If you’re thinking it’s time to get serious about your SEO, here are five sure-fire ways to win at search this year – and beyond:

1. Know your audience
2. Use the right tools for informed SEO
3. Find out what the best are doing …. and do it better
4. Take SEO training
5. Maintain a good reputation
6. FAQ: How can I win at search engine optimization (SEO) in 2023 and beyond? 

1. Know Your Audience

SEO is about knowing what your audience wants, then making sure you have what they need at the moment they are searching. That’s the simplified version, anyway.

So it’s important to do the work to understand your audience, and how SEO can support their customer journey. Check out these tips for more …

3 Steps to Define Your Target Audience for Your SEO Program

In SEO, defining your audience means understanding what they search for. If you don’t know what your target audience would be searching for online then you won’t be able to create content that resonates with them. This can negatively impact conversions.

So, what to do?

1. Demographics: Study your target audience’s demographics. How do those characteristics play into what you have to offer? You can build profiles for both consumers and businesses, depending on if you’re B2C or B2B.
2. Keywords: Keywords, aka search queries, are simply the words and phrases that your target audience might use to find out more about what you have to offer, or the topics you’re a subject matter expert on. Keyword research fuels ideas for relevant content for your website.
3. Qualitative research: Interviewing your target audience is a great way to get inside their minds when it comes to what they want – or even their experience with your website.

For more, check out: 3 Steps to Define Your Target Audience for Your SEO Program

How SEO Supports the Customer Journey

SEO is a marketing activity, and like other marketing activities, it supports the customer journey from awareness to action.

In fact, research shows that people first turn to search engines for discovery and comparison shopping – and that the organic search channel is responsible for driving a majority of revenue over other digital channels for many businesses.

Here are a few ways that SEO supports this customer journey:

Awareness phase: As prospects turn to the search engines to discover what you have to offer, you need to show up in the search results. SEO exists to help you do just that.

Consideration phase: Showing up to the party is one thing, but persuading your prospects to engage with you is another. There is plenty of competition in the search results, and SEO tactics like a compelling search listing to garner click-throughs and great content on your site keep moving your prospects forward.

Decision-making phase: While SEO’s ultimate goal is to drive traffic, our website exists to convert visitors. Decision-making tools and customer reviews can go a long way to helping with this. And a good SEO team will suggest ways you can convert organic traffic better.

For more, check out: How SEO Supports the Customer Journey

2. Use the Right Tools for Informed SEO

You can’t do SEO well without the right data. Building an expert tool stack is one of the first steps to winning at search.

Here are some tips to help …

7 Google SEO Tools Every Website Publisher Should Use

These seven tools are a must-have in your SEO tool kit:

1. Google Analytics 4
2. Google Search Console
3. Mobile-Friendly Test
4. PageSpeed Insights
5. Page Experience Tools
6. Google Trends
7. Search Quality Rater Guidelines

For more, check out: 7 Google SEO Tools Every Website Publisher Should Use

By the way, if you are considering AI content tools as a solution – don’t. They are at best tools, good for outlining or quoting statistics, but it is not a content creation solution.

But it is a worthy tool. Read more about this in my article: AI-Generated Content Is a Tool, Not a Solution.

The Top SEO Software That Experts Use Every Day

There’s a tool for almost every SEO activity out there (and there are a lot of activities to do). We compiled a list of the tools we use on a daily basis for SEO activities like:

• Crawling
• Data aggregation
• Competitive research
• ADA compliance
• GDPR compliance
• Google algorithm affects
• Content optimization tools
• SEO browser extensions and tools

For more, check out:

• The Top SEO Software That Experts Use Every Day
• The Bruce Clay SEO Plugin for WordPress

3. Find Out What the Best Are Doing … And Do It Better

There’s a reason that content is ranking on Page 1 of the search results. Our job as SEO professionals is to figure out why. Of course, there are plenty of tools and strategies to help us do that so we’re not wasting time simply guessing.

Here are some strategies to beat the competition …

SEO Should Beat the Competition, Not the Algorithm

The goal of SEO is to avoid trying to beat a search engine algorithm, which consists of endless combinations of signals. The goal is to beat your competition, but how do you do that? Start by figuring out which websites are ranked at the top for your target queries. Then, create better content.

Keep in mind that when someone conducts a search on Google, its algorithm attempts to establish which webpage provides the most pertinent answers and offers the optimal user experience.

We can never know which algorithmic signals Google applies to a query, so we can never optimize perfectly. We can only try to be the least imperfect compared to the pages that are already ranking.

For example, all else equal, do you think Google would choose Page A over Page B if Page B was a slow-loading website?

For more, check out: SEO Should Beat the Competition Not the Algorithm

How to Do Competitor Research for SEO

So you want to figure out exactly what the competition is doing … here’s where the heavy lifting comes in. You’re going to need the right tools and a roadmap.

Here are some common ways to discover and spy on your competitors in the search results using the SEOToolSet, our own advanced suite of powerful SEO tools:

• Check out the Research Summary report, which gives you detailed information about the domains and webpages ranking for your target keywords.
• Then run the Multi Page Analyzer (MPA) tool to see what the competition is doing to rank. The Single Page Analyzer goes into more detail.
• Next analyze their link profiles using the SEOToolSet Link Report.
• Then you can look at the competition’s website health using the Site Checker.

Also don’t forget to do a SERP analysis to see what other types of content are ranking aside from the blue links.

For more, check out: How to Do Competitor Research for SEO

4. Take SEO Training

One of the best ways to gain a fresh perspective on SEO is to take training. Even the most seasoned SEO professionals prioritize learning.

That said, there are many ways to further an SEO education. Let’s discuss ….

What Is SEO Training?

Simply put: SEO training teaches you how to increase your website’s online visibility and traffic from search engines.

There are many types of educational opportunities out there, including:

• Online training
• In-person training
• Books

Beware of trying to cobble everything together from multiple sources, though. If you are serious about your SEO education, then look for a training course that organizes the chaos and filters out the wrong information. Bad SEO information can kill a website.

For more, check out: What Is SEO Training?

What’s Your SEO Learning Style?

Which type of SEO education is the best first for your preferred learning style? Not everyone learns the same way, and knowing this helps you evaluate a training course.

Most people will fall into one or more of the following learning styles:

• Visual: You prefer graphic elements over words.
• Auditory: You prefer lectures and discussions.
• Read/write: You prefer written information.
• Kinesthetic: You learn through doing.

Spend some time analyzing the following formats so you can figure out which resonates:

• Online training
• Classroom training
• Books
• Supplemental learning
• Membership websites

For more, check out my article on Search Engine Land: What’s Your SEO Learning Style?

It’s Time to Rethink Your SEO Training

The majority of learning during the pandemic took place online. As a result, online learning has evolved over the past handful of years.

Now, people are expecting more from their online learning than they did in 2019. They want more than just a status set of videos, they expect engagement.

Many people want to learn remotely with the option to engage with instructors and other students. And they want all types of content that cater to different learning styles and lifestyle preferences.

This is why it’s time to rethink what SEO training can be. As a company that’s been at the forefront of SEO training for more than 20 years, we’ve reimagined what virtual SEO training can look like.

For more, check out: It’s Time to Rethink Your SEO Training

5 Questions to Evaluate Any SEO Training Course

Always do your due diligence before signing up for SEO training. Here are five questions to ask before taking an online SEO course:

• Who created the course? Do they have the experience and knowledge to provide reliable guidance?
• What materials does the course cover? Know ahead of time the concepts you want to learn, then evaluate your options.
• How is the information presented? Not everyone learns in the same way or expects the same thing from a training course.
• How fresh is the information? Search evolves at break-neck speed. Depending on the topic, you don’t want a course that hasn’t been refreshed in a few years.
• What kind of reviews does the course get? The proof is in the pudding – what are students saying about it?

I wrote more about this on Search Engine Land. See: 5 Questions to Evaluate Any SEO Training Course.

And by the way, we’ve got an excellent training platform at SEOtraining.com. If you’re in need of expert online training with updated resources to help you win at search, you’ll find no better place.

