Guest post from Mary Aspen Richardson maryaspen.richardson@gmail.com

Most business owners who aren’t proficient with website design and development need help dodging the dreaded pitfalls of SEO. We all know how crucial it is to have our websites work flawlessly and attract more visitors. But beware! There are some sneaky common SEO mistakes lurking around that can hinder your website’s visibility and organic traffic. Fear not, though, for we will guide you through these treacherous waters and equip you with the right strategies to steer clear of these mistakes. So, let’s dive right in!

Neglecting Keyword Research

Unfortunately, neglecting keyword research is like going on a treasure hunt without a map. You may stumble upon some hidden gems by chance, but the odds are not in your favor. Keyword research is the backbone of any effective SEO strategy. It helps you understand what your target audience is searching for and enables you to align your content with their needs.

To embark on this keyword adventure, you need the right tools. Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer are just a few examples of the arsenal at your disposal. Take the time to explore these tools and dig deep into the data they provide. Look for keywords with decent search volume and low competition, and sprinkle them naturally throughout your content.

But remember, don’t go overboard with keyword stuffing. Google’s algorithms are smarter than ever and can sniff out unnatural keyword usage from a mile away. Write for humans first, and the search engine gods will reward you.

Ignoring On-Page Optimization

Ignoring on-page optimization is like setting sail without adjusting your sails or plotting your course. On-page optimization is the compass that guides search engines to navigate your website effectively. Start by optimizing your meta tags, titles, and descriptions. Craft compelling meta descriptions that entice users to click through to your website. Use header tags (H1, H2, etc.) to structure your content and guide readers through your page like a seasoned tour guide.

Don’t forget about your images! Give them proper names and add descriptive alt tags. This way, search engines will understand what your images are all about, even if they can’t see them. Oh, and a little secret: search engines love it when you link internally and externally. So, be a generous host and guide your visitors to relevant resources on your website and other reputable sites.

Overlooking Technical SEO

Now it’s time to peek under the hood. Technical SEO focuses on the behind-the-scenes aspects of your website that affect its performance and visibility. Start by ensuring your website is fast and responsive. Slow-loading websites are like sluggish turtles, and nobody wants to wait for a page to load for more than a few seconds.

Next, make sure your website is mobile-friendly and embraces the beauty of responsive design. With the rise of smartphones, more and more users are accessing the internet through their pocket companions. Proper URL structure and canonical tags are also essential for technical SEO. They help search engines understand the hierarchy and organization of your content, ensuring your website is a well-structured and easily navigable vessel. And don’t forget to generate XML sitemaps and submit them to search engines. Consider it your website’s personal invitation to be explored and indexed.

Neglecting Quality Content and Other Common SEO Mistakes

Content is king, and without it, your organic traffic will suffer. Therefore, you should take a moment to review the articles on your website. Neglecting quality content is one of the most common SEO mistakes, and it’s like serving a half-baked cake at a birthday party. It leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

Creating high-quality content is the secret sauce to winning the hearts of both users and search engines. Your content should be unique, valuable, and relevant to your target audience. Be the problem-solver they need, the expert they can trust, and the friend they turn to for advice. Format your content properly with catchy headings, subheadings, and paragraphs. Break up the text with bullet points, images, and videos to keep your readers engaged and scrolling for more.

Remember, using relevant keywords within your content is important, but don’t force them in like a square peg in a round hole. Let them flow naturally as if they were part of a conversation. Your readers will appreciate the authenticity, and search engines will give you a thumbs up.

Lack of Link Building Strategy

In the online world, link-building is like networking with the right crowd. Except, instead of connecting to people, you connect to websites with strong domain authority. It helps your site build authority, credibility, and, most importantly, visibility.

Backlinks are the currency of the internet. They act as votes of confidence for your website, signaling to search engines that you are a trusted source. To set up backlinks for your website, you must first identify reputable and relevant websites in your industry. Reach out to them, engage with their content, and build relationships. Guest blogging is another fantastic way to showcase your expertise and gain valuable backlinks. Be the life of the party and offer to write guest posts that provide value to their audience.

And don’t forget the power of social media! Sharing your content, engaging with others, and fostering a community around your brand will help you master social media. The more people share and link to your content, the merrier.

But beware, my friends, of the dark side of link building. Stay away from black hat SEO techniques and spammy link practices. These shortcuts may lead to quick wins, but search engines are wise to their tricks, and you’ll end up walking the plank of penalties.

The Harsh Truths of SEO

When delving into the realm of SEO, it’s essential to confront the harsh truths that lie beneath the surface. There are a few facts you should know that will help you navigate the often-unpredictable landscape of search engine optimization. Firstly, SEO is not a magic potion that guarantees overnight success. It requires time, effort, and a continuous learning curve. Secondly, search engines are constantly evolving, with algorithms that are shrouded in secrecy. What works today may not work tomorrow. Thirdly, competition is fierce. You’re not the only one vying for that coveted top spot in search results. It takes diligent research, strategic planning, and staying ahead of the curve to stand out from the crowd. Lastly, SEO is not a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process that demands constant monitoring, tweaking, and adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape.

