SEO Basics: How does SEO Work

See the bottom of this article for a glossary of terms

As a web design agency, we understand that the term "SEO" might sound like a foreign language to many of our clients. Fear not – in this post, we'll demystify SEO, unravel its mysteries, and shed light on why it's crucial for the success of your website.

How does SEO Work?

Google and other search engines use an algorithm to crawl all of the websites on the internet and then index them based on the content that on the website. When a person searches for something in Google, the search engine looks through its index and shows the results it thinks are most suitable on the Search Results Page. SEO works by updating a website to enhance the chance that the search engine displays the site.

SEO ultimately stands for Search Engine Optimisation. This just means making adjustments to your website over time to increase the chance that it is shown on search results.

To understand how SEO works, you need to know what a keyword is. Google shows results to searchers based on the "search term" they type in. Google breaks up a search term into "keywords". For example a user could type:

"Used car dealership near me"

Google will see two keywords in this term:

1. Used car dealership

2. Near me

Google will look at the location of the user and then look for websites that are listed as used car dealerships in the area that the user has searched.

If a user types in "best recipes for macaroni cheese", Google then looks at all websites that have a page titled "Best recipe for Macaroni Cheese". Certainly there will be thousands of website with that page. So Google then looks at a number of factors at determining which website to show to the searcher. The process of updating your site to maximise these factors is the process of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

To briefly touch on the points that Google looks at without going into too much detail I have provided a short list of the factors which Google considers:

1. How old is the website

2. How many page visits does the page get

3. If a user visits the page do they spend time on it or just leave quickly after arriving

4. Does the page have a god amount of written content (between 500 and 1000 words)

5. Does the page have pictures

6. Does the page have videos

7. Is the page mobile friendly

8. Is the page optimised for users who are hard of sight

9. Is the page easy to use

10. Is the page structured clearly

11. Do other websites link to this page

That list is by no means the full list of things that the Google Algorithm considers, but hose are some of the most crucial elements.

Why New Websites Don't Rank High in Google:

Launching a new website is exciting, but don't be disheartened if it doesn't skyrocket to the top of Google's search results immediately. Search engines need time to discover, crawl, and index your site. Additionally, competition is fierce, and established websites have a head start in building authority. Patience is key, as the age of a website is one of the factors Google considers when ranking pages.

Google values sites that publish new content regularly. This is because Google sees that as valuable to the website visitors. If you want your new website to do well on Google make sure to have a content strategy in place that allows you to publish content regularly. This is why many websites have blog sections.

Why Your Site May Not Rank for the Terms You Want Initially:

While it's a worthy goal, instant gratification is rare in the SEO world. Google's algorithms evaluate numerous factors, including relevance, content quality, and user experience. It takes time for your site to earn credibility and relevance, so stay committed to the long game.

If you want your site to rank for specific keywords you need to make sure that you have those keywords present on your site. If there is a very specific keyword you want to rank for then it is a good idea to have a dedicated page that has that keyword as the title. For example if you are hairdresser and you want to be displayed when people search for "men's haircuts", then you should have a page on your site titled "men's haircuts". You should also mention the term on other places in your website too, for example you might have a page called "services" and then have a section that page titled "men's haircuts" that links to the men's haircuts page.

Strategies for SEO Success:

While there are many different strategies for SEO success these are the core ones that never change:

1. Quality Content: Craft engaging, relevant, and well-structured content that addresses your audience's needs. Regularly update your website with fresh and valuable information.

2. Keyword Optimisation: Identify and integrate relevant keywords naturally into your content, titles, and meta tags. Be strategic, avoiding keyword stuffing, as it can harm rather than help.

3. User Experience Matters: Ensure your website is user-friendly, with easy navigation and fast loading times. A positive user experience contributes to higher rankings.

4. Build Quality Backlinks: Establish links from reputable websites to yours. Quality over quantity is crucial; Google values links from authoritative sources.

Google Ads as a Quick Fix:

If you're eager for immediate results, Google Ads can provide a shortcut to visibility. These paid ads can place your website at the top of search results for specific keywords. While it's a quick fix, remember that it's a temporary solution that requires ongoing investment.