5. Maintain a Good Reputation

Maintaining a good reputation can indirectly impact your search engine rankings. Here are some strategies for understanding reputation and SEO …

Is Sentiment an SEO Trust Signal?

Trust is a big deal to Google – it has said in its Search Quality Rater Guidelines that reputational research is key to understanding if a site is trustworthy or not.

For that reason, we believe that sentiment analysis should be a part of SEO strategy. For more, check out: Is Sentiment an SEO Trust Signal?

How to Use Sentiment Analysis to Strengthen SEO Trustworthiness

With the right tools and looking in the right places, you can begin to get a sense of how people view your business.

We take that data and use it to enhance our SEO audits and track the success of campaigns. Armed with the right sentiment data, we can help businesses:

• Address customer complaints
• Resolve satisfaction issues
• Reward happy reviewers
• Reinforce the brand’s reputation and trustworthiness

For more, read: How to Use Sentiment Analysis to Strengthen SEO Trustworthiness

There you have it – five strategies and multiple tactics to help you win at search this year. Follow the steps in this article and you can breathe new life into your SEO program.

Want expert help to win at search? Contact us today for a free consultation.

FAQ: How can I win at search engine optimization (SEO) in 2023 and beyond?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an ever-evolving field. In order to stay ahead of the competition, adapting strategies and tactics to the evolving digital landscape is crucial in order to succeed at SEO in 2023.

Understanding Your Audience is Key to an Effective SEO Campaign

Be an informed SEO by arming yourself with the appropriate tools and data. Form an expert-led tool stack for gathering insights and making wise decisions; Google Analytics, Search Console and PageSpeed Insights are essential. In addition, consider installing browser extensions, competitor research tools and content-optimization tools as these will allow you to optimize your website while staying ahead of the competition.

SEO isn’t all about beating search engine algorithms — it’s also about outshooting your competition. Assess what the top sites in your field are doing to provide answers for specific searches, then strive to surpass that by offering superior user experiences, optimizing page loading speed and using decision-making tools. Improving your competitors’ strategies will help you increase organic traffic.

Invest in SEO Training

SEO is an ever-evolving field, so ongoing learning is a necessity. Consider investing in SEO training courses to gain a fresh perspective, expand knowledge and keep abreast of the latest trends. Look for courses with comprehensive information that filters out outdated or misleading material; bad SEO practices could harm your website so ensure reliable educational sources.

Maintain a Good Online Reputation

Keeping a positive online reputation can have an indirect effect on search engine ranking. Develop trust with your audience by responding quickly to customer concerns and rewarding positive reviews. Use sentiment analysis to gauge how your company is perceived, then use this knowledge to enhance SEO audits for maximum performance gains by building trustworthiness into the fabric of your brand and business.

Implementing these strategies and staying informed about SEO developments will position you to be successful in 2023. SEO should be approached as an ongoing process. Remain proactive, adapt to changing priorities and optimize your website continuously for maximum performance.

The post 5 Ways To Win at Search (Roundup) appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

What does it take to succeed in SEO?

The answer is easy but the following things take work:

1. Management support and company-wide commitment
2. SEO training and education
3. Access to SEO experts
4. Reasonable expectations and a willingness to adapt

FAQ: What do companies need to focus on to achieve SEO success?

Let’s dive into the four critical things companies need to be successful in SEO.

1. Management Support and Company-Wide Commitment

Years ago, we delivered more than 100 pages of an SEO audit to one of the largest research and review sites in the automotive sector.

They wanted to do everything we recommended, and to do that, it involved everyone in the company, from the execs to IT to marketing and everyone in between.

So the chairman called a company meeting to announce that SEO would be a key initiative and that they were either on board or they could find somewhere else to work.

That may seem harsh, but their results paid off: A 900% increase in traffic in just the first week after launch.

Implementing SEO is like adding a new business strategy. You can’t “sort of” do SEO or pick and choose some SEO tactics while ignoring others.

This is why you first need management buy-in. The decision-makers need to see SEO as a high-level function. And then, when the company hires an SEO in-house or partners with an agency, they need to look at that role as an executive position.

The right SEO professional will make sophisticated, complex decisions about your online marketing strategy that can and should directly affect the bottom line.

Once management understands the importance of SEO as part of the business model, the commitment to the vision should trickle down from the top.

2. SEO Education and Training

How do you get management on board in the first place? It all starts with education on why SEO is a functional part of the business and how it can generate traffic and revenue.

It’s a big job trying to convince management that SEO is a critical component of the business. But luckily there are a lot of resources to help support your case for SEO.

For instance, you can:

• • • Read my article on six practical ways to get buy-in for SEO.
    • Watch the on-demand webinar on the same topic.
    • Educate executives and other stakeholders about the fundamentals of SEO with our Free Executive’s Guide to SEO video training.

Once you have buy-in, building company-wide support starts with SEO training. Training ensures your SEO practices are consistent, and that the team has a collective knowledge to work together.

With so many options to learn SEO, it can be hard to know which to choose. Over the past few years, companies have kicked online SEO training into high gear – but not all options are equal. To help you evaluate which training course is right for you, see my article on Search Engine Land.

It is time for businesses to rethink their SEO training. I recommend online training that provides the community and support of an in-person class. We have a great SEO training platform that gives you the education, resources and support you need to succeed in SEO.

3. Access to Expert SEOs

Sometimes educating management is smoother when you involve the experts like outside consultants, agencies or hiring in-house.

These professionals can help anyone better understand the breadth of what’s involved. They can also look at your website to give specific recommendations on strategy (called an SEO audit) and can serve as a sounding board for specific questions or problems.

They can also help put in place organization-wide SEO strategies for long-term success. These experts can be the teachers and trainers for your organization if you decide not to enroll in SEO training elsewhere.

Make sure to find an agency or consultant that offers services in line with your particular needs. For example, some SEO vendors only offer packages with little customization when what you really need is a block of hours to use however you choose.

Before deciding on outside help, brush up on the top expert skills of an SEO agency.

And if you’re hiring in-house, be sure to ask the right interview questions for SEO analysts.

4. Reasonable Expectations and a Willingness to Adapt

A healthy SEO strategy takes time. Understanding this is part of the education process before the SEO plan is even implemented. Programs that create long-term value are like fine wine – they get better with age.

Companies sometimes expect immediate rankings, traffic, and conversions. And they think SEOs are doing something wrong when they don’t see it.

Sometimes improvements to a site can show immediate results in some areas, other times the big impactful results don’t show for months.

It’s all about building momentum and results, and progress depends on the health of the site before the SEO implementation. SEO is not meant to be a quick-fix strategy. But once things start rolling, the ROI of SEO can be incredible.

It can also be hard for companies to let go of their site and trust it in the hands of others – or to try new SEO tactics in the face of a changing landscape. This is common when resources have been deeply invested in the development of the sites.

If you’re in good hands with your SEOs, then you need to learn to trust that they’re the experts.

And yes, it may take time to rebuild your site from an SEO perspective. It may also mean that much of what you’ve done with your site needs to be reworked.

But it’s all part of the SEO game. You will have to adapt SEO many times over to respond to Google changes, competition, and other changes and economic conditions; but SEO – when done right – is something you won’t regret.

If implementing in-house SEO feels daunting, let our experts run your SEO. You can learn more about how we help our clients excel with specialized SEO strategies that deliver real results. Fill out our contact form to schedule a FREE 1:1 consultation.

FAQ: What do companies need to focus on to achieve SEO success?

To achieve success in SEO, companies must focus on four critical aspects: management support and company-wide commitment, SEO training, and education, access to SEO experts, and maintaining reasonable expectations with a willingness to adapt. Implementing these factors requires effort and dedication, but the rewards are worth it.

Management Support and Company-Wide Commitment

For SEO to be effective, it requires a company-wide commitment. This means involving everyone in the organization, from executives to IT to marketing and beyond. A key step is gaining management support and making SEO a high-level function. When the decision-makers recognize SEO’s importance and dedicate resources to it, the results can be remarkable. For example, a research and review site in the automotive sector experienced a 900% increase in traffic within the first week of implementing SEO strategies.

