strategy

4 On-Page SEO Strategies in 2018

Craig De Borba

blue and white seo word with hand — Craft perfect titles for enhanced SEO and increase click through in the search engines in 2018.

The world of search, especially Google search, has seen significant changes since its launch on September 4, 1998. With each update, Google comes closer and closer to delivering its viewers exactly what they want on the first page of most any search results.

So how do you, as a professional marketer appease the Google gods in-order to secure your ranks desired within today’s search results?

If your answer revolves around using outdated methods that used to work, then you lose. That’s why you want to be sure to target what Google wants today within each post you send into their index.

FIX #1: Crafting Your Pages Title

Page titles used to be all about getting your keyword into position. In fact, if you use that funny looking pipe symbol [|] you can include your keyword phrase twice.

Yesterday, that worked.

Today, it’s called keyword stuffing and won’t result in your winning favor with Google.

tip to avoid keyword stuffing with seo — Avoid keyword stuffing, it is an old SEO strategy that is outdated.

That’s why I write my content first, think about my niche focus and then create the title reflective of the entire user experience. The user experience that you present is super important compared to keyword stuffing of yesteryear.

It is okay to use the keyword in the title if the flow fits. Just don’t force it into position at the peril of your viewer’s interest.

While creating your title, be sure to keep its length under 65 characters.

Title generators can also be very useful in creating titles that bring the initial spark to your entire project. Here are 7 free title generators that will help you take your post to the next level and beyond in the eyes of your viewers.

FIX #2: Working with Permalinks

Even in days of ole, the permalink often went unnoticed when it shouldn’t have.

Bloggers would focus on the title, content and even meta data thanks to Yoast. However, when it came to the permalink piece many people didn’t even know what it was.

Let’s set the record straight.

Permalinks are the URL identification of each page or post on a person’s site. It consists of a variety of elements.

Here is a full URL:

https://www.onpointinternetmarketing.com/build-a-strong-online-presence

The domain itself is represented by the first part of its structure.

https://www.onpointinternetmarketing.com

content marketing tips and list to help with seo — Use these tips for your content marketing to boost your SEO results.

If a category has been created and is set to show it will be the next portion of the URL. In this case either there is no category or its display has been turned off.

The final piece of the URL identifies the actual page or post being targeted.

build-a-strong-online-presence

It is okay to have the keyword show within this part but more importantly is to make sure that the permalink is very easy to read.

Once the title is put into place the permalink is automatically formulated. I believe that is part of the reason that people don’t think about this when creating a new post or page.

The title for this page is:

BUILD A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE USING THIS 3 PRONGED APPROACH

If I left the entire title in place within the permalink it would become extremely cumbersome and ugly. However, trimming it down to just a few words like what is presented above will make everything look so much better.

FIX #3: How Content Optimization Changed

Do you think that the best content on the Web includes a keyword density between 2% & 3%?

Do you think that your keyword MUST appear in the first and last 100 words of your page?

Do you think that every image included on your page or post must be optimized to your exact keyword phrase?

Think again.

Those thoughts come from yesteryears Google algorithms and won’t do you any good in today’s organic rankings.

Today, you want to focus on content that is user friendly and contains between 1 and 2K of content, with more being better.

Other points to keep in mind include how your content flows.

Short paragraphs
Bullets and numbering
Bolding

Anything you can do to make the article really come alive in the eyes of your viewer is what you should be doing. If you’re going to include your keyword I would not do it more than twice. Once in the beginning and again anywhere else in your article.

FIX #4: Correctly Formatting Images

Images don’t matter because Google can’t read them, right?

Not exactly.

There is no point to completing caption or description properties of your image. Correct?

Incorrect.

Images are a very important ranking factor for your website. The more attention you take to ensure your media is formatted correctly, the better it will be overall for you and your rankings on Google.

Everything starts with naming your image in a way that identifies it as well as targeting your preferred keyword. This does not mean using the exact keyword but something related to it. This is what is called LSI (latency semantic indexing) and Google likes it when it is used on created posts and pages.