SEO Is an Ongoing Process:

Think of SEO as a marathon, not a sprint. It's not a one-time task but a continuous effort. Regularly update your site, adapt to algorithm changes, and stay informed about industry trends. Consistency and persistence will pay off in the long run.

SEO relies of analysing the data from your website and updating the website accordingly. Remember that Google expects you to keep your website up to date and to publish new and interesting content for your users regularly.

Your website is dynamic entity that requires monitoring and upkeep in order for it to work for you.

Conclusion: Come up with a strategy and commit to it. Results come to those who persistently work towards the outcome they want.

SEO is the secret sauce that transforms your website from a hidden gem to a shining star in the online world. Embrace the journey, invest in quality content and user experience, and consider Google Ads for a speedy ascent. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint – with time, dedication, and the right strategies, your website will climb the ranks and reach new heights.

If you need help with your SEO or if this post has sparked your interest you can always book a call with us to discuss your site, go through your analytics and come up with a strategy to start ranking higher in searches.

SEO Glossary of Terms:

1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The process of optimizing a website to improve its visibility on search engines and increase organic (non-paid) traffic.

2. SERP (Search Engine Results Page): The page displayed by a search engine in response to a user's query, showcasing a list of relevant websites and their rankings.

3. Keywords: Specific terms or phrases users enter into search engines. Incorporating relevant keywords into content helps improve a website's visibility for those terms.

4. Meta Tags: HTML tags that provide information about a web page to search engines. Key meta tags include the title tag, meta description, and meta keywords.

5. Backlinks: Links from other websites to your site. Quality backlinks from reputable sources can boost your site's authority and search engine rankings.

6. Crawling: The process by which search engine bots systematically browse and index web pages, collecting information to determine their relevance.

7. Indexing: Storing and organizing the information collected during crawling in a search engine's database, making it retrievable for future search queries.

8. Algorithm: The complex set of rules and calculations search engines use to determine the relevance and ranking of web pages in search results.

9. PageRank: Google's algorithmic method of measuring the importance and authority of a web page based on the quantity and quality of its backlinks.

10. Alt Text: Descriptive text added to an image tag in HTML, providing information about the image. Alt text is crucial for accessibility and can also impact SEO.

11. Canonical URL: The preferred URL of a web page, used to avoid duplicate content issues. Canonical tags indicate the primary version of a page to search engines.

12. Organic Traffic: Visitors who come to a website through unpaid (organic) search engine results, as opposed to paid advertising.

13. Anchor Text: The clickable text in a hyperlink. Using relevant and descriptive anchor text can contribute to the SEO value of the linked page.

14. Local SEO: Optimization strategies focused on improving a website's visibility in local search results, often essential for businesses targeting a specific geographic area.

15. Sitemap: A file that lists all the pages on a website, helping search engines understand its structure and index its content more effectively.

16. Robots.txt: A text file placed in a website's root directory that instructs search engine bots which pages to crawl and which to avoid.

17. 404 Error: An HTTP status code indicating that a requested page is not found on the server, potentially leading to a negative impact on SEO if not addressed.

18. Long Tail Keywords: Specific and often longer search phrases that target niche audiences. They can be less competitive and may result in higher conversion rates.

19. Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors who navigate away from a website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate may signal issues with content or user experience.

20. Conversion Rate: The percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form. Tracking conversions is vital for assessing the effectiveness of SEO efforts.

Unleash the Power of Profits: Crafting Landing Pages That Convert like Magic!

As a leading expert in the field of web design, Marshall Arts has left an indelible mark on over 200 businesses to create websites that not only captivate but convert. In this post we want to explain the intersection of creativity and functionality as we guide you through the essentials of building a high-converting landing page that will set your business apart in the competitive online arena.

Landing pages should impress and immediately tell the audience what they can do on your site

Introduction: The Importance of a High-Converting Landing Page

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the heartbeat of online success resonates within the realms of a high-converting landing page. Your website is your virtual storefront, and the landing page serves as the welcoming threshold where visitors transition from casual observers to engaged customers.

