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Can you show me some effective SEO techniques that really work in 2018?

The Search Engine Optimization is not an exact science. The thing is that it’s not even exactly something like a science. But are there any effective SEO techniques and what’s the best way of using them on practice? The short answer is yes, there are some pretty good and effective SEO techniques – and when used consistently, they can give your website or blog much higher chances of being awarded higher rankings with Google search engine itself. In other words, when you know exactly what should be done – you are able to spend your precious time and effort doing exactly what's needed to deliver you the actual results. That being said, below I’m going to quickly outline some of the most effective SEO techniques for you to elevate your rankings this year best way possible.

Effective SEO Techniques and Approaches in 2018

Mobile UX

Optimizing for mobile search and browsing via smartphones and tablets has been important for several recent years already. Note, however, that now Google itself has started to prioritize the mobile-oriented version of every website or blog as its main index. This means that setting the primary priority on your mobile-responsive web design, as well as mobile-friendly content is a MUST, without any exclusions. Of course, if you want to rank well with your web source.

Quality Links

Nowadays, the increasing number of SEO experts say that engaging in international link building is the key to winning that really challenging race to the top rankings on Google. Given that it has been recently reconfirmed by the world’s search giant itself – quality link profile is among the three most powerful ranking factors, your backlinks taken alone aren’t enough to drive you yo success. I mean that the content is still the king – make sure it’s purely relevant, and enough competitive. That way, you will help your high-quality links work the right way for your ultimate ranking success.

Voice Search

Since their first application (dated somewhere around 2008-2010), voice search commands are estimated to have increased in popularity by over 40-45 times. As for now, with speech recognition accuracy seen now within 95-96%, getting yourself well-optimized for voice search is no longer a luxury – it’s a game changer of the whole SEO industry. So, make sure you’re in the room to follow suit to that point.

Rich Answers

At last, I recommend everybody to pay enough attention to optimizing yourself for rich answers. Given that two years ago rich answers had been shown for about 25-30% of all search queries – now they still keep gaining prominence in the relevant online search. So, if you want your own content to be frequently displayed among the commonest industry-related user requests – make sure to have that related question explicitly asked within your content, to be followed by a clean & clear answer of sufficient depth, and the rest of supportive info that will effectively guide the reader throughout the interested topic. That’s it!

