You did it! You have invested in a website. Website success is crucial to make sure you don’t squander the investment of time, money and resources that it took to get you to your website development launch. So what are your next steps to ensure you have success?
New Website Success
A new website is still not done. In fact, a website is never “done”. The only way to keep your website relevant and performing well in search is to update it often. I recommend adding content monthly (if not weekly) to ensure that you are keeping your customers well informed of what you offer. But don’t take my word for it, here’s a quote from inc.com on why you should keep your website updated:
Because Google Said So
“Google is always changing the rules. Everybody remembers how Google Panda and Penguin introduced a new era of SEO. As recently as 2016, Google introduced yet another core algorithm update; the details of which have not yet been fully discovered.
AJ Agrawal CEO, Alumnify Source: Inc.com Article: “Why Your Website Is Never Truly Finished”
Your website is aimed primarily at enhancing the user experience. But you also need to think about Google and your ranking in the search results. The backend of your website needs to be updated constantly to ensure it’s continuing to meet the demands of SEO.
With your organic traffic numbers relying almost entirely on SEO, this is something you absolutely can’t ignore.”
The updates to the Google algorithm that Agrawal mentioned in this quote called “Panda and Penguin” were actually pretty shocking to the SEO world. Lots of companies had figured out how to cheat the system and they would often guarantee you would have the first position on the “first page of Google.” But if you come across anyone making those promises, run! That’s not the way it works anymore! Google focuses more on organic, real content, that is relevant to your website and the business you conduct.
Website Success Secret #1
Did you know that a blog provides you with a built-in tool to update content and optimize your site for search? Website success comes from people finding your optimized business website. When they do stumble across your website, you want to be sure the content is relevant and easy to read. That’s why the best-kept secret of a successful website is to blog!
If your website doesn’t have a blog already, add one! Odds are it won’t take much to create another link in your menu and get some help creating a blog post. If you want some tips on what makes a good blog, keep reading. I also created a quick video for a client on how to create a blog post in WordPress that you can watch.
How to Write it Right
There are a few key things to remember when writing content for your website:
- Dumb it down: Ok, we get it. You are the expert in your field! You know a lot of big, technical words. But for the content on your website, consider dumbing it down for the rest of us. Help us get to know your industry using words anyone can understand and then help educate us!
- Keep it simple: Website success comes from keeping things interesting, concise and interesting. We get bored with long, drawn-out blog posts.. perhaps I should take a note from this one…
- Don’t Run!: Remember to not let your sentences run on. Keep them concise. This makes the text easier to read. Consider using sub-headings, lists or pictures to break up the text and make it easier to digest.
- Be Assertive: Another mistake people make is to include a passive voice in their writing. Say what you know. Be direct.
- Create a keyword strategy: Put a plan into place as to what keywords you would like your website to focus on. After you’ve had your website live for a few months, you can utilize the Google Search Console to review the keywords people are using in search to find you.
- Multi-Media: Use pictures, video, and social media accounts to keep your audience engaged. You can keep their attention by creating the content they are already trying to find. Tap into your customers’ interests and pay attention to how they find you and what they are looking for. Be sure to share on your social accounts, too.
Remember to Share, Another Key to Website Success
Sharing is caring. Luckily, social media provides the perfect outlet to share your blog posts, links to your website, event information or other updates about your business. People love to feel like they know your business. This creates trust in your brand, builds validity to your reputation and provides your customers with a resource for telling the world how much they love you by posting reviews.
Be sure to share often on social media. I get asked social strategy questions all the time like, “But, Audri! How often do I HAVE to post?” My answer is, as often as you like! People don’t expect professionals to be on social media 24/7. It seems a little forced when you see someone post 5 times a day, but if you have an event going on, it might be ok! Just be sure you are updating a couple of times each month. Share things that are relevant and keep your customers happy.
There’s More Where That Came From
There are more strategies to keep your website on the top of the search engines. If you need help creating an SEO plan or social media strategy, let me know! I can help you create a plan that works for your individual website. I also monitor analytics, Google Search Console, and I can help you create a social media ad campaign to increase traffic, too.
I’m here to help! Email me at hello@vallint.com or call/txt 435-767-7758.