At Marshall Arts, we understand the pivotal role a well-crafted landing page plays in not just attracting attention but in orchestrating a seamless journey towards conversion. A high-converting landing page is not merely a virtual placeholder; it's a strategic masterpiece designed to captivate, convince, and convert visitors into valuable leads and customers.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Landing Page

The success of a landing page hinges on its critical components—each element crafted to guide visitors towards conversion. The journey begins with the first impression, shaped by the headline, subheadline, and call-to-action (CTA). The headline serves as the virtual handshake, capturing attention and succinctly communicating your offering. Complementing this is the subheadline, providing a brief yet compelling extension that entices visitors to explore further. However, the true magic lies in the call-to-action; it's the catalyst that transforms passive visitors into active participants, guiding them towards the next steps in their journey.

Crafting Compelling Copy: Communicating Value Proposition

Beyond aesthetics, the written word holds the power to persuade and captivate. Crafting compelling copy is an art form at Marshall Arts. It involves distilling your brand's value proposition into clear, concise language that resonates with your target audience. Our wordsmiths delve into the core of your business, extracting key messages that communicate benefits, solve pain points, and instil a sense of urgency.

Captivating Visuals: The Power of Images and Videos

In the age of visual culture, captivating imagery and videos are non-negotiable elements of a high-converting landing page. Modern businesses have to understand the impact of visually engaging content, leveraging the power of images and videos to tell compelling stories. From striking visuals that evoke emotions to informative videos that showcase your products or services in action, our design team employs a strategic blend of creativity and functionality. By harnessing the visual appeal, we ensure that your landing page is not just informative but an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Don't try to be original, just try to be good

Trust Builders: Testimonials, Trust Seals, and Social Proof

In the digital realm, building trust is paramount. Marshall Arts integrates trust-building elements seamlessly into every landing page, employing strategies such as client testimonials, trust seals, and social proof.

Authentic testimonials provide real-world validation of your offerings, instilling confidence in potential customers.

Trust seals, such as secure payment badges and industry certifications, signal reliability and security.

Furthermore, the integration of social proof, such as user reviews and statistics, creates a sense of community and reinforces the credibility of your brand.

Trust is the currency of online business, and our design approach ensures that your landing page becomes a beacon of reliability in the vast digital landscape.

Responsive Design for Maximum Impact

In a world where digital interaction spans across various devices, responsive design stands as the cornerstone of a successful online presence. At Marshall Arts, we embrace the philosophy of creating websites that seamlessly adapt to the diverse landscape of user interfaces, prioritising a mobile-first approach that ensures your landing page shines on every screen.

Responsive web design means your site looks good on all screen sizes

The Mobile-First Approach: Designing for All Devices

The statistics speak for themselves—mobile usage has skyrocketed, and Google's algorithms now prioritise mobile-friendly websites. With this in mind, we always employ a mobile-first approach, ensuring that every landing page not only looks visually stunning on smartphones and tablets but also provides an optimal user experience. By prioritising mobile responsiveness, you guarantee that your audience receives a consistent and engaging experience regardless of the device they use.

Page Load Speed: Why Every Second Matters

Every mili-second counts. Page load speed is not just a performance metric; it's a make-or-break factor for user experience and search engine rankings. At Marshall Arts, we understand the impatience of today's online users. Commitment to optimising page load speed ensures that visitors are greeted swiftly, reducing bounce rates and keeping your audience engaged. From image optimisation to streamlined website elements and code, our approach guarantees that your landing page not only captivates but does so with lightning-fast efficiency.

User-Friendly Navigation: Guiding Visitors Seamlessly

Responsive web design is achieved through platforms like Wix Studio

A well-designed landing page is akin to a well-orchestrated journey, and intuitive navigation is the compass that guides visitors seamlessly through the experience. Our design philosophy at Marshall Arts revolves around creating clear and user-friendly navigation that empowers visitors to explore effortlessly. From strategically placed menus to intuitive scrolling patterns, we ensure that your audience can effortlessly navigate your landing page, uncovering the information they seek without unnecessary friction. The result is an experience that resonates positively, encouraging visitors to delve deeper into what your business has to offer.

