Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to online business success. Millions of websites vie for attention to rank, and only those with the best SEO practices rank. However, search engine algorithms are dynamic, so a reliable SEO agency Los Angeles should keep you updated on SEO practices.
This article will dive into the best SEO practices to boost your visibility and traffic. You’ll find something relevant whether you’re an expert or a beginner.
Optimize Your Content for Search Intent
Search intent, commonly called user intent, is a term that describes content written for online search. In a technology-paced world, people purchase services and products online more than ever. Google has updated its algorithm to help users get what they search for.
Websites that rank on Google’s first page have passed the search intent test. For instance, if you search “how to bake a cake”, the top results from Google are either videos or blogs explaining how you can bake efficiently. In this case, the ecommerce pages selling baked cakes won’t appear. But if you search “buy baked cakes,” the ecommerce pages and product ads will pop up.
If you want your page to rank on Google, create content that aligns with search intent.
There are four types of search intent, including:
- Navigational intent: In this case, users are looking for a specific web page or website rather than looking for general information. Users with navigational intent know the company’s website they want to reach out to and prefer using search engines to find the website quickly. Google and other search engines recognize navigational intent and provide users with the most accurate and relevant results.
- Commercial investigation: As its name suggests, commercial investigation intent is where users search for a product with the aim of purchasing, but in the future. They evaluate services or products and make considerations. Users look for detailed information, including prices, comparisons, features, and reviews.
- Informational intent: This is where the user seeks specific information on a particular product, service, or topic. People with informational intent typically want to understand a concept, get instructions, and gather facts.
- Transactional intent: In this scenario, a user intends to perform a transaction. The intent is centered around taking a specific task with a clear goal in mind.
Image Optimization
Optimizing your images improve search engine visibility, user experience, and website performance. Properly optimized images display relevant information to Google and other search engines, load quickly, and boost the website’s quality.
Compress the images to boost the website loading speed. Aim to strike a balance between image clarity and file size reduction. Choose the appropriate format, such as JPEG format, for complex images. For simple logos and icons, SVG format is an ideal tool. These formatting tools scale the images well without losing clarity and quality.
When it comes to image optimization, giving the images relevant file names and description is essential. Use accurate names and descriptions, as search engines use file names when indexing. The text alt is an alternative to text information for search engines and screen readers to understand the content. Give your images descriptive and concise alt texts with a relevant keyword.
Where relevant, give your images captions for additional content and to enhance user experience. Captions contribute to keyword relevance and ranking. Ensure you implement lazy loading for the pictures. There are various libraries and plugins ideal for implementing lazy loading.
Professional Los Angeles SEO experts can also implement a responsive design to allow images to scale across different screens and device sizes. A responsive design improves mobile-friendliness and user experience.
Use Primary Keyword Appropriately
The primary keyword is a vital element search engines use to filter ranking results. It should be your key focus in your content. Your article cannot have two separate topics under the same article and still rank.
While keyword placement is necessary, the frequency and density percentage vary depending on what you want. But good practice dictates that you place keywords naturally throughout the article, but don’t overuse them since the article will feel spammy. Focus on giving valuable information and place the keyword where they make sense.
You need to incorporate keywords into the title tags but keep the title descriptive, compelling, and concise. Include it on meta descriptions even if they don’t directly impact search engine rankings.
Website Speed Optimization
In a technology-paced world, speed is an essential factor. Even with an appealing website, if loading takes forever, you’ll never thrive. Research shows that users wait for 3 seconds before losing focus. This means your website shouldn’t load more than 3 seconds, lest you lose traffic.
Faster websites have higher conversion rates, better user experience, rank in organic search, and experience lower bounce rates. In short, a slow website can hurt your brand.
Some of the factors that may affect speed include:
- Large images
- Traffic volume
- Heavy JavaScript and CSS use
- Too many plugins
- Poor hosting plan
It’s a good practice to reduce HTTP requests. Remove unnecessary JavaScript files, fonts, and images that could slow loading. You should also focus on compressing the images. You should also choose a reliable hosting service plan.
Enhance User Experience
When websites were designed, the primary focus was whether the website worked well and whether the information provided was helpful. However, user experience has evolved over the past few years. Today, web visitors want to fish for information and make transactions with minimal fuss.
Once you understand your customers’ limitations, motivation and abilities, you can work on improving their workflow. A straightforward design leads to easy navigation, allowing customers to complete their tasks quickly.
Find intelligent ways to provide guidance to web visitors. Offer contextual guidance and link your audience to proper documentation. Is your website accessible to individuals with disabilities? The code and design should support screen readers and keyboard navigation.
Wrapping Up
Although SEO practices are dynamic, the above five fundamental strategies will improve your website’s visibility and ranking. Regularly monitor the algorithm and trends to stay afloat in a competitive industry. Ensure you monitor the website’s performance and make the necessary adjustments to boost your rankings.