SEO Education and Training

To gain management support, it is crucial to educate them on the value of SEO in driving traffic and generating revenue. Numerous resources are available to support this cause, such as articles and webinars focused on convincing stakeholders of SEO’s significance. Once the company understands the importance of SEO, training becomes essential. Consistent SEO practices and collective knowledge within the team can be achieved through training programs. When selecting online training options, prioritize those that provide a supportive community similar to an in-person class.

Access to Expert SEOs

Engaging SEO experts can greatly aid in educating management and implementing successful SEO strategies. These professionals, such as consultants or agencies, can offer recommendations through SEO audits, address specific questions or problems and develop organization-wide SEO strategies. It is important to choose an agency or consultant that aligns with your needs and offers customization options. Additionally, when hiring in-house SEO analysts, ask the right interview questions to ensure a suitable fit for your company.

Reasonable Expectations and a Willingness to Adapt

A vital aspect of successful SEO is maintaining reasonable expectations and being open to adaptation. It is crucial to understand that SEO strategies take time to yield results. While some improvements may have an immediate impact, significant and lasting outcomes may take months to materialize. SEO is not a quick-fix solution but a long-term investment. Trusting the expertise of SEO professionals and allowing them to make necessary changes is key. Embracing changes in Google algorithms, competition, and economic conditions is essential for continuous success.

Companies aiming for success in SEO should prioritize management support and company-wide commitment, invest in SEO education and training, leverage the expertise of SEO professionals, and maintain reasonable expectations while adapting to changes. By dedicating effort to these areas, companies can unlock the full potential of SEO and reap the long-term benefits it offers.

The post The 4 Critical Things Companies Need for SEO Success appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

Every Monday, SEO is a brand-new industry. It’s complex and can be difficult to keep up with the constant changes.

In the right hands, SEO is a powerful tool that makes your brand first among equals.

In the wrong hands, doing SEO incorrectly hurts your brand and can ultimately cause your business to fail. The difference between the two is expertise.

So in order to implement a successful SEO program, it would be wise to work with an experienced agency or consultant.

An expert SEO agency knows how to implement good strategies to improve your online visibility, establish your company as a trusted authority in your niche, attract more organic traffic to your website, and increase your revenue.

Not all SEO agencies are created equal — some are good, some are bad. If you know more about SEO than your agency does, don’t expect to see meaningful results. And if you’re not getting the best results from your SEO campaign, it’s time to look elsewhere.

There are many factors you should consider before deciding on hiring outside help. Here, we will look at the top 10 expert skills you should expect from an SEO agency:

1. 1. 1. Keyword research
      2. Competitor analysis
      3. On-page optimization
      4. Off-page optimization
      5. Technical SEO
      6. Content marketing
      7. Local SEO
      8. Analytics and reporting
      9. SEO tools
      10. SEO training

   FAQ: What are the top contributions that an SEO agency can make to your SEO program?

1. Keyword Research

Keyword research is a critical component of every successful SEO campaign. It’s what helps you understand your target audience and their search behaviors.

A good SEO agency will utilize keyword research to provide you with an edge in understanding and outranking your competitors. They will also conduct content gap analyses to identify gaps and enhance an overall competitive content strategy.

The top three search results for a query get the majority of clicks. An agency will help you align your content creation and optimization with the keywords and queries your audience is looking for to give you a better chance of showing up in those positions.

For more, read:

• What are keywords? Why are keywords important to SEO?

2. Competitor Analysis

The goal of SEO is to beat the competition, not the algorithm.

SEO agencies know how to conduct a thorough competitor analysis to analyze the SEO strategies of a website’s competition. These insights inform the recommendations they make on how to outperform them.

For more on competitor analysis, read:

• How to do competitor research for SEO

3. On-Page Optimization

On-page optimization improves a website’s relevance and user experience, leading to higher visibility in search engines.

Some tactics include:

• Optimizing the website’s content with keywords.
• Deploying the right formatting.
• Schema markup.
• Making sure a webpage is mobile-friendly, user-friendly, and fast.
• Focusing on the organization of the content throughout the site, including the internal linking strategy.

With expert knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, a great SEO agency can optimize a website’s structure, content, and design to ensure it meets the technical requirements of search engines and user needs.

Our Always Up-to-Date SEO Checklist is a great resource to help you with on-page optimization. I suggest bookmarking the page for frequent reference.

4. Off-Page Optimization

Off-page optimization includes things like social media marketing, influencer promotions, press releases, and earning quality links to the website.

Backlinks are a ranking factor, although it isn’t specifically the number of links that matters. Fewer high-quality backlinks can better improve the credibility and authority of a website than a large volume of lower-quality ones.

In other words: The days of “link building” are over …. ultimately, earning relevant links comes down to creating great content that people want to link to and share.

For more on backlinks, see:

• The New Link Building Manifesto: A Complete Guide to Earning Links That Count

5. Technical SEO

Technical SEO involves optimizing a website’s performance to ensure it meets the technical requirements of search engines and offers a great user experience.

For example, page speed is a confirmed Google ranking signal, and Google wants pages to load in under 2.5 seconds.

Technical failures are a common reason for a drop in rankings and traffic. And the complexity of today’s websites requires an expert to identify and fix any issues that may cause these drops in traffic.

With expertise in website architecture, server configuration, and user experience, the right SEO agency can ensure that your site is technically sound and make it easier for search engines to access it.

For more on technical SEO, see:

• Technical SEO vs. On-Page SEO: The DIfferences
• SEO Guide: Technical SEO Tips

6. Content Marketing

Content marketing is about creating and sharing content in a way that helps you achieve your business and marketing objectives.

Content marketing involves:

• Communicating effectively.
• Making connections.
• Sharing the right content.
• Engaging your audience.
• Being in the right place at the right time.
• Seizing opportunity.
• Inspiring action.
• Nurturing the needs of your customers.
• Showcasing your personality/company culture in a way that fits the brand.

An expert SEO agency understands how experience, expertise, authority, and trust factor into quality content that builds trust with your market. They are skilled at developing content strategies, optimizing content for target keywords, and implementing content promotion techniques that demonstrate authority to search engines and to your target audience.

7. Local SEO

Local SEO is critical for businesses that rely on local customers. In fact, research from BrightLocal shows that 98% of people use the internet to find information about a local business.

Some of the SEO tactics used in local SEO differ from traditional techniques for organic search results (“10 blue links”).

And the complexity of local SEO grows when you have national and multi-site businesses, including franchises.

An experienced agency knows how to utilize local keyword research, on-page optimization, and local link building to ensure that a business’s website appears in local search results for the most valuable queries.

For more on local SEO, read:

• How Do I Rank Higher in Google Local Search?

8. Analytics and Reporting

Analytics and reporting are essential to measure the success of an SEO campaign and identify areas for improvement.

SEO agencies should frequently check in with you to provide detailed reports on the website’s performance, rankings, and traffic. They are experienced in data analytics tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and other SEO tools. And with the launch of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), an agency will have even more powerful tools to track and analyze user behavior on your website.

9. SEO Tools

SEO tools can provide a competitive advantage and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any agency’s services.

These tools can provide valuable information about keyword research, backlink analysis, and website optimization.

Some SEO agencies (like ours) have their own proprietary SEO tools. Our SEO ToolSet software offers a suite of unique tools for website optimization. It’s been used by over 5,000 clients, including Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.

With access to the right tools, an agency can provide businesses with a unique and effective strategy that outperforms its competitors.

Remember that there is always a difference between data and wisdom. SEO tools can inundate you with data, but what sets agencies apart is the wisdom to understand what the data is telling you.

A skilled SEO agency will give you the right data with information specific to your website, then make actionable recommendations to help you make the right decisions for your business.

For more on SEO tools, see:

• The Top SEO Software That Experts Use Every Day

10. SEO Training

SEO training, like tools, can provide a competitive advantage and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any agency services.

