SEO – The Simple Answer

SEO strategies run the gamut from simple (link-buying) to incredibly complex (deep diving into Google analytics and algorithms), but most are looking for something in the middle.

How do you optimize search results without risking black-hat techniques or getting a master’s degree in data analysis? In a Google Q&A from March of 2016, Andrey Lipattsev of Google (Ireland) was asked a similar question – what are the top two signals that Google uses when it comes to ranking websites?

Lipattsev answered, “Yes; I can tell you what they are. It’s content, and links pointing to your site.”

The Simple Answer and a Difficult Solution

There we have it – want to rank better on Google? Then create top quality content and build inbound links. Easy, right? Knowing what you need, and properly implementing the same are two very different tasks; one significantly more difficult than the other. Let’s look at the basics of creating quality content and generating inbound links:

Top-Quality Content

When Google (or another search engine) looks at your content they are doing more than just crawling for keywords. They want to provide search results that provide answers to their customer’s questions – answers that are quality, unique, and rich.

  • Quality – Don’t sacrifice quality just to produce more content – you’re better off slowing your content calendar down to focus on quality over quantity.
  • Unique – the internet is full of content, so focus on your unique contribution if you want to stand out from the crowd.
  • Rich – Short posts are great at getting attention, but if you want to be seen as an industry expert consider branching out into long-form articles or in-depth videos.

Organic Links

Link-building efforts should always come second to creating content. Why? When even Lipattsev admits that there is no preferred order among these top two signals? Because getting organic links without quality content is nearly impossible – no one wants to link to outdated, contrived, or weak content because it becomes a reflection on them. Regularly producing top quality content will naturally lead to websites that want to link to your material.

Further, your push should be for links from websites – not social media. Social media is a great way to get your name and brand out there, to get your content recognized, and to build a fan base; but ultimately your goal needs to be inbound links from real, reputable website that grew out of your content production.

Fusion Group USA

Understanding your need for exciting content and natural links is only the beginning of the battle. If you need help taking the next step in your SEO strategy, Fusion Group USA is prepared to help with a team of dedicated web designers and creative content producers – contact us today to see how we can help.

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