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Search Engine Optimization is an inexact science, but it was designed to be that way. Yoast mentions that Google’s major updates usually require webmasters to rethink how we do SEO. While we’re not sure about when the next major update is due, we can be confident that it will probably cause some waves regarding how we rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). To this end, we’ve decided to explore a few applications that, if employed properly, can potentially boost the SEO potential of the content on your site.
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Google Trends
Probably the most obvious app that you should be using is Google Trends. The data Google Trends leverages, comes directly from Google itself. For bloggers or website owners with a particular niche they write for, Google Trends might not be such a game-changing research tool. However, for everyone else, this utility can be a godsend when advising us what’s trending and what people are interested in. Choosing the search terms carefully can show you how the demand for keywords has changed and give you a geographical drill-down into which areas search for what topics.
Google Keyword Planner
You may sense a trend here, but Google is still the best source for keyword research since the data it uses is always up-to-date. Keyword research is one of the most crucial parts of planning and executing a successful blog. In the recent past, many SEO consultants have been moving away from keywords as a ranking factor, based on Google’s move towards intent-based searches. However, as Search Engine Journal tells us, we shouldn’t abandon SEO keywords just yet. Google Keyword Planner takes a single “seed” keyword and generates a series of related terms that users search for. By combining the research tool with Google trends, you can quickly develop a blog or post that appeals to the broadest audience of searchers.
Buffer
If you use social media to drum up a buzz for tour content, then getting links out on time is critical. Social media followers aren’t always on, so you want to catch them when they’re scrolling through their feed and will most likely see your post. Buffer offers a straightforward way to both generate backlinks (which are a vital element in SEO) and engage your audience in one simple application. Buffer is a scheduling app that will give you control over when and how you post to social media. By figuring out when your core audience is online, you can easily tap into their interest by dropping your posts at the right time.
Content Marketing and SEO
Content marketing relies on SEO to drive traffic, but SEO relies on content marketing to develop new, fresh information. It’s a mutually beneficial cycle. For companies that aren’t interested in going through the hassle of SEO planning, businesses like YEAH! Local are a perfect alternative to planning and executing your own SEO strategy. But don’t think for a moment that you could get away without one. SEO is too important to leave to chance, and investing time and effort into it will reap the rewards in popularity and visitors.