Conclusion

You have now armed yourself with the knowledge and strategies to avoid the treacherous traps of common SEO mistakes. Remember, it is an ongoing journey, and it requires continuous learning and adaptation.

By conducting thorough keyword research, embracing on-page optimization, mastering technical SEO, delivering quality content, and building strong links, you will chart a course to success in the vast sea of the internet. Thankfully, now you can set sail with confidence, navigate wisely, avoid common SEO mistakes, and watch as your website rises in visibility and conquers the search engine rankings. May the winds of SEO fortune be forever in your favor!

Meta Description: Discover the most common SEO mistakes and learn effective strategies to avoid them, improving your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines.

Image used:

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Are you making use of customer reviews in your marketing efforts?

You should be – according to a recent study conducted by Emplifi, in collaboration with Harris Interactive, over 87% of consumers say that real-life customer reviews have a greater impact on their purchase activity than influencer/celebrity endorsements, or direct brand ads.

Looking to make DMs more of a focus in your social media marketing approach?

Over time, more interactions are switching to private channels, as our main feeds become discovery surfaces, filled with short-form video and AI recommendations.

Indeed, according to Meta, far more interactions now occurs in DMs, which is a major shift in how people are looking to engage – and could be an important note for brands trying to reach them.

Looking for ways to boost your LinkedIn reach, and maximize your content performance in the app?

Looking to get a better understanding of the latest Search trends, and how they’re impacting your SEO efforts?

A guest post from Natalie Jones.

You’ve come up with a brilliant idea for a video as part of your social media marketing strategy, and you’re ready to start production. But before you can even think about picking up the camera, there is one crucial step you need to take: creating your storyboard. Vyond notes that a storyboard is an essential part of the pre-production process as it helps visualize your concept, set expectations for yourself, stay on budget, and keep track of what will be included in your video.

Emmanuel Fonte invites you to read on to learn how to create an effective storyboard for your social media marketing video.

Before Storyboarding

Before you start putting together your storyboard, there are some important steps you should take first. Researching similar videos that have done well in the past provides inspiration and helps inform which elements could work in your own video.

Brainstorming ideas with team members can also generate creative concepts and ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes time to produce the video. It’s also a good idea to create a quality video survey for your target audience. Such a video allows you to engage with your audience and gain valuable insights that can be used for storyboarding. You increase the chances of getting feedback by offering incentives with a gift card API, a digital convenience for you and them. Who wouldn’t appreciate a Visa or retail gift card for simply answering a few questions?

Finally, writing a summary of what the video will include will give you something solid to work off when creating your storyboard.

The Storyboard Structure

The structure of your storyboard is just as important as its contents. StoryboardThat suggests establishing the template for your storyboard, which includes frames that represent each shot and graphic elements you want to incorporate. Describe what is happening in each frame, add notes about camera angles and movement, and audio details such as music and sound effects, dialogue, or captions if necessary. Lastly, make sure to indicate where stock footage or graphics can be possibly utilized so they can be included post-production.

Script Writing Fundamentals

After creating a structure for your storyboard, you can begin to fill it with content by mapping out the key points of your script to each frame. Descriptions of the action in each scene, dialogue boxes or caption cards that match up with existing audio, and any necessary stock footage and graphics should all be factored in. Taking this extra step in pre-production helps ensure smooth post-production workflows, and you could end up saving on costs further down the line.

Stock Videos as a Savings Opportunity

If you’re looking to save on your video production costs, you can find video available instead of filming your own videos. Using royalty-free videos significantly reduces time spent on production, and you’ll also be able to access high-quality HD videos at a fraction of the cost. All that’s required is a subscription so you can securely access the footage whenever you need it.

The Best Platforms for Your Video

After putting all this hard work into creating an amazing business marketing video, it only makes sense that you want as many people as possible to watch it. Make sure you identify relevant social media channels, depending on where your audience hangs out online, then share away. Further, consider optimizing titles and descriptions across platforms so viewers get maximum exposure when searching for related topics online.

Having a detailed storyboard keeps everyone on track and provides your production team with clear expectations and goals. It also allows you to plan ahead, identify savings opportunities, and make changes if needed, which can save time and money in the long run. By having a well-thought-out storyboard, video makers can accurately map out their corporate messages, design aesthetics, visuals, and audio direction.

Image via Pexels

The Emmanuel Fonte blog introduces you to examples of my work and what makes me show up every day and my passion for music. Reach out today by calling (206) 713-3244!

Are you looking to update your SEO strategy? Want to learn the ranking factors that Google has confirmed will determine where your website ranks?