By learning how SEO works or improving upon the SEO skills you already have, you can have more strategic conversations with your SEO provider.

As the SEO industry continues to grow, the demand for training courses has steadily increased. Google Trends data shows a notable surge in search interest for SEO training services toward the last quarter of 2021.

These trends underscore the vital importance of investing in SEO training, showing its importance for business survival in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Some SEO companies provide SEO training – we happen to be one of them. We’ve trained tens of thousands of students over 27 years on the foundations of SEO and evolving best practices.

In the past few years, we have reinvented our SEO training from in-person classes to an online membership site with tons of resources for its members in various content formats.

With the constant changes to search engine algorithms, staying up-to-date on SEO best practices and strategies through quality training is essential to remain competitive in today’s online marketplace.

There are a plethora of SEO training offerings out there — you must do your research and choose wisely. Before committing to anything, I suggest reading my article on Search Engine Land to help you evaluate your options.

Looking for an experienced SEO agency with a proven track record of helping websites get to Page 1 in the search results? Look no further than Bruce Clay, Inc.! Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation.

FAQ: What are the top contributions that an SEO agency can make to your SEO program?

Many businesses don’t have the time, resources, or knowledge to implement a successful SEO program. Working with an experienced SEO agency can significantly enhance your campaign. Here are the top skills you should look for when deciding to hire outside help.

Keyword Research

Keyword research is at the core of any successful SEO strategy. SEO agencies possess the knowledge and expertise required to perform thorough searches that identify relevant keywords for your industry, product, or service. They also optimize websites so they rank higher in search engine result pages (SERPs). By understanding your audience and their search behavior, agencies can optimize sites so they appear higher up in SERPs, leading to more organic traffic and conversions.

Competitor Analysis

To be the best in SEO, it means outstripping competitors. SEO agencies specialize in competitor analysis to gain valuable insight into their strategies and assist you with creating an improved SEO plan by studying what others are doing. Using this knowledge, they can identify opportunities to outrank rivals and bring more qualified traffic to your site.

Expert On-Page SEO

Optimizing the relevance and user experience of your website is paramount for its success. An SEO agency utilizes its extensive knowledge of HTML and CSS to optimize the structure, design and content of your website in accordance with search engines’ technical requirements while simultaneously meeting user demands. A specialist agency can boost rankings and targeted traffic by employing strategies such as keyword optimization, formatting schema markups and creating user-friendly navigation.

Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO refers to activities performed outside of your website that contribute to its overall search engine optimization success. A good SEO agency can develop an effective off-page strategy for optimizing your website, including social media marketing, influencer promotion, link acquisition strategies, or creating high-quality links. These experts understand the importance of a good link-building strategy and can create content that earns backlinks for increased authority, credibility and visibility for your brand.

Analytical Insights and Reporting

Reporting and analytics are crucial in evaluating the success of any SEO campaign and identifying any areas for improvement. SEO agencies typically provide regular reports detailing website traffic, rankings and key metrics gathered using data-driven insights provided by tools like Google Analytics and Search Console that will allow you to stay ahead of competitors in an ever-evolving digital landscape. These reports help keep an accurate account of SEO campaign activities while keeping a detailed log of improvements necessary in real-time.

Choosing the right partnership with an SEO agency can be the key to the success of your business. Take the time to get to know them, what they offer and what their track record is like. Leverage their experience in the industry to achieve better results — more traffic, visibility, leads, conversions, sales and customers.

The post 10 Expert Skills of an SEO Agency appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

Beginning the process of learning SEO can be overwhelming. SEO comes with unique challenges and no matter how well-versed you are in your industry, it is your own area of expertise. Whether you’re looking to change careers and work in SEO marketing, or are a small business owner looking to multiply your SEO efforts, learning SEO is a valuable skill.

The good news is that anyone can learn SEO basics and start their journey with the proper mindset, approach, training, and resources. In this article, I’ll address some common beginner-related queries when starting their SEO journey:

• Is SEO hard to learn?
• What skills do you need for SEO?
• Does SEO require coding?
• How do I learn SEO?
• FAQ: How can beginners overcome the overwhelming nature of learning SEO and start their journey in digital marketing?

And I’ll offer practical advice to help you along the way. Let’s jump in.

Getting Started with SEO

There’s a lot to think about when you get started. From learning the basics like what SEO is and why it’s important, to more advanced topics like siloing and technical SEO, it might seem intimidating at first. So let’s start simple and look at some common questions that beginners ask.

Is SEO hard to learn?

There is a perception that SEO is a complex and technical field that requires advanced skills and knowledge.

And that is not untrue if you want to be the best – but nobody is an expert when they first start out. And every expert had to take the very same first steps as you will.

SEO is certainly complex, but it is a learnable skill. Is it hard to learn it? Not if you have the proper training and time to dedicate to applying what you’ve learned.

Here are some tips as you embark on your journey to learn SEO:

• You’ll do best if you break everything down into bite-sized chunks and hone your skills one at a time.
• Set realistic and measurable goals, and track progress using metrics such as rankings, website traffic, and conversion rates. (Keep in mind: It is the job of SEO to drive qualified traffic to the website. After that, it is the job of the website to convert those leads through marketing tactics.)
• Celebrate your achievements along the way!
• Remember: Learning SEO is a continuous process and it is not a once-and-done activity. It requires patience, persistence, and a growth mindset.

What skills do you need for SEO?

Simply understanding SEO can put you on equal footing with experienced professionals, no matter your background or experience level. But be mindful that there are various kinds of SEO skill sets and degrees of expertise within them.

For example, one SEO professional may be a master content creator, while another might be a good SEO strategist. Still, another may be a whiz at implementing technical SEO, while another might focus solely on SEO audits. And some SEO professionals (like us here at Bruce Clay, Inc.) can do it all!

Yes, SEO requires a combination of technical and creative abilities. And, of course, the most valuable SEO asset is expertise, which comes over time.

Here are some skill sets that will help you succeed in SEO:

• An analytical mindset.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• The desire to continuously learn SEO knowledge and improve skills.
• An ethical approach to SEO.

You can also check out the soft skills that SEOs need to succeed, too.

Does SEO require coding?

People often want to know if SEO requires coding. Short answer? Yes and no.

If you aren’t interested in learning code and you don’t have a technical background, you’re going to hit a wall eventually with how much you can learn. That said, many areas of SEO do not require coding — a study from Backlinko analyzed more than 7,000 SEO job postings and found that the majority of SEO jobs covered more general tasks. Only about 23% required technical SEO skills, but the ability to code often meant more pay.

Here are some recommendations as you develop your SEO skill set:

• Focus on mastering the foundational aspects of SEO first, such as keyword research and quality content creation before diving into more technical aspects of SEO.
• Use SEO tools and SEO plugins to automate or simplify some of the technical aspects of SEO, such as schema markup and meta tags.
• Collaborate with a developer or hire an SEO agency to handle the technical aspects of SEO, while you focus on the creative aspects.

How do I learn SEO?

Most people learn SEO on their own, go through formal training, or a combination of both. (Read more about how to learn SEO.)

Learning SEO on your own

Some beginners prefer to learn SEO on their own at their own pace, rather than investing in formal training.

But this approach can be daunting. There is no lack of opinions and resources when it comes to SEO; videos, books, webinars, and more exist – how will you start and pull together everything necessary for successful implementation?

Also: Some people may lack the structure, feedback, and accountability provided by a teacher or mentor.

A word of caution: If you are learning from those who are not approaching SEO the right way, it can have serious ramifications for your developing skills and the websites you work on.

As you can probably tell, I lean more towards not trying to learn SEO on your own without some sort of formal training, which I’ll talk about next. But if you are going at it alone, I suggest starting with our free comprehensive Search Engine Optimization: How To Do SEO Guide. It’s packed with 19 lessons that teach you SEO basics, best practices, and everything you need to know to get ranked.

Taking an SEO training program

When it comes to formal SEO training programs, you have options. How do you evaluate those options so that you are investing wisely?

