Dynamic flow of web traffic represented in an infographic, enhanced by Salterra SEO Company's effective SEO techniques. Boost your site's traffic with our help.

A Brief Guide To SEO

Most internet users go on search engines whenever they want to find answers on the internet. Looking at the number of websites that exist today, it is only logical that these search engines must devise a way of presenting you with the most relevant answers to the queries submitted by the search engines. This is essentially what SEO is all about.

Search Engine Optimization is the art of driving targeted traffic to your website from search engines. Websites must improve their pages and other aspects to rank highly for specific queries. If you own a business with online visibility, it is imperative to strive to appear on the top pages so your customers can find you when they are looking.

Importance of SEO

In a nutshell, search engines are a significant source of traffic. Statistics indicate that nearly 60% of all the traffic on the internet begins with a Google search.  While you can get web visibility through other sources, such as paid advertisements, it could require you to invest a lot of money before you can garner significant visitors. Furthermore, more prominent companies with many resources will spend more than you, and their campaigns will overshadow yours. This way, SEO is a fair and natural way of appearing to your visitors by optimizing your site to fit some of the specifications listed. These results are entirely based on merit, and the moment you appear on the top pages, your business will reap huge rewards.

How do Search Engines Work?

It has been mentioned that when you search for anything in search engines, Google tries to match your query with the best answer. It does this by scanning billions of pages to find the best answer. But how does it determine this ‘best’ result? Google does not publicly specify the exact specifications of its ranking algorithm. Still, based on the statements and updates released, it is easy to know the factors used to determine the rankings.

In recent years, ‘relevance’ has emerged as the top keyword, and Google tries to match the keywords on your query with those on a particular web page. However, keyword matching is not the only thing determining the rank, as you can find thousands of pages with a specific keyword. Another factor that comes into play is the authority of the pages. This is important since Google wants results from trustworthy and accurate sources. It determines this by looking at the pages linked to your page.

Lastly, it looks at the usefulness of the content on your page. Google strives to give you results that are easy to comprehend and will help you answer your questions. These are the main factors, but others still affect the rankings.

Search Engine Ranking Factors

Ranking factors are constantly changing, but some have been prevalent for a long time. Here are some of them;

  • Content quality.
  • Content uniqueness.
  • Fully crawlable pages.
  • Mobile optimized web pages.
  • Number and quality of backlinks.
  • Domain authority.
  • Anchor text.
  • Site speed.
  • Keyword usage.
  • Google RankBrain.

SEO is an Internet marketing technique that allows small businesses to attract a fair share of customers looking for online goods and services. There is no surefire way to rank highly on Google, as the exact algorithm specifications are not public. However, the guidelines tell you how to improve your site for users and offer the most relevant information and answers to those seeking your offer.

Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, owners of even the smallest businesses can now reach out to their market and promote their brands online. There are affordable SEO services that you can use to promote your website ranking as you spread necessary information about your products and services.

In addition to being cost-effective, the best SEO services should also help you develop content and infrastructure that will boost your online ranking. Here are a few tips that you can use to ensure that you will get the best value for your bucks, especially when it comes to using Search Engine Optimization to promote your brand online.

Use your Service to Pinpoint the Right Keywords

While content may be king, using the right keywords to craft your website’s content is necessary. These keywords should correspond to the terms your potential customers use when searching for information in your field of expertise. They should also be appropriately integrated into the content you will host on your online portal.

The best SEO services can help you create an effective keyword arsenal for your online content. This collection will help you create a more impactful copy for your consumers and the search engines. You can also review this list and decide which keywords will go well for specific parts of your website.

Reconnaissance via Competitor Analysis

If you advertise and promote your website online, there is a great chance that your competitors are doing the same thing. Hit them where it hurts and get the help you need to analyze their SEO tactics to mount better efforts that will reap better results.

Consider signing up for a competitor analysis service when subscribing to SEO services. Coupled with impactful and keyword-rich content, this analysis will help you be at par with your competitors. You can also maximize this two-pronged approach because you will level the playing field as you take the necessary steps to make your website pop.

Ensure Quality with Link Profile Audits

With content and strategy taken care of, you may now focus on refining your infrastructure. Analyzing and auditing your link profile, for example, will help you avoid penalties that your site may get due to spammy and paid links.

The best SEO services can help ensure you only use the correct inbound links to increase your ranking. Business-based website managers usually make the mistake of thinking there is strength in numbers when it comes to link building. This cannot be further from the truth. Hosting low-quality links will wreak havoc on your site rank.

To prevent yourself from making the same mistake, sign up for SEO services from Salterra. We will help you analyze your existing link profile and pinpoint which ones your website is better off without.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEO

What is SEO?