Clear and Concise Forms: Simplifying the Conversion Process

The conversion process often culminates in a form submission, making the design of these forms a critical aspect of your landing page. At Marshall Arts, we advocate for clarity and simplicity. By strategically placing clear and concise forms, you can streamline the conversion process, reducing friction and encouraging visitors to take that crucial next step. Our forms are designed with the end-user in mind, striking the right balance between gathering essential information and providing a hassle-free experience.

In the upcoming section, we'll delve into the art of crafting compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) that propel visitors towards conversion.

Call-to-Action (CTA) Mastery

The call-to-action (CTA) takes centre stage. At Marshall Arts, we recognise that crafting an irresistible CTA involves a delicate balance of persuasive language, strategic placement, and an understanding of the psychology that drives user actions.

These are some of the most common CTA's on websites we build

Crafting Irresistible CTAs: Language and Placement

The language used in your CTA is the spark that ignites action. Our design philosophy at Marshall Arts focuses on creating CTAs that resonate with your audience's desires and needs. Whether it's a button enticing users to "Unlock Exclusive Offers" or a form prompting them to "Start Your Journey Today," we meticulously choose language that compels visitors to take the next step. Equally important is the strategic placement of CTAs. Through careful analysis of user behaviour, we position CTAs where they are most likely to capture attention and prompt engagement, ensuring that your landing page is a roadmap guiding visitors towards conversion.

A/B Testing: Finding the Perfect CTA Formula

The quest for the perfect CTA is an ongoing journey of refinement, and A/B testing is our compass. At Marshall Arts, we believe in data-driven design decisions. Through rigorous A/B testing, we explore variations in CTA language, colours, shapes, and placement to identify the formula that resonates most effectively with your audience. This iterative process allows us to fine-tune your landing page continuously, ensuring that every element, especially the CTA, is optimised for maximum impact. By analysing user interactions and conversion rates, we refine the CTA formula until it becomes a compelling catalyst for action.

Urgency and Scarcity: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Techniques

Harnessing the power of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a tried-and-true technique in CTA mastery. Creating a sense of urgency and scarcity compels visitors to act promptly, fearing they might miss out on a valuable opportunity. Our design team at Marshall Arts strategically incorporates elements like countdown timers, limited-time offers, and exclusive deals to evoke a sense of urgency. By infusing your CTAs with a time-sensitive allure, we motivate visitors to make decisions swiftly, translating into higher conversion rates and a sense of satisfaction for your audience.

As we navigate through the art of crafting a high-converting landing page, the next section will explore the seamless integration of branding elements, ensuring that your landing page not only converts but also reflects the essence of your brand.

Seamless Integration with Branding

In the visual tapestry of a high-converting landing page, the integration of branding elements plays a pivotal role. At Marshall Arts, we recognise that a well-crafted landing page is not only an avenue for conversion but also an extension of your brand's identity. Let's explore the key aspects of seamless integration that elevate your landing page into a cohesive and authentic representation of your brand.

Consistent Branding: Colours, Fonts, and Imagery

A landing page is your visitor's first impression of your business

Consistency is the heartbeat of effective branding, and it extends harmoniously into the realm of web design. At Marshall Arts, we adhere to the principle of consistent branding, ensuring that the colours, fonts, and imagery used on your landing page align seamlessly with your established brand identity. The careful selection of a colour palette that resonates with your brand, the choice of fonts that reflect your tone, and imagery that encapsulates your essence collectively create a visual language that not only captivates visitors but also reinforces brand recognition. Through this alignment, we create an immersive experience that leaves a lasting imprint on your audience.

Aligning Message and Tone: Ensuring Brand Cohesion

The messaging on your landing page is a direct reflection of your brand's voice and personality. Our approach at Marshall Arts involves aligning of the message and tone, ensuring that every word on your landing page resonates with the core values and identity of your brand. Whether your brand exudes professionalism, creativity, or innovation, your content strategy should be tailored to echo your unique voice. This alignment fosters a sense of cohesion, presenting a unified front that reinforces your brand's identity and establishes a connection with your audience.