Here are some tips:

• Find out who the people are behind the training – are they reputable?
• Assess the material covered. Is it comprehensive on the subjects you want to learn?
• Discover how the information is presented. Does it jive with your learning style?
• Dig deeper to find out how fresh the information is. Were the videos recorded years ago, and is the information out of date?
• Read the reviews – what are other students saying about the program?

If you decide to take an online, self-paced SEO training program (like ours at SEOtraining.com), here are some tips to stay on track:

• Set goals for yourself and support those goals with a study schedule you can commit to.
• Leverage all the resources available to you from the program.
• Connect with an SEO mentor on your learning journey.

For more, check out my articles featured on Search Engine Land:

• What’s Your SEO Learning Style?
• 5 Questions to Evaluate Any SEO Training Course

Continuing education

After you learn the foundations of SEO, you have the burden of continuing education, which, in a fast-paced environment like SEO, should occur on a weekly or monthly basis.

Search engines update their algorithms frequently, and best practices change over time. This can be overwhelming; many feel like they are always playing catch-up.

To overcome this:

• Follow reputable SEO sources, like our SEO blog, and other blogs, social media accounts, or email lists.
• Attend SEO webinars or conferences to network and learn from other professionals and experts.
• Experiment with new keyword approaches and marketing strategies.

Final Thoughts

Digital marketing is a complex (but exciting!) world. Never stop learning about SEO. Remember — both your failures AND your successes can help you learn. And finally, be patient. SEO takes time, but with the right approach and mindset, anyone can learn it.

Ready to start your SEO journey? Check out our expert online SEO training course to learn what it takes to successfully compete in search.

FAQ: How can beginners overcome the overwhelming nature of learning SEO and start their journey in digital marketing?

Beginners looking to enter SEO should break their learning process down into manageable chunks. SEO is a complex subject with multiple concepts and techniques, so it’s essential that newcomers develop one skill at a time before progressing to more advanced topics. Beginners can create a solid SEO foundation by mastering basic topics first before moving on to more advanced ones.

As SEO is an ever-evolving field, embracing experimentation can be invaluable. There’s no one approach that fits everyone! Don’t be intimidated to explore different approaches and techniques as long as they adhere to ethical standards. Learning from mistakes allows you to grow and advance in the industry.

As part of a strategy to track progress, setting realistic and measurable targets is crucial to ensure successful SEO efforts. Metrics like website traffic and rankings will allow you to assess SEO success; its primary function should be driving qualified traffic towards your site while the website should then convert these leads using effective marketing techniques.

Celebrating your achievements along the way will keep you motivated and ensure a positive outlook. SEO requires patience and persistence; reinforce your progress by celebrating milestones along the way and staying inspired!

Beginners can manage the overwhelming nature of SEO through a systematic approach, including experimentation with various techniques, setting measurable objectives, and celebrating successes. Anyone can achieve digital marketing success with dedication and a growth mindset.

The post Learning SEO for Beginners: Where and How To Start appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

With millions of websites competing for top positions on search engine results pages, it is vital that your business implements an SEO plan to ensure it can stay visible and relevant to potential customers.

Hiring outside SEO assistance may seem out of reach for smaller businesses or those on a tight marketing budget. But not all hope is lost — SEO vendors sometimes provide cost-cutting options that still deliver excellent results, like partial service SEO offerings.

If you’re in need of SEO expertise, there are multiple methods available to you. Let’s discuss five ways you can get cost-effective SEO help right now to drive more organic website traffic.

1. 1. SEO consulting
   2. Website audits
   3. Time blocks
   4. SEO training
   5. SEO tools

FAQ: How can I get cost-effective SEO help to improve my online visibility and attract potential customers? 

1. SEO Consulting

SEO consulting services are an excellent alternative to a full-service agency approach.

Consulting services enable businesses to get SEO guidance for a specified period of time so they can create and maintain a search engine-rewarded site. Hiring a consultant is different than hiring an agency that does everything for you from ideation to execution. It’s a perfect option for companies that need expert guidance but cannot afford an agency that handles everything.

SEO consultants can provide a range of services from reviewing your website content and performance to keyword and competitor analysis, or developing an SEO strategy tailored to your specific needs.

For instance, here at Bruce Clay Inc., we tailor consulting programs based on client needs and in-house capabilities (what clients can reasonably do on their own).

You can work with an SEO consultant for potentially any mission-specific project as a cost-effective solution to improve your SEO with limited resources.

2. Website Audits

Site audits are an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their SEO on a limited budget.

An SEO audit is a website analysis that looks at issues hindering your search engine rankings and areas that need improvement to gain more visibility in the search results and drive organic search traffic. This analysis uncovers valuable insights into your website’s performance and pinpoints areas for optimization, like improving website speed or optimizing content. By addressing these issues, you can improve your website’s search engine ranking and attract more organic traffic.

The best audits require an expert deep dive with tailored solutions versus a generic one-size-fits-all report generated by an SEO tool that merely points out surface-level issues. (And they should also include some consulting time as you implement the changes.)

Site audits are invaluable as they allow you to get expert SEO advice on the best ways to boost your website.

For more on audits, see:

• What Is an SEO Audit?
• SEO Audits and Tools: The Good, The Better and The Best

3. Time Blocks

Investing in time blocks is a great way to engage with an expert, especially if you’re working on a short project and are looking for validation.

A time block is just what it sounds like – a block of time that you purchase from an SEO vendor. Not every agency or SEO professional may offer this. But when they do, it can be a great way to customize what you want the expert to do for you.

Whereas SEO consulting is largely an expert telling you what to do, a time block-type arrangement can secure a number of hours where the SEO pro implements anything you need. This is like hiring a handyman to perform the tasks you have identified; it can be great for the more technical tasks that perhaps you don’t have the skills for.

One example of a project best suited for a time block would be to align your site to Google’s page experience update and its core web vitals – a task that really requires technical expertise.

4. SEO Training

SEO training teaches you how to increase your website’s online visibility and traffic from search engines on your own. Training courses can provide businesses with an effective solution for taking a DIY approach to SEO.

But the sheer volume of information can be daunting, making it hard to know where or how you should begin or focus your energy. There are various SEO training solutions out there, but not all will produce equal results. Choose wisely or you are wasting your money.

I believe the best course of action is this process:

1. Take a formal SEO training course.
2. Have a good SEO reference manual/book you can refer to along your journey.
3. Read articles from SEO experts you can trust on an ongoing basis. (If you haven’t already, I highly suggest subscribing to the Bruce Clay Blog.)
4. Continue to learn by attending quality events throughout the year (virtual or in-person) – the more, the better.

SEO education is never done – even when you become an expert. So make this a continuous part of your journey.

Learn more:

• How to Learn Search Engine Optimization
• What Is SEO Training?
• DIY SEO: 4 Questions to Ask Before You Start
• 5 Questions to Evaluate Any SEO Training Course [Search Engine Land]

We offer expert online SEO training, videos, and other resources at SEOtraining.com. It’s an interactive membership experience that evolves with SEO to keep you informed on what’s changing in the world of search marketing. You’ll learn our tried-and-true SEO methodologies that will help you achieve better results — more traffic, qualified leads, customers, sales, and revenue.

5. SEO Tools

For those with an extremely limited budget who are also up for the challenge of doing the basics of SEO on their own, simply investing in SEO tools can help you make data-driven decisions.

But a word of warning: Without a basic understanding of SEO, tools will provide the data but you will ultimately lack the wisdom of how to interpret that data.

At Bruce Clay Inc., we give our SEO training students access to our proprietary SEO tools, so that they can learn SEO and learn how to read the data at the same time.

Either way, tools can get you to a certain point, but then it’s time to think about investing in your SEO skills and education to break through the plateau.

For more, see:

• 7 Google SEO Tools That Every Website Publisher Should Use
• The Top SEO Software That Experts Use Every Day
• Bruce Clay SEO Plugin for WordPress Users
• SEOToolSet.com

Every business has its own unique set of challenges. Evaluate your resources and goals before deciding on what type of SEO help you need.

