Module 3 Videos Flashcards
SERP
Search Engine Results Page
How do search engines determine relevance and ranking?
complicated algorithms
- Algorithms now driven by machine learning-RankBrain, Cortana
- Black-box algorithm ~200 factors per Google but different levels of importance
Why is SEO important?
Approx. 70% of users click on organic vs. ads. Thus the higher up on the SERPs, the more traffic you will get to your site
Being above the fold is key, being on 2nd page is like being on page 20…
A website doesn’t pay for each click (as you do with paid search)
Why is SEO getting harder?
- In some categories (e.g., restaurants, medical) it’s almost impossible to be above the fold
- Often PPC, maps, reviews and structured data pushes organic placement below the fold
- Why? Google claims user experience but it also happens to help their ad revenue $$$
• There have been declines in traffic from organic even if you maintain your current position
~10% past few years
(i.e., studies Wordstream, MOZ, etc)
Pros and Cons of SEO
Pros:
• Usually more clicks–trusted more
• No cost per click but the expense of time spent optimizing for SEO
• Better conversions? Not always
Cons: • Hard to measure ROI • Takes time see results--months • Ongoing effort • In some products categories where you compete against large companies, it is hard to rank well
Pros and Cons of PPC
Pros: • Quick, can be up in minutes • Optimization easier thanks to A.I. • Leverage more variables-e.g., weather • More measurable, can bid for conversions
Cons:
• Expensive and getting more so, in some product categories, the cost per click can be >$10 per click
• If not in top 1-2 positions, very low CTR
Two types of SEO?
White Hat and Black Hat
White Hat
works within the parameters set by search engines-you must constantly check search engine rules, their blogs and monitor your Google or Bing Webmaster accounts. Aims for long-lasting success
Black Hat
those websites trying to game or manipulate the search engines. Aims for massive short-term traffic but this can be penalized by search engines to the point you don’t show up for any result!
Key signals that search engines look for
– Page relevance of the keyword (or topic) the user enters (or shows interest in)
– Popularity-websites with more traffic, if website url shared on social media, low bounce rate, etc.
– Trust-factors e.g., how long with web host, how many years domain registered 1 vs. 3; links to trusted organizations (BBB), SSL
– Authority-links, engagement (time on site), content shared, traffic to website and repeat visits
Panda
The Content Algorithm
Google Hummingbird
Penguin
The Links Algorithm
Google Hummingbird
Pirate
The Copyright Algorithm
G Mobile-First Index
Pigeon
The Local Search Algorithm
G Mobile-First Index
Page Layout
The Layout Algorithm
G Mobile-First Index
How to plan your SEO strategy (5 Steps)
STEP 01
Identify and prioritize the top 10-50 keywords/topics based on key metrics such as your sales volume, profits and conversion rates.
STEP 02
Determine the search volume for those keywords, maybe eliminate those with less than 100 searches per month -you might need to focus on longer tail keywords
STEP 03
Determine your current rankings on SERP for these keywords vs the competition
STEP 04
Determine your Domain & Page authority vs. top 1-3 ranks and see how realistic it is that you can beat them
STEP 05
Create a compensatory model to decide which keywords to pursue
Step 1 of SEO strategy
Use Sales data to pick your most profitable and high converting products
Use online (web and social media analytics) and offline data, market research,
However, you need to see how realistic is it that you can achieve a good SEO ranking- may need to do PPC
Step 2 of SEO strategy
Keyword idea generation techniques
When people search they tend to do it based on different approaches, you need to get into their “shoes”. Some apply, some may not depending on the situation-use different “verticals” (e.g., video)
- Problem: water leaking dishwasher; lack car insurance
- Symptoms: flooded kitchen; not really applicable to car insurance
- Product: leaking Maytag Model XC3; Allstate car insurance
- Solution: Plumber in Richardson TX, car insurance quote Richardson TX)
(Step 2) SEO Funnel
Awareness»Interest»Decision»Action
Short tail (1-2 keywords) -more top of the funnel & often not practical given how competitive it’s likely to be-but check "sweater"
Long tail (2> keywords): more bottom of the funnel--the more competitive your category--the longer it may need to be but a trade off with volume. Also the entire site may need to be optimized for local "Buy cardigan long sleeve Frisco"
Always make sure your Brand Name is in a top SERP position(s)–Macy’s, etc.
If a small to medium sized business, focus on both localization and longer tail keywords that still can contribute to your revenues/profits based on decent local search volume