George Forrest
Thank you all for joining the discussion on Expert SEO! I'm George Forrest, the author of the article, and I'll be responding to your comments.
Sarah Thompson
Great article, George! I've been struggling with getting higher rankings for my website. Any specific strategies or approaches you recommend?
George Forrest
Hi Sarah! Glad you found the article helpful. To improve your website's rankings, I suggest focusing on creating high-quality, relevant content, optimizing your website's on-page elements, and building authoritative backlinks.
Mark Anderson
I've tried different SEO services in the past, but didn't get the desired results. Any recommendations for top SEO services?
George Forrest
Hi Mark! When looking for SEO services, it's important to consider their track record, expertise, and the strategies they employ. One reputable provider is Semalt, known for their reliable services and effective strategies.
Emily Johnson
What are some cunning packages you mentioned in the title? Can you elaborate more on that?
George Forrest
Hi Emily! Cunning packages refer to SEO service packages designed to target specific goals, such as increasing organic traffic, improving website visibility, or targeting local markets. These packages are carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive solution based on individual business needs.
David Walker
Pricing is always a concern. What should we expect in terms of SEO service costs?
George Forrest
Hi David! SEO service costs can vary based on the scope of work, competitiveness of keywords, and the reputation of the provider. It's best to reach out to specific providers like Semalt who can provide you with a tailored pricing quote based on your requirements.
Daniel Martin
Is it better to outsource SEO services or hire an in-house team?
George Forrest
Hi Daniel! The decision to outsource SEO services or hire an in-house team depends on various factors like budget, expertise, and business goals. Outsourcing can often be more cost-effective and provide access to specialized skills, while an in-house team offers more control and immediate collaboration.
Sophia Roberts
Thank you for the insights, George! I've been struggling to implement SEO on my website. Any tips for beginners?
George Forrest
Hi Sophia! For beginners, focusing on keyword research, optimizing on-page elements like title tags and meta descriptions, and creating relevant content around targeted keywords can be a great starting point. Additionally, consider using tools like Google Search Console to track your website's performance.
Oliver Clark
How long does it usually take to see results from SEO efforts?
George Forrest
Hi Oliver! The timeline for seeing results from SEO efforts can vary depending on factors like the competitiveness of keywords, the current state of your website, and the strategies implemented. Generally, it takes several months to start seeing significant improvements, but patience and consistent efforts are key.
Lily Young
What are some common SEO mistakes that website owners should avoid?
George Forrest
Hi Lily! Some common SEO mistakes to avoid include keyword stuffing, using duplicate content, neglecting mobile optimization, and neglecting website speed. It's important to stay updated with best practices and guidelines provided by search engines like Google.
John Carter
Can you recommend any SEO tools that can assist in optimizing websites?
George Forrest
Hi John! There are numerous SEO tools available that can assist in optimizing websites. Some popular ones include SEMrush, Moz, Ahrefs, and Google Analytics. These tools provide insights into keyword research, competition analysis, and website performance tracking.
Emma Evans
Is local SEO different from regular SEO? Any specific strategies for local businesses?
George Forrest
Hi Emma! Yes, local SEO has some differences compared to regular SEO. Strategies for local businesses involve optimizing Google My Business listing, getting positive reviews, targeting location-specific keywords, and ensuring consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) information across online directories.
Alex Roberts
Are there any SEO strategies that are considered unethical or may harm the website in the long run?
George Forrest
Hi Alex! Yes, there are unethical SEO strategies, often referred to as 'black hat' SEO, which can harm your website's reputation and rankings in the long run. Examples include keyword stuffing, buying links, and cloaking content. It's best to avoid these tactics and focus on sustainable, 'white hat' SEO techniques.
Sophia Roberts
Thank you for the advice, George! I'll make sure to follow your recommendations.
George Forrest
You're welcome, Sophia! Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions. Good luck with your SEO efforts!
David Walker
What is the role of social media in SEO?
George Forrest
Hi David! Social media plays a supporting role in SEO by helping to increase brand visibility, drive traffic to your website, and acquire backlinks. Sharing your content on relevant social media platforms and engaging with your audience can contribute to a strong SEO presence.
Oliver Clark
Are there any SEO trends or upcoming changes we should be aware of?
George Forrest
Hi Oliver! Some SEO trends to watch out for include the increasing importance of mobile optimization, voice search optimization, and the use of structured data. Keeping up with algorithm updates from search engines is also crucial to stay ahead in the ever-evolving SEO landscape.
Emma Evans
How can I measure the effectiveness of my SEO efforts?
George Forrest
Hi Emma! Measuring the effectiveness of your SEO efforts can be done through various metrics, such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, conversion rates, and backlink growth. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console provide valuable insights to track and monitor these metrics.
Daniel Martin
Can you recommend any resources to learn more about SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Daniel! There are several resources available to learn more about SEO, including blogs, online courses, and industry websites. Some reputable sources include Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO, Search Engine Land, and Semalt's blog. These resources provide in-depth information and practical tips for optimizing your website.
Lily Young
How often should I update my website's content for better SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Lily! Regularly updating your website's content is beneficial for SEO, as it shows search engines that your website is active and relevant. The frequency of updates depends on your industry and content type, but aim for fresh content at least once a month or whenever there are significant changes or updates to share.
Sarah Thompson
Do you recommend any specific content management system (CMS) for SEO purposes?
George Forrest
