As content creators, you’ve probably heard the term SEO countless times. It’s always a hot topic and, more often than not, a complete mystery (to most). While SEO is necessary, it can feel a bit elusive — I often get questions about why it’s so important, the best tactics to use, and why it’s such a mystery.
The good news? The basics are easy and by following some of the tips below, you can make SEO work for you (literally) like the #girlboss you are.
So, let’s start with the basics . . .
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and while it’s technically a noun, I find it helpful to think of it as a verb because it is actionable and something you should always be doing and thinking about.
It’s a fancy way of describing how you can make your content (whether that content is on your blog or social channels) easy to find.
That sounds simple! How does it work?
I like the analogy that compares search engines (like Google) to a librarian and online content to books. Search engines categorize and classify all the content and data on the Internet so that it’s easy for people to find. When you’re looking for specific content, search engines point you in the right direction and give you results based on what they think is the most relevant and valuable content based on what you’re looking for.
Here’s a great three-minute video from Search Engine Land that breaks it down nicely.
Your job is to make the great content you create easy to find and easy to categorize so all your future fans and readers can find you (obvi)!
Here’s How:
- Content is key (cliché, I know . . .)
- Quality: Your content should not only be engaging, but also well written, descriptive, and substantial.
- Fresh: Are your pages fresh with relevant, current topics? If you have different pages with different topics — like travel, fashion, beauty, home, etc. — make sure that those pages have fresh content regularly, and reference them in other posts where applicable.
- Keywords (in . . .)
- Text: What keywords would people use to find your content organically? Do you have those terms in your text?
- Example: If you’re doing a post on bathing suits, what types of bathing suits are you discussing (one-piece, Brazilian bikini, retro, cutout, maternity)?
- What types of occasions would people need bathing suits for (tropical getaways, Spring break, beach day, honeymoon, bachelorette party, Summer vacation, etc.)?
- Image titles: Image titles indicate content. Keywords should always be in your image titles.
- Example: Are you using a photo of you in a black maxi dress? Or Stuart Weitzman boots? Make sure those keywords are in the image titles.
- Text: What keywords would people use to find your content organically? Do you have those terms in your text?
- HTML
- Make sure title tags and meta description tags contain keywords relevant to the topics discussed.
- Links
- Hyperlinks to products should always be keywords, never numbers.
- Collaborate with other bloggers and brands on an exchange basis and ask them to link to your blog so that you have trusted sites referencing your content.
- Pro tip: Pinterest is a great way to do that.
- Encourage readers to engage with and share your content on social.
Keep in mind that there are many factors that contribute to page ranking and SEO. These tips are a good place to start, and if you work all these tactics into your daily process, you will definitely improve your search engine cred
xo,
Natalie Willis, Head of Business Development ShopStyle Collective
Stephanie Redhead says
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! xo, http://thesocialny.com
stephanie ziemer says
I’m new to affiliate marketing. I’m looking for high end furniture, art, lighting, etc to promote on my site. I was considering share a sale. Can anyone tell me how Shop Style Collective differs or are they one in the same?
Thank you!
Stephanie
Cecile says
I didn’ know about the image title. Thank you for the advice, Best, Cecile for http://etvoila.info