What is (SEO) Search Engine Optimization?
Search engine optimization or SEO is the active practice of optimizing the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines by improving internal and external aspects.
Typically, the higher a web site ranks in the results of a search, the greater the chance that that site will receive more visitors.
The following articles will explain in greater detail what SEO is and how it works.
Increase ‘traffic’ to your website with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
85% of all internet users now use search engines like Google, MSN and Bing to find what they are looking for online. These search engines rank websites according to their relevancy.
As a website owner you want your site to be ranked as high as possible on the search engine’s listings. A higher ranking means more visitors (traffic) to your website, ensuring higher visibility and better exposure for your products and services.
To achieve a higher ranking and make your website information more relevant to search engine users, it is necessary to optimize your website for the search engines that your potential visitors are using.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the most effective method to increase the traffic to your website.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) helps promote your website
By reading this you are already a step ahead of your competition!
Since SEO is relatively new to South Africa, there is a good chance that your competition is not yet using Search Engine Optimisation to promote their website. In addition, SEO strategies, when implemented correctly, can not only give you the edge over your competitors but also:
- Maximize the exposure your company enjoys on the internet – for free!
- Increase traffic to your website
- Raise your website’s ranking on search engines (your website appears higher up the search engine results list)
- Make your website more user-friendly
- Ensure that your information is relevant and attractive to the visitor
- Attract visitors to your website, rather than your competitor’s websites
- Increase marketability of your site – your products and services!
In essence, SEO is critical to the effective promotion of your website!
The phrase that pays: keywords are important for your website
For effective Search Engine Optimisation, the words that an internet user types into a search engine must correspond to the information that appears on your website.
Our in-depth analysis of your website, your competitors and your market, ensures that the keywords used on your site are not only highly relevant and customised to your prospective clients but also that they relate to the overall subject and goal of the website itself. In addition, we understand the importance of keywords which are not only highly sought after but also targeted to a niche market. This is known as the short-tail and long-tail keywords.
For website owners in competitive markets, it is important to know how you can gain the edge over your competition by identifying the relevant niche markets. Operating with a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords and good website ranking is what will set your website apart from the billions of others and give you a clear edge over the competition!
Choose carefully: SEO companies should be both effective and ethical
Beware any SEO company that offers you an instant #1 ranking on a search engine, or one that sends you unsolicited emails about their SEO services.
A professional SEO company will have the knowledge and skill to work on new and existing websites, as well as sites that are in the process of being redesigned. A good SEO company will always provide:
- A clear explanation of their services
- An evaluation of your existing website
- A marketing questionnaire to determine your goals
- Thorough keyword research related to your market
- Technical advice on website development
- Expertise and advice on niche markets
- Advice on future developments
- Thorough analysis and regular progress reports
We at Biggestleaf.com know that in today’s competitive market it is supremely important to have an online presence and a high ranking on the web search engines. Like you, we are also business people with a clear understanding of the need for value for money. Our services are of the highest quality, utilising the latest SEO techniques and tools to ensure fully transparent internet marketing solutions to your company.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is cost effective
South Africa and the rest of the world are currently in an economic recession, and many people and businesses are affected by this economic downturn. Nonetheless, more South Africans than ever before are turning to internet search engines like Google to find, research and purchase goods and services.
Ask yourself this: Is your company visible to your consumers?
If not, the question is not whether you can afford SEO but rather can you afford NOT SEO?