From SEO consulting and site audits to block services, SEO training and SEO tools — we offer it all. Schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve your search goals.

FAQ: How can I get cost-effective SEO help to improve my online visibility and attract potential customers?

Cost-effective SEO strategies to increase online visibility and attract potential customers

As a businessperson, you understand the significance of creating an engaging online presence for engaging and attracting potential customers. Search engine optimization plays an integral part in increasing website visibility and driving organic traffic to your site.
Though hiring an outside SEO expert might seem costly, there are cost-cutting measures you can employ that can increase online visibility while simultaneously increasing customer acquisition.

This article explores five strategies for cost-effective SEO assistance.

1. SEO Consulting Services: Offering Tailored Advice for Success
SEO consulting is an ideal alternative to hiring an agency. By contracting an SEO consultant for a fixed period, they provide customized guidance tailored specifically to your needs and circumstances. An SEO consultant can offer valuable insight and guidance tailored specifically for your site content, performance analysis, keyword research or competitor analysis needs. At Bruce Clay Inc., we understand the importance of customizing our consulting programs based on client requirements as well as internal capabilities.

2. Website Audits: Discover Insights to Enhance Performance
Site audits can be an ideal solution for businesses on a limited budget looking to enhance their SEO. SEO audits involve conducting an in-depth examination of your site that highlights issues hindering search engine ranking and areas requiring improvement, including issues such as website speed optimization or content optimization. Invest in services offering customized audit solutions rather than just general reports generated by SEO software programs.

3. Our experts specialize in developing tailored solutions to address Time Blocks
By investing in time blocks, you can hire an SEO vendor for specific hours at a fixed rate. This option acts like hiring an efficient handyman when dealing with technical tasks that require specialization; such as aligning your website to Google’s Page Experience Update and Core Web Vitals requirements. While not all agencies or professionals provide time blocks as an option to customize assistance as effectively as possible.

4. Gain SEO Knowledge and Empower Yourself
If you prefer doing SEO yourself, investing in professional training is a smart move. SEO courses will teach you how to increase website visibility online and generate organic traffic. In order to remain up-to-date with industry best practices and stay abreast of industry practices, it’s best to select formal courses, utilize reliable manuals, follow experts regularly, as well as attend quality events both physically and virtually throughout the year – this way your knowledge will continue to expand.

5. SEO Tools: Data-Driven Decisions
SEO tools provide invaluable data that can assist with decision-making when on a tight budget. But it’s important to remember that without knowledge of SEO, interpreting data may prove challenging; before turning to tools for help, it is wiser to develop a basic knowledge first. Bruce Clay Inc offers students access to proprietary SEO tools which enable them to learn SEO efficiently while effectively interpreting data.

There are numerous cost-effective strategies to enhance your online presence and attract customers, such as SEO consulting, website auditors, time blocks, and SEO training. Each business differs; therefore it’s essential that you assess both goals and resources before choosing the optimal approach for SEO investment. Utilizing cost-effective strategies for SEO will enable you to optimize online visibility without straining marketing budgets.

Bruce Clay Inc. offers businesses of any size extensive experience in improving their SEO to achieve online success. Our team keeps abreast of industry trends and search engine algorithms; their services can be tailored specifically to meet each client’s unique needs and budget.

Don’t let the perceived costs of SEO deter you from increasing online visibility. Our cost-effective strategies and experienced partners can help increase website rankings, traffic volume, and business expansion. Contact us to discover how our solutions can assist your organization to thrive in today’s digital marketplace!

The post 5 Cost-Effective Ways You Can Get SEO Help Right Now appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

If you haven’t been following my advice about focusing on SEO over the past couple of years during the pandemic, now is the time to focus. For many businesses, this means laying the foundation for a new SEO program.

Many companies are investing in their staff, either by reskilling employees or hiring new people. These people will need SEO training.

And it’s not just the marketing folks. SEO should be a strategic initiative across your organization if you want to be truly successful. That’s because more than just the marketing team has a stake in your website. And they all have competing priorities.

So as we adjust to how the pandemic has changed business, we need to look to the future. And part of that future is getting your staff ready to execute a highly successful SEO program so you can be found online. Begin learning now:

• A comprehensive real-time SEO curriculum
• Access to experts, different learning formats, and community
• FAQ: What are the benefits of a real-time SEO curriculum in virtual learning?

Two Major Benefits of Online SEO Training

One of the things that came out of the pandemic was a surge in virtual learning. Online learning offers many benefits, including reduced costs. And online SEO training can be excellent as a quick primer or continuing education.

But today, there is a distinction between regular old online training with a set of static videos, and a new approach to SEO training that reimagines the classroom online. If you really want to get a serious SEO education, nothing beats interactive online training.

Here are two major reasons why.

1. A Comprehensive, Real-Time SEO Curriculum

When we designed our new online SEO training, we wanted it to be a university-level, intensive curriculum. That is because some online courses lack the depth and breadth needed to fully understand the monumental topic of SEO.

When we used to run our classroom SEO training here in Simi Valley (pre-pandemic), it was 4.5 days of learning and included everything a person would need to know to seriously boost their SEO program.

We took that same rigorous training and adapted it to an interactive online environment.

Here’s a peek into all the topics we cover:

• The Importance of SEO
• SEO concepts
• Meet the search engines
• Website anatomy
• Search now and in the future
• Content for SEO
• Mobile SEO
• Local search
• Linking strategies
• Siloing concepts
• Technical SEO
• Best practices

As a real-time training format, we have the ability to tweak the curriculum and the content how we see fit to speak to current events. Regular online courses, once recorded, do not have the flexibility of changing content to reflect the newest trends.

While the fundamentals of SEO largely stay the same, a pre-recorded course can’t handle, for example, the latest algorithm changes. Or how SEO strategies have changed as a result of the pandemic. We can.

2. Access to Experts, Different Learning Formats, and Community

While virtual learning is on the rise and definitely has its place, the reality is that completion rates for online courses rarely rise above 15 percent.

This could be due in part to distraction and competing priorities. As this article points out about online learning: “Twentieth-century instructional methods just don’t work as well for busy, distracted 21st-century learners.”

You also have to consider the different generations of learners, all of which prefer different styles of learning. Plus, learning solo can be unmotivating for some.

The good news is that virtual SEO training is evolving. No longer will a set of static videos meet the needs of virtual learners.

For many, learning is inherently social. One of the pioneers of online learning, Andrew Ng, has said that (link above) traditional learning methods are often the most successful:

“Students sit with their best friends, they work on problems together, they critique each others’ solutions — lots of pedagogical studies show that these more interactive modes of student engagement result in better student learning.”

This is the type of community we are working towards with our online SEO training.

I’ve seen time and time again how the social component works in a classroom setting. So we want to be able to facilitate the type of support that comes from in-person classes.

We do that through things like an online forum where students can connect and live question-and-answer sessions with the instructors.

Start Planning Now

Learning a complex subject like SEO does not happen in a few hours of passively watching an online course. You need a format where there are no distractions, and where you can learn and collaborate with colleagues to solve your real-world SEO problems.

As we move out of uncertain times into more of the unknown, a solid SEO strategy is critical to business survival. Consider how you will get your team positioned for productivity and growth.

If you’re ready for your teams to learn SEO together, what are the next steps? There are not many top-notch interactive SEO courses that teach students how SEO really works. Go for quality, look at reputation, review testimonials and consider how the investment will set your business up for success.

This is a new SEO world and you do not bring a knife to a gunfight. Train your troops or settle for poor results.

When you’re ready to start or improve your SEO program, our online SEO training membership experience will teach you how to earn better results — more website traffic, online visibility, qualified leads, sales, customers AND revenue. Sign up here and start training today!

The post SEO Training: Get Ready for a Brand-new World appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

At SEOtraining.com, we provide expert SEO training in an all-inclusive interactive membership program. Our complete membership experience is not once and done. It evolves with SEO to keep you informed on what’s changing in the world of search marketing. You’ll learn our tried-and-true SEO methodologies that will help you achieve better results — more traffic, qualified leads, customers, sales and revenue.