The team from Red Website Design shared the confirmed Google ranking factors you need to know in this infographic.

Here’s what makes the list:

• Backlinks
• Relevance
• Freshness
• HTTPS
• Mobile-friendliness
• Page speed
• Core Web Vitals
• Intrusive interstitials

Check out the infographic for more detail.

Another great article from Mary Aspen Richardson

Video marketing is one of the most powerful tools at a marketer’s disposal. It is versatile and applicable in many ways. Today we want to talk about the role of video marketing in a digital marketing strategy and why it is such a crucial type of content. Learn how to benefit from including videos in your marketing campaigns and completely change your advertising approach.

Video marketing is highly engaging

What would you choose if you had to choose between watching a video or reading a text describing that same video? We all know a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is true, then a video is worth a thousand pictures.

Videos are incredibly engaging, and they will dominate 2023 for multiple reasons:

• They create a perfect synergy of image and sound
• The music adds to the emotional aspect
• People can listen to videos while working on other stuff
• They are very entertaining
• Videos can also be very descriptive and educational

With all of that in mind, it is much better to advertise products and services through videos. Customers can connect better with the product and see it before the purchase. That is crucial for digital marketing, especially when people buy products online without seeing them in person.

Video marketing builds trust

From where we left off, customers will have more confidence in their decisions once they see products or services in a video ad. That builds trust in the company and the product.

As a business, if you can provide relevant information about the product and also demonstrate how it works, you save your clients a lot of time. They don’t have to do further research or determine how the product works.

Furthermore, using videos to create product reviews or customer testimonials adds a whole new level of trust to your company. Future customers can now not only see how the product works but also get to see how other people use it and what they think of it. That is an excellent strategy that helps you to advertise through word-of-mouth advertising.

It is easier to tell your brand’s story with a video

Because of their storytelling narrative, videos are perfect for presenting your brand’s mission, values, and culture. Whether we talk about promotional content for customers, or internal materials for employee use and education, videos will deliver 100% of the time.

As a marketer, engaging with the audience and ensuring your content keeps them interested is your job. When it comes to videos, half of your job is already done.

You can implement videos in any type of marketing

Whether you want to advertise through emails, social media, PR, or any other type of digital marketing, you can use videos as your main content. The role of video marketing revolves around its flexibility. Videos are easy to work with and will substantially improve any marketing strategy you can think of.

People are more likely to share videos

You will benefit from videos if you create a winning social media marketing strategy and rely on your followers to share relevant content. People are likelier to share them with friends because they are entertaining, educative, and engaging.

Furthermore, if done correctly, videos can go viral and increase traffic. Viral marketing is a monster to tackle, and if you plan to use this strategy, there is no better content type than videos.

If we look at how videos developed over the years and how popular they are today, it is clear why people love them. No other type of content can generate millions of views that quickly.

Videos improve SEO

Besides attracting customers’ attention, videos will also benefit your search engine optimization strategy. Google loves videos because they require a lot of effort and energy. Also, they drive more traffic through views, which will indirectly rank your business website higher. Furthermore, if you plan on generating leads with video marketing, that is the best way to get more potential clients as well.

Also, videos are very convenient for mobile devices. People use mobile phones all day, and once you optimize your website for mobile, you will create an efficient synergy that will bring you a lot of SEO juice.

Differentiate yourself from the competition by using video marketing

It is a fact that many businesses today use video marketing. If you miss this opportunity, you will fail behind. However, you engage with your audience through the power of videos. In that case, you can differentiate your business from the rest of the market and stand out among the competitor companies while maintaining a positive digital marketing ROI.

All you need to do is to figure out a unique way to record your videos. It is all about the presentation and the message you want to send. You have to think from a couple of different angles. Some of the most useful types of videos to utilize are:

• Explainer videos
• Product demos
• Customer testimonials
• Brand videos
• How-to videos
• Behind-the-scenes videos
• Live videos
• Animated videos
• Webinars
• Personalized videos

Each type requires a different filming technique and speaks to a different audience. That is also a crucial detail. No matter what your product is, people might want different things out of it.

For example, if you are selling subscription-based software, one customer would like to learn more about the software. Another person could want to learn how to troubleshoot a specific issue or use a feature. Or, they could also want to learn how this software will improve their business.

That is why it is crucial to have a variety of videos. That way, you can talk to different groups of customers.

That is the role of video marketing

We hope you now have a better understanding of the role of video marketing. There are many different digital marketing strategies, but as long as you understand how to use videos, you can implement them in any approach.

META DESCRIPTION: Understand the role of video marketing and improve your digital marketing strategy. Here is how to boost your business with videos!

KW: The role of video marketing

https://pixabay.com/vectors/marketing-video-marketing-7579809/

With social media playing a significant role in our interactive process for well over a decade now, many things have changed, many trends have come and gone, and best practices are constantly evolving.