focus keyword should be in the first paragraph and last paragraph.
Each page’s focus keyword should appear at least 2-3 times in the copy.
All of your website’s primary keywords should appear at least 1 time on the site.
All secondary keywords should appear at least 1 time on the site.
If possible, include relevant images on every page/post (embed videos when you can as well).
Put internal links to different pages of the website. EVERY page should connect in one big link CIRCLE!
Use smaller paragraphs (each having 2-3 lines).
Include a call to action at least once above the fold, such as a phone number, form, email address, etc.
BONUS – Include your focus keyword in your meta description.
Learn More About SEO
To understand more about “What is SEO”… Join our SEO (Search Engine Optimization) course included in the online course bundle at www.modMBA.com
Increase your site's visibility and rankings with search engine optimization, content marketing, and link building. Download the Ultimate Guide to SEO