Building Trust through Brand Recognition

Trust is the bedrock of successful online interactions, and brand recognition is a key contributor to building that trust. Through consistent branding elements, from logo placement to colour schemes, one should aim to create an instantly recognisable visual signature for your brand. As visitors navigate your landing page, the seamless integration of familiar brand elements reinforces trust and credibility. By establishing a visual connection between your landing page and your broader brand presence, you ensure that every interaction contributes to building a relationship of trust with your audience.

Analysing and Optimising Performance

The journey towards a high-converting landing page doesn't end with its creation—it evolves through continuous analysis and optimisation. At Marshall Arts, we leverage powerful tools, including Wix's robust analytics features, Google Search Console, SE Ranking and SEMRUSH, to empower website owners with data-driven insights. Let's delve into the critical components of analysing and optimising performance to ensure your landing page not only meets but exceeds its conversion potential.

The Role of Analytics: Tracking User Behaviour

Analytics serves as the compass guiding your digital strategy. Wix's analytics, combined with tools like Google Search Console, SE Ranking and SEMRUSH allow us to dive deep into user behaviour. From understanding traffic sources, the specific keywords that resulted in a site visit from search engines, to identifying popular landing page elements, these tools provide invaluable insights. By tracking metrics such as bounce rates, time-on-page, button clicks and user pathways, we gain a comprehensive understanding of how visitors interact with your landing page. This data becomes the foundation for informed decision-making, guiding subsequent optimisations for enhanced user engagement and increased conversions.

A/B Testing: Iterative Improvements for Maximum Impact

The landscape of digital design is inherently iterative, and A/B testing stands as a powerful technique for iterative improvements. A/B testing, along with other external tools, enable us to test variations of elements like headlines, visuals, and CTAs. By comparing performance metrics between different versions, we identify what resonates most effectively with your audience. A/B testing empowers us to make informed decisions, refining and optimising your landing page incrementally to ensure it evolves with the changing dynamics of user preferences and behaviours.

Staying Ahead with Continuous Optimisation

Staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous optimisation. Wix provides real-time data that allows us to adapt to evolving user trends and search engine algorithms. Continuous optimisation involves analysing the performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategic changes to enhance user experience and drive conversions. By staying vigilant and responsive to user feedback and analytics data, you can ensure that your landing page remains not only relevant but a leader in its conversion potential.

Harnessing the power of these analytical tools, Marshall Arts is committed to crafting landing pages that not only captivate but adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. In our final section, we'll wrap up our exploration by summarising the key takeaways and inviting businesses to embark on a transformative journey with Marshall Arts Web Design.

Conclusion: High impact landing pages increase conversions and therefore profit

As we conclude this journey through the art and science of crafting a high-converting landing page, the spotlight remains on the transformative power that lies within your website.

Key Takeaways:

1. Critical Components Matter: From compelling headlines and subheadlines to strategically placed call-to-action buttons, every element plays a crucial role in guiding visitors towards conversion.

2. Responsive Design is Non-Negotiable: Embrace a mobile-first approach, prioritise fast page load speeds, ensure user-friendly navigation, and simplify the conversion process with clear and concise forms.

3. CTA Mastery is an Art: Craft irresistible calls-to-action with persuasive language, strategic placement, and incorporate FOMO techniques through urgency and scarcity to prompt immediate action.

4. Seamless Brand Integration is a Visual Symphony: Consistent branding elements in terms of colours, fonts, and imagery, aligned with your brand's message and tone, build trust and foster brand recognition.

5. Analytics Drive Continuous Improvement: Leverage powerful tools such as Wix Analytics, Google Search Console, SE Ranking, SEMRUSH, and Analytics to track user behaviour, conduct A/B testing, and continuously optimise your landing page for maximum impact.

Embark on a Transformative Journey with Marshall Arts:

Ready to revolutionise your online presence? Contact Marshall Arts Web Design today to breathe new life into your existing website with a high-impact landing page. Our team of experts is dedicated to understanding your unique business needs, aligning with your brand identity, and crafting a landing page that not only captivates but converts visitors into loyal customers.