We’ve all heard about naming the ALT tag. It is important.

What you may not know is that the description and caption are also monitored by Google. They are part of Google’s desire for accessibility to the blind as their machines can read what you write in those areas.

Caption’s also drive viewer engagement.

Many people read what is under the images first and base the results of their experience there to determine if the entire article will be a worthwhile read. That’s why I recommend using 2 to 3 sentences under each key image. It drives audience interest.

Final Thoughts About Fixing On-Page SEO Problems In 2018

We’ve covered core components related to on-page SEO strategies in 2018 when creating your content.

Creating titles that matter.
Correctly formatting permalinks.
Content creations that empower results.
Claiming image optimization power.
Invest in a white hat SEO link building service

They all are possible, just think about your client or customer first rather than how your work will affect Google’s algorithms upon their spiders visit. The bottom line point to keep in mind is that you need to get started in-order to see your deserved and desired results come to fruition.

What’s changed in your own SEO efforts in 2018?

What’s remained the same?

Let’s all climb the rankings on Google’s organic search results together.

Build A Strong Online Presence Using This 3 Pronged Approach

Craig De Borba

Often I get asked by business owners, “how to get people to find me?” and the short answer years ago would have been get ranked in Google. Today the internet is more diverse and people are gathering data from multiple sources. Yelp, LinkedIn, Facebook, and organic search. Customers are distracted these days, from texting, Snapchat, Yelp, Facebook, and the advertisements we see and hear daily at the newstand on TV and radio, that we’ve almost become numb to.

It is to the advantage of every business owner that wants to survive to be engaging with their market in every platform. This would be considered online presence management. There’s an approach to online presence management that assumes your entire online persona or brand, all the platforms and keeps them active, running, and producing engagement for your brand.

Here are 3 approaches to creating this multi-touch outflow.

SEO – Most of you know what this is and the importance of this, but what most of you don’t know is how to use it so it parallels your content marketing strategy. All strategies must align in a forward force in order to create momentum. Content marketing using blog posts, pdf, podcasts, videos etc. should all be sent over to your SEO for ranking
Social Media – A social media marketing service should be used to engage users on these channels directly and indirectly so they can then be directed back to the website. Ways to do this can be ads, and my favorite, sharing your blog content.
This increases “social “signals” in the way of traffic from social media as well as Likes, Shares, tweets, and so forth.
PPC Retargeting – Some business owners have a real aversion to pay per click, I don’t get this. Why? By running PPC you can automatically have one more spot on the first page and one more channel to capture a lead. Regardless of your opinion of paid ads, you should at least be retargeting. For those of you who do not know how this works, it simply works by remarketing to visitors who come to your site. When a visitor goes to your website from any source (social, organic,offline) a cookie is dropped on their computer and now they will see your ads wherever they go. This is a great way to make the most out of your traffic.

There are more ways to increase your reach but if you just did these three you would be way ahead of your competition. Most businesses only focus their efforts on one of the top methods, imagine how much more business you could capture if you were fully utilizing all three. I promise to follow this post up with some more strategies. If you liked this post please share it, Like it, and Tweet it.

To your online success!
Craig

Optimizing Your Social Media Posting Schedule

Craig De Borba

The Ideal Social Media Posting Schedule

There’s a fine line between keeping followers informed and annoying them. Unfortunately, that line is most often crossed unaware. For instance, a company might have a social event and hourly live posts during the one day that a follower has a day full of stressful business meetings.

The constant feed updates or reminders become just one stress too many and CLICK – suddenly your social event has caused a loss in followers and future revenue.

That’s why it’s crucial to anticipate the needs and wishes of your social media community, so your advertising can help your business can grow. As you anticipate those needs, each social media platform should be handled independently. And even within one platform, you might consider alternative social media posting schedules. Take a closer look below.