SEO stands for “search engine optimization” and focuses on growing visibility from the free, organic (non-paid) search results on search engines such as Google or Bing. SEO uses technical and creative elements that will increase awareness, improve rankings, and drive traffic from search engines. There are so many facets of SEO to learn about, from the keywords on your page to the way other sites link to you. SEO is a sustainable, long-term strategy that will make your site search engine friendly and better for visitors too.

Here at Salterra SEO, we want to make SEO understandable for everyone! If you are committed to improving your rankings and are new to SEO, we recommend reading this guide front-to-back, but feel free to read ahead if you’re an SEO guru.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your website so that it can be found in an organic search query, as long as the intent of the user is to find local information that matches the content on your website.
These searches will typically include a geographical indicator such as a city or zip code along with the business or product they’re looking for. An example of this search query is “hotels near Saratoga Springs Race Tack”, the search engine would then display websites with content that matches this query.
A consumer can do a search query without a geo-qualifier if they have the location function enabled on their device. This search query would look similar to “car repair shop near me”. Including “near me” helps the search engine determine that you are looking for something that is local to you, as opposed to something irrelevant.

SEO is the gift that keeps on giving. Organic listings are basically free. The majority of traffic comes from major search engines like Google and Bing. With just a bit of effort on your end you will see an increase in awareness and a definite increase in traffic. It’s time to take your site to the next level and get the thousands of visitors you deserve.

Higher visibility means credibility. Plain and simple, Google is the most authoritative search engine and ranking in the top search results will create brand credibility. Search engines are unique from social media-driven traffic because they provide targeted traffic, meaning people are seeking what you offer. If search engines don’t “see” your site that means you are missing out on potential viewers/customers.

SEO is gaining ground. Your competitors are realizing the benefits of SEO and are already taking advantage of them. Even though you might be offering better content or services, your competitors that use SEO are higher up in the ranks. Let us help you get noticed!

Access to data. Access to that keyword data and seeing what your visitors are searching for means you can discover new ways to expand. Use this to your advantage because this data has the potential to bring you thousands of visitors or sales.

Permanent Results. Remember, SEO is sustainable and its effects are permanent. With regular site maintenance and keeping your visitors engaged with great content and strong site structure, you should be well on your way to that top spot!

Why do search engines not understand my site without SEO?

Simply put, if the major search engines can’t easily crawl your website then you are unlikely to rank. Your site needs to be easy for search engine bots to understand and the key ingredient to search engines efficiently crawling your site is good site architecture. For a more in-depth explanation of this, read our article about On-Page SEO. Good website structure means that all of your most important pages are viewable within a couple of clicks from the homepage. This makes your content easily accessible to not only search engines but visitors too.

Can I do my own SEO?

Of course! With guides like ours and a strong desire to learn about SEO, you are soon to become an SEO guru! We provide a Basic SEO Report Card so that you can begin to climb the ranks yourself. Each section of our SEO guide will provide you with the most efficient ways to harness the full power of Search Engine Optimization! Of course, we would love to partner with you on your SEO project. Salterra can advise or take on the whole project, leaving you to run your business.

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Why Trust Salterra Digital Services

Salterra Digital Services  is a leading digital marketing agency specializing in a full suite of services designed to elevate your brand and grow your business. With a laser focus on delivering exceptional results, Salterra has cultivated a reputation for excellence in the field.

Meet the Founders: Terry and Elisabeth Samuels

Terry and Elisabeth Samuels, the founders of Salterra, have over two decades of combined experience in the digital marketing landscape. Their passion for helping businesses succeed fuels the constant innovation and top-notch service that Salterra is known for.

Terry Samuels leads Salterra’s Digital Marketing Division with sons Skyler and Brandon Samuels and a carefully curated staff of SEO Specialists. Elisabeth Samuels leads the Salterra Design and Development Division with her daughter Moraelin Bundy and her staff of project managers, designers, and full-stack developers.

Salterra’s Core Services:

  • Search Engine Optimization: Mastering the art of search engine visibility to put your brand in the spotlight.
  • PPC Advertising: Strategically leveraging paid advertising for optimal reach and ROI.
  • Email Marketing: Crafting compelling email campaigns that foster engagement and drive conversions.
  • Brand Building: Cultivating your brand’s voice, look, and feel for a cohesive and memorable presence.
  • Content Strategy: Creating and distributing relevant content to attract a clearly defined audience.
  • Social Media Branding: Engaging your community through tailored social media strategies.
  • Web Design & Development: Crafting a strong UX/UI website that converts visitors into customers.
  • Reputation Management: Safeguarding your brand’s reputation through active monitoring and positive engagement.
  • SEO University: Teaching Agencies, Free Lancers, and Small Businesses Foundational Search Engine Optimization
  • SEO Spring Training Conference: Salterra is the host of an annual training conference and multiple masterminds around the world.

Location:

Worldwide Reach from Tempe, AZ: Though based in the vibrant city of Tempe, Arizona, Salterra serves a global clientele, extending its world-class services to businesses worldwide.

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