In a digital landscape where first impressions are paramount, creating a virtual storefront that not only reflects the essence of your brand but serves as a powerful catalyst for business growth. Let Marshall Arts be the brushstroke that transforms your website into a masterpiece of digital success. Contact us today and embark on a transformative journey with Marshall Arts.

Mastering the Art of Blog Writing for SEO: Best Practices and Evolution

Here is what to expect in this article:

1. History and evolution of blogging

2. Intersection blog writing and SEO strategy

3. Key ranking factors for Google

4. Best practices for SEO blog writing

5. Blog writing minimums

6. Blogging frequency guide

7. Conclusions

8. A note on AI generated blogs

A blog post has many components, how do you focus on the right ones?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, blogs have become a fundamental digital strategy tool for businesses, content creators, and individuals looking to establish their online presence. A blog provides websites with the ability to bake keywords into their pages while demonstrating authority in their fields.

As the digital world has grown, so has the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) for blogs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the history of blog writing, its convergence with SEO, the evolution of Google's ranking factors, and the best practices for optimizing your blog posts to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).

A Journey Through the History of Blog Writing

Before we dive into the world of SEO, let's take a brief trip down memory lane to explore the history of blog writing.

The Dawn of Blogging

Blogs, short for "weblogs," emerged in the late 1990s as personal online journals. Early bloggers used platforms like Blogger and LiveJournal to share their thoughts, experiences, and stories with a limited audience. These were simple, text-heavy websites with minimal formatting (like most of the internet was back in 1999)

The internet back in 1999 - most bloggers have probably never seen this.

Blogging Goes Mainstream

The early 2000s witnessed the proliferation of blogs across the internet. They became platforms for discussing various topics, including technology, travel, fashion, and more. As the popularity of blogging grew, so did the need for improved visibility in search engines. Search engines use complex algorithms to crawl, index, and rank web content based on relevance and quality, ultimately selecting the most suitable results to display to users. The methods that the search engines use to do this job are numerous and they change all the time, though the core mission of the search engines always stay the same: show the searcher the most valuable content.

(keep this concept of "value" in your mind as this is the most important thing when it comes to blogging - creating valuable content for your audience)

The Intersection of Blog Posts and SEO

The convergence of blog posts and SEO took place in the mid-2000s when marketers recognized the potential of optimizing content for search engines to increase organic traffic. This marked the beginning of a new era for bloggers, where writing engaging content alone was no longer sufficient. In the beginning, this simply meant posting A LOT! Companies flooded the internet with text about their products and services and for a while this was a sufficient "hack" to get a lot of traffic. Of course, today the search algorithms are not so primitive and this tactic is no longer relevant.

The Birth of SEO for Blogs

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) became a crucial aspect of blogging as bloggers realized that they could reach a broader audience by optimizing their content for search engines. This era saw the emergence of practices like keyword optimization, meta tags, and link building. If you are not familiar with those concepts, click the links on any of those topics and read a little more about them - they are a fundamental part of blogging for SEO.

The Panda and Penguin Updates

In 2011, Google introduced the Panda and Penguin updates, which aimed to improve the quality of search results by penalizing low-quality content and manipulative link-building practices. This forced bloggers to focus on producing high-quality, valuable content.

This is arguably the most important pivot in the short history of SEO and was the foundation for most of the updates we have seen in years since 2011. Ultimately since 2011 the algorithm developers have been focused on refining the search engine's ability to identify value for the searcher. Every year we get at least one big update to the algorithm, to start learning more about the 2023 update, click here.

In recent years there has been a big focus on what Google calls E-A-T. Here is quick excerpt from the Search Engine Journal about what E-A-T is:

E-A-T is one of many guidelines Google uses to determine whether the content is valuable to readers and whether it should rank well. The first mention of E-A-T occurred in 2014 when Google added the concept to their Search Quality Guidelines. Google search quality evaluators were instructed to pay attention to: The expertise of the creator of the content. The authoritativeness of the creator of the content, the content itself, and the website. The trustworthiness of the creator of the content, the content itself, and the website. Search Engine Journal - What Exactly is EAT

I advise you not to get too caught up in the specifics of core updates... To be honest, I see it as mostly hype - hype that keeps the SEO business ever relevant... But I digress. Having your thumb on the general principles of the algorithm will help you make informed choices, but getting consumed by the technical aspects of these algorithms will probably confuse you or just distract you from writing content.