Hi Sarah! Some popular content management systems for SEO purposes include WordPress, Shopify, and Joomla. These CMS platforms offer various SEO plugins, themes, and customization options to optimize your website's structure, content, and performance.
John Carter
How can I optimize my website's load speed for better SEO?
George Forrest
Hi John! Optimizing your website's load speed is crucial for both user experience and SEO. Strategies to improve load speed include optimizing image sizes, minifying code, enabling browser caching, and using a reliable hosting provider. Google's PageSpeed Insights tool can provide specific recommendations for improving your website's speed.
Emma Evans
Is it necessary to have a mobile-responsive website for SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Emma! Yes, having a mobile-responsive website is crucial for SEO. With the increasing use of mobile devices, search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their rankings. A mobile-responsive website enhances user experience, reduces bounce rates, and helps you reach a larger audience.
Sophia Roberts
Are there any penalties for violating search engine guidelines?
George Forrest
Hi Sophia! Yes, violating search engine guidelines can lead to penalties, causing a drop in rankings or even deindexation from search results. It's important to adhere to ethical SEO practices, focus on providing value to users, and avoid any tactics that manipulate rankings or deceive search engines.
Oliver Clark
What should be the role of keywords in content optimization?
George Forrest
Hi Oliver! Keywords play a crucial role in content optimization. They help search engines understand the context and relevance of your content. It's important to incorporate keywords naturally in titles, headings, and throughout the content. However, avoid keyword stuffing and prioritize creating valuable content for your target audience.
Emily Johnson
How can I identify relevant keywords for my website?
George Forrest
Hi Emily! Keyword research tools like SEMrush, Google Keyword Planner, and Ahrefs can help you identify relevant keywords for your website. Consider your target audience, industry, and search volumes when selecting keywords. Also, analyze competitor websites to uncover potential keywords they are targeting.
David Walker
Is link building still important for SEO?
George Forrest
Hi David! Yes, link building continues to be an important aspect of SEO. Quality backlinks from authoritative websites help search engines determine the credibility and relevance of your website. However, focus on acquiring meaningful, natural backlinks rather than engaging in manipulative link-building practices that can result in penalties.
Daniel Martin
How can I monitor my website's backlinks?
George Forrest
Hi Daniel! Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz have backlink monitoring features that allow you to track and analyze your website's backlinks. These tools provide insights into the number of backlinks, referring domains, anchor text, and the overall quality of your backlink profile.
Lily Young
Does the length of the content affect its SEO performance?
George Forrest
Hi Lily! The length of the content can impact its SEO performance to some extent. While there's no ideal length, longer, in-depth content tends to perform well. However, quality and relevance are more important factors. Focus on providing valuable information that satisfies user intent, whether in a concise or more extensive format.
Sarah Thompson
Does social media engagement have any direct impact on SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Sarah! Directly, social media engagement doesn't have a significant impact on SEO rankings. However, social media shares can indirectly influence SEO by increasing brand visibility, driving traffic, and attracting potential backlinks. Additionally, social signals may have an indirect impact on rankings as search engines consider user engagement.
Mark Anderson
How important is it to have a blog on the website for SEO purposes?
George Forrest
Hi Mark! Having a blog on your website is beneficial for SEO. A blog allows you to regularly publish fresh, relevant content, target long-tail keywords, and attract backlinks. Blog posts can also showcase your expertise and help establish your website as a valuable resource in your industry.
Emma Evans
Are there any SEO techniques that work better for e-commerce websites?
George Forrest
Hi Emma! SEO techniques for e-commerce websites include optimizing product pages with unique descriptions and titles, implementing structured data for product information, improving site speed and navigation, and optimizing category pages for relevant keywords. It's also important to focus on user experience and provide easy-to-use search and filtering options.
Daniel Martin
Does the website's domain authority impact SEO rankings?
George Forrest
Hi Daniel! Yes, the website's domain authority, a metric developed by Moz, is a factor that can impact SEO rankings. A higher domain authority indicates that the website is more credible and trustworthy. Building a strong backlink profile and creating high-quality content can help improve domain authority over time.
Sophia Roberts
Can you provide any tips for optimizing website images for SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Sophia! To optimize website images for SEO, ensure they are appropriately sized to reduce load times. Use descriptive and keyword-rich alt tags, captions, and file names. Compressing images without compromising quality can also help in improving page speed. Overall, aim to provide a good user experience while making images search engine friendly.
John Carter
What does a comprehensive SEO strategy typically involve?
George Forrest
Hi John! A comprehensive SEO strategy typically involves conducting thorough keyword research, optimizing on-page elements, improving website usability and performance, building a diverse and authoritative backlink profile, implementing structured data, and consistently creating high-quality content. Regular monitoring, analysis, and adjustments are also crucial for ongoing success.
David Walker
Is it necessary to submit a sitemap to search engines?
George Forrest
Hi David! While search engines can discover and crawl your website without a sitemap, submitting a sitemap helps ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of your website's structure and content. It can also expedite the process of indexing and ranking your web pages.
Oliver Clark
How can I improve the visibility of my website in local search results?
George Forrest
Hi Oliver! To improve the visibility of your website in local search results, claim and optimize your Google My Business listing, ensure consistent NAP information across online directories, target location-specific keywords, and encourage customer reviews. Local citations and building backlinks from local sources can also contribute to better local search visibility.