Become a member for instant on-demand access to advanced SEO video training, e-books, Live Q&A sessions and much more.

Get better at SEO — join SEOtraining.com today!

Need help with SEO? Talk to one of our experts.

For over 27 years, we have helped companies achieve better results — more qualified website traffic, leads, sales, customers and revenue.

Our SEO experts can help you get the results you need. Just fill out this form to request a free 1:1 consultation AND receive a free helpful resource.

The post Bruce Clay SEO Training appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

1. 1. Get the right buy-in
   2. Be in it for the long haul
   3. Take SEO training
   4. Be nimble
   5. Review the website design
   6. Consider a dedicated content producer
   7. Create your tool stack

FAQ: What Steps Should I Take to Get Buy-In for My SEO Campaign?

1. Get the Right Buy-In

Of course, the first step to any successful campaign is getting the right buy-in. That means buy-in from the people at the top, but also cooperation with the people in different departments. Buy-in from the top also means that they communicate how important SEO is as a strategic business initiative. This helps get everyone on the same page.

Read: 6 Practical Ways to Get Buy-In for SEO
Watch: 6 Successful Ways to Get Company Buy-In for SEO
Read: Think SEO or Work Somewhere Else

2. Be In It for the Long Haul

SEO isn’t a “one and done” project. It’s ongoing for the lifecycle of a website. So the company needs to integrate SEO into its workflow. If it has to do with the website, each person needs to ask before acting: How will this impact SEO? How can SEO support this initiative?

Read: Myth: SEO Is a One-Time or Sometime Initiative

3. Take SEO Training

Company-wide SEO training can help everyone get a basic understanding of SEO. Understanding why SEO recommendations are being made will only benefit the progress of SEO. You will be more likely to implement all recommendations rather than taking the attitude that these changes won’t make a difference.

Read: What Is SEO Training?
Read: It’s Time to Rethink Your SEO Training
Get proper SEO training: SEOtraining.com

4. Be Nimble

Implement SEO recommendations in a timely manner. Depending on the size of your company, this is not always so easy. But remember: The longer you take to implement SEO initiatives, the faster your competition will get ahead of you in the search results. Smaller or more nimble businesses have an advantage here.

Read: Don’t Be Surprised by the Traffic You Didn’t Get for the SEO Work You Didn’t Do

5. Review the Website Design

Have you updated the design of the site in the past three to five years? If not, you may have an outdated website. Think about if you need to redesign the site first because SEO will need to be involved every step of the way to ensure it is optimized for search engines.

During this time, you will also determine if the code can be improved or cleaned up. Search engines need to be able to easily index your pages. And while you’re at it, you’ll make sure the URL structure is organized and makes sense to a search engine and website visitor.

Read: SEO Siloing: What, Why, How

6. Consider a Dedicated Content Producer

When you launch SEO, expect to need a lot of quality content. It may not just be text, either. Think videos, images, etc. How will you accomplish this? Consider either having a dedicated content producer in-house or hiring out to an expert content creator who can focus on this important piece of SEO.

7. Create Your Tool Stack

Tools give you key data about SEO – without it, you’re shooting in the dark. So make sure to have the search marketing tools to get the job done. This includes basics like your Google Analytics and Search Console to measure the impact SEO is having. But you will likely need other tools along your journey as well to monitor the site, analyze competition, understand your links and much more.

Read: 7 Google SEO Tools Every Website Publisher Should Use
Read: The Top SEO Software That Experts Use Every Day
Try our powerful SEO tools: SEOToolSet.com

Our team of SEO experts can elevate your SEO program to the next level. Contact us to discuss how we can help you get more traffic, online visibility, qualified leads, sales, customers and revenue.

FAQ: What Steps Should I Take to Get Buy-In for My SEO Campaign?

Securing the support of key stakeholders prior to initiating an SEO campaign is vitally important to its success. I know first-hand the difficulty involved in convincing decision-makers of its importance; therefore this whitepaper will offer steps you can take in order to win their support for your SEO effort.

Securing buy-in for your SEO campaign sets the foundation for achieving your optimization goals. The first step is to align your SEO objectives with the company’s broader business goals. By emphasizing how SEO can drive organic traffic, enhance online visibility, and boost revenue, you can show decision-makers the tangible benefits of investing in SEO.

Build Credibility and Showcase Past Success

To gain trust and showcase your expertise, share case studies and success stories of past SEO campaigns that delivered remarkable results. Highlight the positive impact of SEO on businesses similar to yours and explain how it aligns with the organization’s growth strategy. Demonstrating a track record of success will boost your credibility and increase confidence in your SEO proposals.

Communicate the Competitive Advantage

Emphasize how an effective SEO campaign can give your company a competitive edge. Share industry benchmarks and analyze your competitors’ online performance to illustrate the potential gains from effective SEO strategies. By illustrating the consequences of not investing in SEO, decision-makers will understand the urgency and importance of supporting your campaign.

Collaborate and Educate

Building alliances with different departments is essential for successful SEO buy-in. Host workshops or presentations to educate colleagues about SEO best practices and their impact on various aspects of the business, such as marketing, sales, and customer acquisition. Encourage open discussions and address any concerns or misconceptions about SEO. By involving all stakeholders and showing them the collective benefits, you’ll foster a supportive and collaborative environment.

Measure and Demonstrate ROI

To gain ongoing support for your SEO campaign, establish clear metrics to measure its success. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as organic traffic growth, keyword rankings, conversion rates, and revenue generated through organic search. Regularly report the progress and ROI of your SEO efforts to decision-makers. Demonstrating positive results will reinforce the value of SEO and solidify their commitment to future campaigns.

Obtaining buy-in for your SEO campaign is a strategic process that involves effective communication, showcasing past successes, and aligning SEO goals with overall business objectives. By establishing credibility, educating stakeholders, and measuring ROI, you can secure the necessary support to drive your SEO initiatives forward and achieve sustainable growth.

Step-by-Step Procedure: How to Get Buy-In for Your SEO Campaign

1. Align SEO Objectives with Business Goals
2. Emphasize Tangible Benefits of SEO
3. Share Case Studies and Past Successes
4. Demonstrate Positive Impact on Similar Businesses
5. Analyze Competitors’ Performance and Showcase Potential Gains
6. Illustrate Consequences of Not Investing in SEO
7. Foster Collaboration and Communication with Different Departments
8. Host Workshops and Presentations to Educate Stakeholders
9. Address Concerns and Misconceptions about SEO
10. Involve Decision-Makers in the Planning Process
11. Set Clear Metrics and KPIs to Measure SEO Success
12. Track Organic Traffic Growth, Keyword Rankings, and Conversion Rates
13. Monitor Revenue Generated through Organic Search
14. Provide Regular Progress Reports to Decision-Makers
15. Showcase the ROI of SEO Efforts
16. Continuously Adapt and Improve SEO Strategies
17. Use Data and Analytics to Make Informed Decisions
18. Stay Updated with Industry Trends and Algorithm Changes
19. Maintain Open Communication Channels with Stakeholders
20. Celebrate Successes and Demonstrate the Long-Term Value of SEO

The post 7 Ways To Prepare for an SEO Program Launch appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

The main priority as you embark on your SEO learning journey is to ensure you are getting the best information. This is not a regulated industry, and you will find different levels of SEO advice ranging from downright harmful to the best of the best.

In this article, I will outline how to learn search engine optimization, starting with the most important steps. I’ll also explain when and how to use the SEO resources out there along the way as we discuss:

• SEO training
• SEO work
• SEO articles
• SEO events
• SEO books
• FAQ: How can I start learning the basics of search engine optimization to enhance my online presence?

SEO Training

SEO training is one of the best ways to start learning search engine optimization. There are many SEO training courses out there. I may be biased when I say that we have one of the best.