The Mobile Revolution

With the rise of mobile devices, Google shifted its algorithm's focus towards mobile-friendliness. Blogs that weren't optimized for mobile suffered in search rankings. Responsive design became a must-have feature for bloggers. Luckily most blogging platforms like that on Wix etc. are automatically optimised for Mobile - so most bloggers do not have to think about this too much.

The first mobile phone with an internet connection - the Nokia 9000

Key Takeaways From The Evolution of Google's Ranking Factors

Understanding the evolution of Google's ranking factors is crucial for creating SEO-friendly blog posts, but understanding the details is not necessary, here are the main areas that Google considers important (inn no particular order):

Content Quality

In the early days of blogging, content quality was often overlooked. However, Google's algorithms became smarter, and content quality became a significant ranking factor. Today, well-researched, comprehensive, and authoritative content tends to rank higher.

User Experience

User experience (UX) is a critical factor in SEO. Google considers factors like page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and a clutter-free layout when ranking pages. Ensuring a positive user experience is essential for blog success.

Backlinks

Backlinks, or inbound links from other reputable websites, remain a crucial ranking factor. However, Google's algorithms have become more sophisticated in evaluating the quality and relevance of these links. Building natural, high-quality backlinks is vital.

Keyword Optimization

Keyword optimization has evolved from keyword stuffing to a more natural integration of keywords. Long-tail keywords and semantic search have become significant trends. Strive for relevance and user intent when using keywords in your blog posts.

Marshall Arts are e-commerce specialists that help business achieve their online goals

Best Practices for Writing SEO-Friendly Blog Posts

Now that we've covered the historical context and evolution of SEO for blogs, let's delve into the best practices to help you write SEO-friendly blog posts in the modern era.

1. Keyword Research and Optimization

- Keyword Research

Start by conducting thorough keyword research to identify relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to discover high-traffic, low-competition keywords.

- Natural Integration

Once you have your keywords, integrate them naturally into your content. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your rankings. Focus on providing value and relevance to readers.

2. Quality Content

- Comprehensive and In-Depth

Create comprehensive and in-depth content that thoroughly addresses the topic. High-quality, informative content is more likely to attract backlinks and rank well.

- Engaging Writing

Write engaging, well-structured content that keeps readers on your page. Use headings, bullet points, and images to break up text and enhance readability.

3. Meta Tags and Descriptions

- Title Tags

Craft compelling title tags that accurately represent your content and include your target keyword. Keep them concise (around 60 characters) and attention-grabbing.

- Meta Descriptions

Write informative meta descriptions that encourage users to click on your link. Include your keyword naturally while describing the content's value.

4. Mobile Optimization

- Responsive Design

Ensure your blog is responsive and mobile-friendly. Google prioritizes mobile-optimized websites in its rankings.

5. Page Speed

- Fast Loading Times

Optimize your blog's loading times. Users expect pages to load quickly, and Google rewards fast-loading sites with higher rankings.

6. Internal and External Links

- Internal Links

Use internal links to connect related content within your blog. This helps users navigate your site and boosts SEO.

- High-Quality External Links

Include relevant external links to authoritative sources. This can enhance your content's credibility.

7. Visual Content

- High-Quality Images

Incorporate high-quality images, infographics, and videos into your blog posts when relevant. Visual content enhances engagement and can earn backlinks.

8. Social Sharing

- Social Media Integration

Make it easy for readers to share your content on social media. Social signals can indirectly impact your rankings.

9. Long-Form Content

- Comprehensive Guides

Consider creating long-form content, such as ultimate guides or tutorials. Google often rewards well-researched, lengthy content with higher rankings.

10. Regular Updates

- Fresh Content

Update your blog regularly with fresh content. Google tends to favor active websites that provide up-to-date information.