Emma Evans
What are some common SEO myths that website owners should be aware of?
George Forrest
Hi Emma! Some common SEO myths include the idea that keyword density is a crucial ranking factor, that buying ads will boost organic rankings, or that submitting your website to search engines guarantees top rankings. SEO practices are constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay updated and rely on reputable sources for information.
Lily Young
Does the website's design impact its SEO performance?
George Forrest
Hi Lily! Yes, the website's design can impact its SEO performance. A well-designed website with clear navigation, intuitive user experience, and mobile responsiveness can enhance user engagement and reduce bounce rates. Additionally, clean code, fast load times, and proper use of heading tags contribute to a search engine-friendly design.
Sarah Thompson
Are there any SEO techniques that can help with voice search optimization?
George Forrest
Hi Sarah! Voice search optimization can be enhanced by focusing on natural language keywords and long-tail phrases, creating FAQ-style content, and incorporating structured data markup. Providing concise and direct answers to common questions can also help align with the intents and formats of voice search queries.
Mark Anderson
Can you explain the importance of user experience in SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Mark! User experience (UX) is crucial for SEO as search engines prioritize websites that provide a positive user experience. Factors like page load speed, mobile-friendliness, easy navigation, relevant content, and engaging design all contribute to a good UX. Websites that offer value and satisfy user intent are more likely to rank higher.
Emily Johnson
What should be the approach for optimizing website URLs?
George Forrest
Hi Emily! When optimizing website URLs, aim for simplicity, relevance, and readability. Use descriptive keywords in the URL structure, separate words with hyphens, and avoid unnecessary parameters or numbers. A clean and user-friendly URL structure not only helps in SEO but also assists users in understanding the page's content.
David Walker
Is it beneficial to have external links pointing to other websites in my content?
George Forrest
Hi David! When relevant and providing value to your readers, including external links to reputable and authoritative websites can be beneficial. It demonstrates that you're backing up your claims or providing additional resources. However, avoid excessive external linking, as it may divert your audience's attention or negatively impact user experience.
Daniel Martin
How can I make my website stand out among competitors in organic search results?
George Forrest
Hi Daniel! To stand out in organic search results, focus on creating unique, valuable content that answers users' queries. Implement structured data to enhance rich snippets and make your results more visually appealing. Optimize title tags and meta descriptions to make them compelling and relevant. Consistency and relevance play a significant role in attracting clicks.
Emma Evans
Does the website's hosting provider impact its SEO performance?
George Forrest
Hi Emma! Yes, the website's hosting provider can impact its SEO performance. Factors like server uptime, page load speed, security measures, and scalability influence user experience and search engine rankings. Choosing a reliable hosting provider with good performance and infrastructure is important for a fast and stable website.
Sophia Roberts
How can I recover from a Google penalty?
George Forrest
Hi Sophia! Recovering from a Google penalty requires identifying the specific issues that led to the penalty, such as unnatural backlinks or thin content. Once identified, work on rectifying those issues, disavow harmful backlinks, and submit a reconsideration request to Google. A thorough review and following best practices moving forward are essential.
Oliver Clark
Are there any SEO techniques specifically for YouTube videos?
George Forrest
Hi Oliver! To optimize YouTube videos for SEO, focus on extensive keyword research to target relevant search queries. Craft compelling video titles, optimize descriptions with relevant keywords, and use closed captions or subtitles to improve accessibility and keyword relevance. Encourage engagement through likes, shares, and comments to boost video visibility.
John Carter
Is it important to optimize website URLs for mobile devices?
George Forrest
Hi John! Optimizing website URLs for mobile devices is essential. Mobile-friendly URLs should be concise, readable, and contain relevant keywords. Ensure proper HTML structure and avoid any elements that may negatively impact mobile user experience. Responsive web design and mobile optimization contribute to better visibility and user satisfaction.
Sarah Thompson
What is the role of local citations in local SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Sarah! Local citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on online directories, review sites, and other platforms. Local citations play a crucial role in local SEO as they validate your business's existence and location. Consistent and accurate citations help search engines associate your business with the targeted geographic area.
Mark Anderson
Can you explain the concept of domain age and its impact on SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Mark! Domain age refers to the length of time a website has been registered and indexed by search engines. While not a direct ranking factor, domain age can indirectly impact SEO as older domains may have accumulated more backlinks and established reputations. However, remember that content quality and relevance are more significant factors for long-term success.
Emily Johnson
Does website security impact SEO?
George Forrest
Hi Emily! Yes, website security can impact SEO. Search engines prioritize secure websites (HTTPS) over non-secure ones (HTTP). Secure websites provide a safer browsing experience for users and are more likely to rank higher. Additionally, a secure website protects against security threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data.
Daniel Martin
Can you recommend any SEO techniques for local businesses targeting multiple locations?
George Forrest
Hi Daniel! For local businesses targeting multiple locations, it's essential to create location-specific landing pages optimized for relevant keywords and local intent. Include location-specific information and keywords in page titles, headings, and content. Also, ensure accurate NAP information and leverage local link-building opportunities to strengthen your presence in each targeted location.
Lily Young
Thank you, George! Your insights have been incredibly valuable.
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