What you should know about SEO.

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is vital for every business. Very recently, Google rolled out another update to their search algorithm. Since this blog post is written for small business owners that may not know a lot about all of this techie stuff then we're going to start with some basics.
What's happening now?
Every once in a while, Google will update how their search engine displays results. One of the main reasons for this is to try to "weed" out some "spammy" websites from their search results. This doesn't typically affect local business owners and their websites. But there are some things that you can do to improve your website ranking, thus getting more website visitors and more customers.
What you (as a small business owner) needs to know.
Google displays their search results with the most "relevant" websites first. Search Engine Optimization or SEO for short is the process of making your website as relevant as possible to the search terms that you want to be associated with. For example, you are a chiropractor in Salt Lake City, Utah and you have a website that you use to get new leads. However, there are 20 other chiropractor offices in your area.
How does Google rank the websites when someone searches for "chiropractor in Salt Lake City".
There are a several things that need to happen before your website becomes more relevant than your competitors' websites. I will cover a few simple things that you can do as a small business owner.

SEO Tip #1: Keep your website updated and current

Search engine optimization is best accomplished with a website that is up-to-date. Many of you may have websites that were designed several years ago and use HTML. There are a couple of problems with this; 1) HTML, like any other software or technology can become outdated and 2) it may be challenging for a "non-techie" person to update. Instead, you should try to switch to a content management system to run your website. I love Wordpress. It is simple to learn and makes updating your website a simpler process for those that "know just enough HTML to be dangerous".

SEO Tip #2: Focus on a keyword phrase

Keyword phrases are what people use to search for things on Google. So your main keyword phrase should be your "product or service" in "your local area". This keyword phrase should be found in critical areas on your website. Things like your Page Title, Meta Description, Meta Keywords, Page Content, and Alt Image Tags. These are some areas that Google looks at when they decide the relevancy of your website.
Keyword phrases are also use in off-page SEO. What I mean by this is that your keyword phrases should be used as backlinks to your website. Backlinks happen when other websites link to your website. When discussing a backlinking strategy, it's very important to note that Google values quantity over quality.

SEO Tip #3: Use social media wisely

At the beginning of this blog post, I briefly mentioned something about "Google updating their algorithm". What I do know is that this update adds more social media influence as part of their relevant search results. This means that having your website linked up with your social media accounts AND actively using social media will help your website rank higher in the search engine results.
These tips are meant to add to your educational knowledge of seo. I recommend using these tips only if you already know what your doing. Also, search engine optimization is meant to be a long-term online marketing strategy. Don't expect to see immediate results. If you would like to discuss how SEO can help your business, feel free to contact me and we can chat about your online marketing strategies.

Guest Diary Authors

Below are some posts from some Pet's Diaries. One from a Dog and one entry from a Cat. These are my guest diary authors. Enjoy!  Comment below and tell me which pet you'd rather have!


Excerpts from a Dog's Diary...

8:00 am - Dog Food! My Favorite Thing!
9:30 am - A Car Ride! My Favorite Thing!
9:40 am - A Walk in the Park! My Favorite Thing!
10:30 am - Got Rubbed and Petted! My Favorite Thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My Favorite Thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the Yard! My Favorite Thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my Tail! My Favorite Thing!
5:00 pm - Milkbones! My Favorite Thing!
7:00 pm - Got to Play Ball! My Favorite Thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My Favorite Thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the Bed! My Favorite Thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary...

"Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending remarks about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how I can use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell. So he is safe. For now..."

Awesome Prank! April Fools!

Dear Diary,


Pranks are great! Often times, pranks and practical jokes can take a lot of preparation time. But the result can be hilarious. Since it's April Fool's Day, I just wanted to share one of the funniest videos that I have seen. I hope that you enjoy! Feel free to voice your opinion on some of the funniest pranks that you've been victim/culprit to in the past.


-Scared Straight

What's Next for Apple?

Dear Diary,

Later this week is the release of the Apple iPad. Before it was officially announced, I was hoping that it would be like a macbook with a touch screen like what Axiotron does as pictured to the left.

I received an iPod Touch for this last Christmas and do not need something that is pretty much just a big version of "The Touch". Sorry iPad! I think that I'm going to have to pass you up.

The next thing on my wishlist is an iPhone but I have a contract with T-Mobile and don't really want to fork out for an 'unlocked' iPhone. So I'll wait until my contract is up later this year.

-Steve Hobbs

So that beg's the question, What will Apple think of next? What about the Macbook Wheel! Get to know the Macbook Wheel by watching the short news report below!

Night Terrors

Dear Diary,


I get scared sometimes of monsters. I know that they are just waiting until I fall asleep at night or during the day or anytime that I fall asleep. They are just waiting. Waiting. The other night, I pretended that I was asleep but I really was just awake. I peeked and saw a monster! There were actually two of them! I had no idea that monsters are friendly with each other. They were holding hands and everything. It was probably a boy monster and a girl monster.


The next day, I went to the police station to report what I saw and I was able to work with one of those guys that draws people for the cops. This is what he came up with.


-Scaredy Cat

For more Daily Monsters. Check out: http://www.dailymonster.com/