Are you ready to write your blog?

The Blog Writing Minimums: Keywords, Word Count, Images, and Post Length

As a blogger, you might wonder about the minimum requirements for keywords, word count, images, and post length. While there are no strict rules, some general guidelines can help.

Minimum Keywords per Post

There is no fixed minimum number of keywords you must feature in a blog post. Instead, focus on using keywords naturally and ensuring they align with the content's topic and user intent. Aim for a primary keyword and a few related keywords.

Minimum Word Count per Post

While blog posts can vary widely in length, a general recommendation is to aim for a minimum of 1,500 to 2,000 words for informative, comprehensive content. However, shorter posts can be effective for certain topics or niches, as long as they provide value.

Minimum Images per Post

Incorporating images is essential for enhancing the visual appeal and engagement of your blog posts. Aim for at least one high-quality image per 500 words of content, but use images when they genuinely enhance the user experience or illustrate key points.

Minimum Post Length

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the minimum length of a blog post. Focus on delivering valuable content that fully addresses the topic. If you can do that concisely in 800 words, that's perfectly acceptable. However, longer, in-depth posts often perform better in search results.

How often should you blog (blogging frequency)

Blog traffic spikes when a company reaches 11 blog posts per month, compared to less frequent blogging. - Hubspot study on b2b blogging frequency

This is a very common question for a lot of new bloggers, how often should I blog to see an increase in my traffic, or how often do I need to blog for it to have an effect on my SEO.

I want to stress here that there is no right answer to these questions and that before you focus on frequency of posting you should be focusing on the minimums that I wrote about above. If you post 100 "bad quality" blogs every week it will actually have a negative impact on your traffic and your SEO. The Google Algorithm is very complex; it not only looks at the quality of the content on a site but also how much interest that content garners from the website audience. If your content gets no attention from your audience, Google will start to see you whole site as potentially " not valuable". So again, I really stress the idea: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.

Now, let's assume every blog post you write is a quality post - how often should you blog. According to a few studies that I have read there is a significant benefit in posting regularly with average optimum frequency being 1 blog post per week. That said, the peak advantage went to sites that posted between 10 - 12 blogs per week. After that, the benefit of regular posting plateaus dramatically and so most experts recommend scheduling blog posts in excess of 11 posts for the following week.

It has to be said that there seems to be a bigger benefit in being consistent over a long period of time rather than posting a high number of posts every week for a relatively short period of time. In other words, posting three times a week for 4 months and then stopping will not be as effective as posting 1 blog post per week for 1 year. Have a look at this post about Blogging Frequency to learn more on the topic.

I would rank the importance of these blogging factors like this:

1. Quality

2. Consistency

3. Frequency

The ultimate goal for a blog writer or website with a blog should be to post quality content consistently at a sustainable frequency over a long period of time.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of blogging and SEO, staying up to date with best practices is essential. Understanding the history of blog writing, its evolution alongside SEO, and Google's ever-changing ranking factors can help you create blog posts that not only rank well but also provide value to your audience. By implementing the best practices outlined in this guide and adapting to future developments, you'll be well-equipped to excel in the competitive world of online content creation. Of course this guide is not an exhaustive list and there are other things like document structure or using quotes etc. that we have not covered - but I have purposefully left those out because no matter how your post is structured it should conform the best practices I have outlined within this post.

A note on AI generated blog post writing

You may have noticed that I did not touch on using AI to generate blog posts... This is because whether or not you use AI to generate your blog posts the fundamentals of effective blog post writing will stay the same. I discourage people from using AI because more often than not it makes the writer lazy. Any good writer knows the power of self editing and revisions - most people who use AI to generate blog posts don't even edit them (or even read them). If you are going to use AI to generate your blog posts, make you sure that you edit them and ensure that they include the "minimums" that I wrote about above. So long as your blog meets those minimum requirements, it doesn't really matter whether AI did the brunt of the work or not.

My final thought on Blog Writing for SEO

If you take one thing away from this blog post let it be this: Quality blogs provide value to your audience and Google is always looking to provide value to searchers.