Facebook Social Media Posting Schedule

Frequency: 5-10 times per week

Best Time: The frequency of 5-10 times per week means that a business should post about once each day. However, the best days for posting (if you plan to post less) are Thursday and Friday. Those days receive the best interaction. Likewise, 1-3pm posts typically encourage more likes and shares.

Twitter Social Media Posting Schedule

Frequency: 3-5 Tweets per day

Best Time: Three to five tweets is a sweet spot for most companies. However, a consistent once per day is better than an inconsistent three times every three days. And if you’re opting for one post each day, aim between 1-3pm as with Facebook.

Instagram Social Media Posting Schedule

Frequency: No more than once per day

Best Time: Instagram is equally popular and responsive every day of the week. However, the peak times are later in the day from 3-5pm.

Pinterest Social Media Posting Schedule

Frequency: Around 5 pins per day

Best Time: The number of pins isn’t as relevant as the timing. You may pin up to 30 items, just don’t “pin dump” them all at once. Spread them out over the evening hours between 6-9pm for optimal results.

Customizing a Social Media Posting Schedule to Your Company

These platform schedules are suggestions to form your social media presence and begin building your community. However, they are not perfect. Experimentation around these frequencies, days, and times can help you improve your interaction and expand your outreach. If you need help determining a social media posting schedule or need a California SEO expert and have questions about other online marketing services, contact OnPoint at (916) 293-0512 or pursue a free consultation.

Power Tips for Pay Per Click Advertising

Craig De Borba

What is Pay Per Click Advertising?

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a specific model of online marketing in which a company or advertiser pays a publisher when an ad is clicked. It’s used specifically to encourage website traffic, or wherever the ad redirects the viewer. This includes banner or block ads on social media platforms, blogs, or other host websites.

Tips for PPC Advertising

If your company is considering this method of online advertisement, you’ll want to make the most of your advertising dollars. That’s why we’ve created this list of power tips to amplify the effectiveness of your ad.

● Set a Campaign Goal – Do you simply want website traffic or are you trying to focus attention on one specific product, service, or event? Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, you’ll need to alter the language, keywords, and call to action.

● Stick to Your Budget – Advertising budgets may be in flux month to month, but they shouldn’t be ignored. It’s easy to get carried away by a campaign that is running particularly well (as far as the number of clicks).

● Be Persuasive but Succinct – A well-written ad will capture attention with minimal words. Too much content distracts the viewer from the whole point – clicking to learn more!

● Track the Journey – If you’re receiving clicks on your ad, the next step is analysis. Track where your traffic flows. What page do they land on and where do they click from there? Do they click away after page one? Depending on the traffic flow within the site, your might want to edit pages or even direct your ad traffic to a different page to begin with.

● Consider Your Host – Choose the right website or platform to host your campaign. Think about what type of traffic that website receives and if those viewers would be interested in what you offer. Not certain which to choose? Experiment and see where different types of ads perform best.

Beyond Pay Per Click Advertising

Pay-per-click advertising can be incredibly useful in funneling traffic when done right. But funneling traffic isn’t enough, especially when you combine local SEO and PPC together. The process of converting that traffic into revenue usually proves more difficult. If you need help tracking traffic through your website or analyzing how you can improve on conversion rates, contact OnPoint.

Business Benefits Of SEO Strategies

Craig De Borba

If you are a newcomer to the online business world, you will undoubtedly have thought about search engine optimization, but may be unsure about how, if at all, it can benefit your business. The fact is, however, that without search engine optimization, you could have a tough time getting your product or service, however good, in front of potential customers. In today’s world, the business benefits of SEO simply cannot be over-estimated.

Why is SEO Necessary?
If you need convincing, consider what you yourself do when you require any kind of product or service — if you are like 99% of the population, you go straight to the Internet and type what you need into a search engine. If, for instance, you want an acoustic guitar, when you carry out this search you will get 41 million results, only 10 to a page — and how many pages do you scroll down? Almost certainly, not more than one or two — that is, only 10 or 20 of that 41 million — and 99.9% of searchers never even see page 2.

