Websites are continually evolving.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) feels like a mammoth task to get your head around. It feels like you just get to grips with what it takes to get your website to rank in search engine results and BAM, Google updates their algorithms.
There have been vast improvements on voice recognition software and with searches via mobile phones being increasingly popular way to access the web, Google is focusing more on answering questions.
So what do you need to know to future-proof your website for 2016?
It’s all about being mobile
It seems like common sense considering the popularity of smartphones and portable devices like the iPad, but you would be surprised at how many businesses still don’t have mobile responsive websites. The goal is to make sure the user experiences the same experience they would access your site from a desktop computer. This means when designing the website layouts and page elements need to be taken into consideration.Here are a few options you can incorporate to improve the experience for your potential customers navigating your website
- Think about designing for the mobile first, rather than just what looks on a desktop computer.
- Keep design simple.
- Make sure the products are set out clearly and big enough to see with priority given to products mobile users may purchase more frequently.
- Consider using mobile coupons.
Making sure your website is mobile-friendly is your first priority
Become an authority on your product or service.
When users are searching, they are more like to ask questions like “How do I know if I have Shingles?”, “Where is the best restaurant in Melbourne?”, “How do you do a French braid?”
Providing the direct answers to questions people might ask about your products or services will help with your SEO. Particularly now that voice command software is increasingly becoming more popular.
Make yourself an authority on your business by providing the answers to everything can possible imagine. This is made easier by remembering the 5 W’s – Who, What, When, Where and Why, and the one H- How.
Think about the way you interact with Siri, Samsung Galaxy, YouTube voice search, you don’t just say, “Cold”, the web search is likely to generate thousands of search results on cold weather, cold places to live, anything with the word cold. You are more likely to say, “How do I cure a cold?” Siri or whatever voice search software will reply with here’s what I’ve found on How do I cure a cold?. If you are a naturopath or have a pharmacy, having a page on cold cures and making yourself an authority on all things to do with colds and flu is going to help you rank higher.
Concentrate on making your content local, don’t skimp on product information and pricing
Make use of Google+ Local
Get your friends and family to review your website, products or service on Google+ Local, The more rave reviews, the more visible your website will be. After all, what’s the point of having a great website if no one can find you.
If you’ve been putting off future-proofing your website, now is the time. Don’t miss out on prospective sales and clients. Contact XDesigns today to get your current website evaluated so you start off 2016 in the right way.