Structured SEO training is designed to get you familiar with the foundations of SEO so you can start doing SEO and building on your knowledge.

Since the 1990s, I’ve trained more than 5,000 students on how to do search engine optimization. The events of 2020 impacted all in-person SEO training, but we pivoted so that we could continue to provide the SEO education people need now more than ever.

So in March 2021, we launched an online version of our popular SEO training course.

The 12-section course covers all the important concepts and strategies in SEO, taught by me. But we raised the bar and made it more than just training. Our SEOtraining.com is a complete subscription website that gives you access to tons of SEO materials, live Q&As, SEO tools, and a forum to ask questions … in addition to the online course.

• Check out: Our brand-new online SEO training program and membership site
• Read: It’s Time to Rethink Your SEO Training

SEO Work

This one may seem obvious. But the best way to learn how to do search engine optimization (after you’ve had the proper training and are also up to speed on search engine guidelines like Google’s) is to dive in and do it.

And to be clear, you cannot do only keyword research for five years and claim you were doing SEO. Becoming an SEO requires expertise in a lot of practice areas.

SEO is best learned via experiments. Take an SEO symptom, determine the problem, solve it, and move on to the next symptom. Yes, we are guided by best practices, but many of these practices have been confirmed through experimentation.

So, after learning the foundations of SEO, start applying them to your website. Of course, you’re going to need the help of SEO tools, which are a staple of any SEO practice. Track the results, rinse, and repeat. You will eventually see the fruits of your labor and learn more about how to get results.

• Read: Our list of SEO tools that experts love

SEO Articles

Staying up to date on the latest and greatest strategies is a really important part of learning SEO. Every seasoned SEO practitioner worth their weight takes the time to read about current SEO issues, strategies, and trends each week.

Many SEO agencies and software vendors host fantastic blogs that offer a wealth of information on SEO, including how-to articles, research, and more. The major news outlets for the industry keep readers informed on changes to search engines as they happen.

So to stay sharp, stay connected:

• Subscribe to Bruce Clay Inc.’s blog to be notified of our SEO content weekly.
• Subscribe to the Bruce Clay YouTube channel.
• Read Search Engine Journal.
• Read Search Engine Land.
• Read Search Engine Roundtable.
• Read Search Engine Watch.
• Read ClickZ.
• Follow Google’s Small Business blog.
• Follow Google’s Search blog.
• Follow Google Webmaster Central.

SEO Events

Industry conferences (mostly virtual now) are a must-attend for anyone who is either learning or practicing SEO.

Industry events are both an excellent introduction to current topics and strategies for beginners. They also serve as continuing education for practitioners. You’ll get the most out of these events if you already come with a solid foundation of SEO knowledge.

The fact that most SEO industry events have become virtual doesn’t mean they are any less informative. The move to virtual, in fact, has made these events more accessible to more people. And that’s a good thing.

• Check out SMX’s events lineup here.
• PubCon events are listed here.
• UnGagged information here.
• Digital Summit events here.

SEO Books

Books on SEO are a great way to learn, depending on what type of learner you are. Many people who are learning and doing SEO keep popular SEO books on hand and use them as reference manuals when they are working on specific problems.

I am biased here as well when it comes to SEO books since I authored four editions of the Search Engine Optimization All-in-One for Dummies book, filled with 700-plus pages of SEO education. Of course, my book isn’t the only book on SEO, but it is the one I recommend. :)

• Buy your copy of Search Engine Optimization All-in-One for Dummies at Amazon.

I hope this article gives clarity on how to learn search engine optimization. Remember that SEO education never stops. I have been doing this for over 26 years, and I still spend several hours per week researching, learning, and experimenting — and my staff does, too. But that’s what makes SEO so much fun, right?

We provide much more than SEO training, articles, and books — our expert SEO services can help you learn SEO AND get better results for your business. Reach out to us for a free consultation.

FAQ: How can I start learning the basics of search engine optimization to enhance my online presence?

Search Engine Optimization is at the core of any successful online presence. Acquiring knowledge in basic SEO techniques will enable you to expand the visibility and reach of your website – whether that is through blogging, entrepreneurship or marketing — while this whitepaper provides all the steps necessary for expanding your reach online.

Establishing a Strong Foundation

To embark on your SEO journey, start by comprehending the core concepts. SEO is about tailoring your website’s content and structure to align with search engine algorithms. Begin with researching keywords relevant to your niche and target audience. These keywords will serve as the foundation for your content optimization efforts.

Content is King

Crafting high-quality, relevant content is paramount. Search engines reward websites that provide valuable information to users. Develop engaging and informative articles, blog posts, or product descriptions that resonate with your audience. Incorporate your target keywords naturally to enhance your content’s visibility in search results.

Technical Optimization

Technical aspects play a crucial role in SEO success. Ensure your website is user-friendly and easily navigable. Optimize page loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and URL structure. Implementing meta tags, header tags, and a sitemap further enhances your website’s search engine friendliness.

Building High-Quality Backlinks

Building a network of high-quality backlinks is essential for SEO. Seek opportunities to collaborate with reputable websites within your industry. Guest posting, influencer partnerships, and social media engagement can all contribute to acquiring valuable backlinks that establish your website’s authority.

Staying Informed and Adapting

SEO is a dynamic field that constantly evolves. Stay updated with industry trends, algorithm changes, and emerging best practices. Engage with SEO communities, attend webinars, and read authoritative blogs to stay informed. Regularly analyze your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics to track progress and make necessary adjustments.

Step-by-Step Procedure: Learning SEO Basics for Enhanced Online Presence

1. Understand the core concepts of SEO, including keywords and search engine algorithms.
2. Research and identify relevant keywords that align with your website’s niche and target audience.
3. Develop high-quality, valuable content that incorporates target keywords naturally.
4. Make sure that your website is user-friendly, mobile-compatible, and quick loading.
5. Enhance the technical elements of your website, such as header tags, meta tags, and sitemap.
6. Build a network of high-quality backlinks by collaborating with reputable websites and influencers.
7. Create engaging guest posts and explore opportunities for influencer partnerships.
8. Engage with your audience on social media platforms to increase brand visibility and attract backlinks.
9. Stay informed about industry trends, algorithm changes, and best practices through SEO communities, webinars, and blogs.
10. Continuously analyze your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics.
11. Monitor keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user engagement metrics.
12. Adapt your SEO strategies based on the insights gained from performance analysis.
13. Regularly update and refresh your content to keep it relevant and valuable to your audience.
14. Conduct thorough competitor analysis to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
15. Utilize on-page optimization techniques, including proper header tags and image alt attributes.
16. Leverage local SEO strategies if you have a physical business presence.
17. Implement schema markup to enhance your website’s visibility in search results.
18. Engage with online communities and forums to share insights and learn from other SEO enthusiasts.
19. Experiment with different strategies and measure their impact on your website’s SEO performance.
20. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of SEO.

The post How to Learn Search Engine Optimization appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..

In this online webinar, the “Father of SEO” Bruce Clay shares his expert insights to help you identify and avoid the common obstacles that derail SEO, plus what you can do get your SEO project back on track. An in-depth Q&A period follows the presentation, so be sure to watch to the end.

Chapters

0:00 – Greetings to attendees
00:01:57 – Introduction
00:06:13 – Start of Presentation
00:07:56 – Reason #1
00:17:53 – Reason #2
00:29:18 – Reason #3
00:37:22 – Evolve with SEO to Succeed
00:40:10 – An educated staff
00:42:45 – SEOtraining.com
00:52:04 – Q&A
01:25:34 – Wrap Up

Bruce Clay SEO Training & Membership Program

Learn how to do SEO the right way by joining our all-inclusive interactive membership community. You’ll get everything you need to succeed and keep succeeding long term: advanced SEO training, mini-courses, live Q&As, e-books, plus much more.

Sign up for membership today and start your journey to becoming an SEO expert who can deliver better results.

Learn More About SEOtraining.com Membership

The post WATCH: The 3 Reasons an SEO Project Fails appeared first on Bruce Clay, Inc..