This means that, whatever you are selling, you have to make sure your site is in that top 10 to have any hope of potential customers seeing your product. SEO is simply the process of developing your site so that it satisfies the criteria, or algorithms, of the search engines, to persuade them to rank it as high as possible. It’s not about having a pretty site, but about how relevant it is to the searcher, and whether the site gives the user a good experience.

Small Businesses in Particular
It seems obvious that this is an essential process for any business: if successful, it puts your product or service right in front of the people who are looking for that very thing, at the very time they are looking for it. In addition, it does so without any advertising outlay or pay-per-click costs. However, while it works for all businesses, it’s particularly good news for the small business or start-up.

As a small or new business owner, you are likely to feel at a disadvantage in all sorts of ways — you simply do not have the networking opportunities, or the marketing and advertising budgets, of your larger competitors. With Sacramento SEO, you can compete on completely equal terms. If you can optimize your site to occupy one of the top spots, you can increase your market share to a degree out of all proportion to your size.

Brand Awareness
This leads on to one of the biggest business benefits of SEO — the increase in brand awareness and credibility. This has a lot to do with the psychology of search engine users — it is almost universally assumed that companies on the first page, especially of Google, are bound to be more trustworthy, and provide the best quality products. What’s more, appearing on the first page for your targeted keywords will increasingly associate your brand with those keywords.

Increased ROI
Of course, the fact that there are no advertising costs means that the return on what is usually a modest initial investment can be very high, compared with other forms of marketing. Plus, of course, SEO is one of the few forms of marketing that continues working for you, long after the initial cost has been paid. Nowadays, SEO improves your ROI even more, by helping set up Google analytics, A/B split testing, and conversion optimization tools.

SEO once had a bad reputation because of black hat techniques used to manipulate results, but the search engines have put a stop to these. Nowadays, the business benefits of SEO are beyond doubt. Remember that if you are not carrying out SEO, the traffic, sales and market share you deserve and long for are being enjoyed by your competitors instead.

Sacramento Online Marketing Strategies For Lead Generation

Craig De Borba

Internet marketing strategies differ considerably, depending on goals, ethics, and numerous other factors. The Internet is an incredibly competitive place and growing increasingly so every day. Small business owners in Sacramento with modest budgets are in direct competition not only with other small businesses but also larger corporations with their richly funded Sacramento marketing departments. Attracting their attention is a difficult task as prospects are easily distracted on the information highway and on the various social media platforms.

Market the small business with affordable and practical solutions, as by joining LinkedIn. Free to use, it allows entrepreneurs to create a group where they can share valuable information and resources, and receive compensation through increased traffic to their sites.

Aim to be featured in a popular niche blog. Seek out the best blogs in the chosen niche and contact each owner. Suggest ideas and articles to write that would benefit their readers.

Write an E-book about a niche, or about particular industry-related issues. E-book sales can deliver impressive profits when uploaded to Amazon, but the ultimate goal is geared toward lead generation to lure readers to the desired website by generating interest from consumers for different purposes. Busy entrepreneurs or those who lack confidence in their writing skills should hire ghostwriters to produce their professionally written material.

An affordable book price will reach a wider audience. Use SEO services and direct marketing strategies, like email list marketing, to generate more leads. Businesses of all sizes use direct marketing because it seeks a call to action and emphasizes easily tracked and measurable responses and results. An Amazon E-book provides more than sale profits when the giant retailer is permitted to have a sneak peek of the book. Embedding those pages with links provides the opportunity to apply direct marketing strategies focused on the shoppers who did not purchase the book.

Create a sophisticated and smart YouTube video to market a business, on what may be the most powerful platform available today. Choose a headline that consists of popular niche-related keywords, with a clear message and a call to action. As most entrepreneurs already have the necessary equipment and software to create a decent online video, no further investment would be required.

Multiple ways of attracting targeted traffic to a website exist, with each one potentially increasing revenue-generating opportunities. Applying numerous techniques and strategies will continuously grow the list of leads to survive and thrive in the highly competitive business landscape.