This past week 140 niche magazine publishers converged in Minneapolis to learn about the digital side of their business. Many of these publishers are struggling to stay afloat and most felt that the Niche Digital Conference could not have come at a better time. There were several sessions and many questions about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A very common question at the conference was.. “What do I do when my SEO fails to generate any traffic..”?
I think this is a very valid question and one that you need to look at very carefully.There are ten to 30 components to solid SEO according to industry experts. One of the most important, and the most often overlooked is the focus of your SEO efforts.
What is your focus in terms of SEO? What key words or phrases are you trying to gain a Google™ ranking for? All to often I find that most business owners are trying to cast far to wide of a net when they conceive their SEO plan. Being something to everyone only works in the world of Sam Walton. I advise my SEO clients to find 10 key terms or phrases that are meaningful to their business or brand. Then, be sure that those terms share a common focus.
For example, CustomSuites.com is the provider of furnished apartments in the Los Angeles area. To this end, their key terms are: furnished apartments Los Angeles, furnished apartments in Los Angeles, Los Angeles corporate housing, Los Angeles corporate suites, Los Angeles corporate apartments, Los Angeles temporary housing, extended stay hotels Los Angeles, corporate housing Los Angeles and short term rental Los Angeles. You see how this business has chosen a focus, yet they have key words and key phrases that are broad while maintaining that focus. Then, they have created pages on their site about each of these key terms or phrases. Follow the links of these key terms to see what I mean.
When it comes to SEO, my experience has shown me that Google™ rewards you for being focused, specific and relevant.
Once you find your focus, you need be sure that the key words and key terms are “really” being searched for online. Meaning, you can optimize your web site for a certain term, but if no-one is “truly” searching for that term online… why bother? Right? Use the tools available online to find out what users have searched for in the last 30 days. Then, check to be sure your focused list is on track to match those searches.
SEO is a multi-part mission and the adventure can have many twists and turns. Most SEO experts say SEO is simple, but not easy.
Focus, focus, focus for SEO success.
The SEO team at Brain Swell Media is here to help. Contact us for a free SEO evaluation.
