In 2010, Google’s search results are becoming more focused on
results that are fast, fresh and visual. Now is your chance to get
your Website ready to make sure you are part of Google’s first page
crowd in 2010.
1) Are You Fast?
Google is going to judge you based on how fast your web pages load. You should aim to have your page load in 3 seconds or less.
If you are clocking in at over 3 seconds
you might try some of the following techniques (which your web master
or website designer can help you with): use CSS; limit the amount of
Flash on the site; use image heights and widths; check for broken
links; compress your JavaScript and CSS; cut back on cookies; review
server or hosting provider performance; and remove unnecessary images
and links.
2) Are You Fresh?
Static is just not cool anymore – no
matter how many people like your site. Demand for fresh and new
content is on the rise. Make sure your content is updated very
frequently and is keeping up with the times. Incorporate a news feed
and a blog. Not sure what to blog about? Subscribe to industry
newsletters or blogs. Similarly, sign up for Google Alerts, or check
out Yahoo Answers to get the ideas flowing.
3) Are You Photogenic?
With Caffeine comes a stronger blend of
more visually appealing results. Images are going to have a front row
seat so make good use of images on your website. Don’t go overboard
here, but just enough to help get your message across to visitors. Be
sure to optimize your images for SEO by using the following techniques:
a. Make sure your alt attribute, description and surrounding text include blends of your keywords
b. Have your file name include your keywords; make sure keywords are separated by hyphens
c. Use image header titles – H2s or H3s with your keywords
d. Add an images sitemap
e. Make sure your incoming link anchor text is relevant to keywords
4) Are You Ready for the Oscars?
Caffeine’s blended results won’t just
stop at images – think video! Engage and communicate with visitors
using embedded video on your website. Make sure your video is engaging
and short so it’s easily digestible. After you add your video, you’ll
need to optimize your video for SEO:
a. Host the video on your site rather than YouTube or other 3rd party sites
b. Submit the video to Google using xml tools (in addition to submitting your page)
c. Make sure your title and tags include blends your keywords.
d. Make sure the video file name includes keywords separated by hyphen only
e. Makes sure the surrounding text includes your keywords – think transcription highlights
f. Add a video sitemap
g. Ensure inbound link anchor text is relevant to keywords
5) Are You Social?
Google’s 2010 results also blend in
real-time results from social networks, so it’s important to make sure
you have an active and popular presence in those spots. If you
haven’t already – create a Facebook page and Twitter account for your
business and get active!
a. Make sure your social profiles here are optimized with the same keyword focus as your website
b. Be active in the communities with frequent, relevant posts
c. Become popular in the communities – getting lots of fans and followers from the popular people of your space
d. Go easy on the hashtags in your Tweets
6) Are You Local?
Looks like the local results are about
to get even bigger. If you don’t already have a local business center
account – get one right now. And if you are on local – make sure to
optimize your listing.
a. Complete your profile – optimize it
for your top target keywords, include blends of your keywords in
categories and descriptions – but don’t include too much stuff that you
dilute your true focus
b. Make sure your local geographic areas served are clearly included on your website
c. Make sure your website is registered to the correct address
d. Get links from local press and have inbound link anchor text that includes your geo-target
e. Include photo and video content
f. Get your customers and partners to post positive reviews for your business
g. Monitor your reputation and address negative reviews
7) Do you Leave a Trail?
Instead of that single URL, Google is
now displaying breadcrumbs in the search results – giving your display
a chance to be much easier to digest and providing multiple links for
searchers to click on so they can easily get to the best spot on your
website. For instance:
www.websitename.com > Product Line > Product Name
If you think your SERP listing would be
better served with this display, you’ll need to make sure your website
has clear breadcrumb navigation.
Are you ready to start? We recommend that your website be in good
shape first before you caffeinate it. So, before you start, make sure
you’ve got the basics covered – for instance, your page is attractive
and user-friendly, or your existing page title, tags, descriptions,
content and inbound links are relevant to the keywords you are focusing
on. Once you’ve got your basics covered, begin your push to a fast,
fresh and visual website and we’ll see you on page one in 2010.
