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7 Tips to Build a Scalable Enterprise SEO Content Juggernaut that Yields Lasting Results

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |enterprise SEO|7 Tips to Build a Scalable Enterprise SEO Content Juggernaut that Yields Lasting ResultsWhether you are B2B, eCommerce, manufacturing, SaaS, a university, or any other large enterprise, one of the main benefits of SEO is its ability to build a self-sustaining flywheel of traffic by using more and more evergreen content.

Once you reach the point where more of your content ranks on page 1 of Google, you can start celebrating, especially since it will be easier to rank future pages. But that doesn’t mean that you can just coast – your competitors are always nipping at your heels.

Enterprise SEO efforts need to be consistently applied in order to exponentially grow traffic, leads, and sales.

That’s why I’ve put together 7 tips for creating enterprise SEO rockstar content that educates, converts, and scales.

1. SEO Quick Wins (Striking Distance Keywords)

It’s no secret that SEO takes some time to gain traction. It’s common to break even on your investment around 12 months. While it takes time, it’s worth sticking with it due to all the long-term benefits it provides.

SEO will yield results for you well into the future, and you’ll depend less on paid ads. It will also boost your other marketing channels by generating more email subscriptions.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait an entire year to start seeing some results.

That’s where SEO ‘Quick Wins’ come into play. These are some quick tweaks you do to your existing content for speedy boosts in traffic.

My favorite quick win is to identify ‘striking distance’ keywords.

The chances are high that you have a lot of your content ranking on pages 2 and 3 of Google. That’s quite common for my new clients, and they often see little to no traffic from those pages.

I view these pages as within striking distance of SEO traffic.

You’ll need to identify the 1 keyword that each page can use to gain more traction to rise to page 1 (or higher on page 1). Use a keyword research tool to find these striking distance keywords. Next, you’ll need to hit your content with what I call the SEO ‘one-two punch’:

1. First, inject the exact top keyword into five content fields:

  • Meta title
  • Meta description
  • H1 tag
  • The copy below your H1
  • The URL slug

2. Next, boost your page’s authority by linking high-authority internal pages to it

NOTE: Don’t forget to 301 redirect the old url to the new one (since you changed it).

Implementing this one-two punch can provide a quick boost to your rankings on Google. Within a couple of months, you’ll start generating higher ranking and additional traffic from content that was hiding from searchers.

2. Competitor Research (Direct + Indirect)

Next, you’ll need to look at what your competitors are doing with their SEO. If you never pay attention to the competition, you won’t know how you compare to them.

Also, analyzing competitors can give you valuable insights to incorporate into your strategy. For example, you may find that competitors are doing certain things that you aren’t. Here are a few things to pay attention to when looking at your competitors:

  • Their UI & UX since this is becoming more of an SEO focus
  1. Url folder/directory structure
  2. Main and footer menu links
  • From what sites are they getting quality links (where you aren’t)
  1. Highlights relevant sites you could reach out to get a quality link
  2. Highlights relevant sites you could build industry relationships with
  • From what keywords they are successfully getting SEO traffic (where you aren’t)
  1. Informs new content article creation
  2. Informs different keyword targets for existing pages

A lot of clients make the mistake of only analyzing their direct competitors. If you want to cover all your bases, you should look at your indirect competitors, too.

A direct competitor sells a product similar to yours. An indirect competitor doesn’t sell what you do, but they’re in the same industry. Many indirect competitors are media sites and publications. It’s essential to pay attention to them because they may rank for similar keywords.

3. Site Organization Recommendations

You’ll want to make sure that Google has visibility of all your web pages – or it’s all for naught. That’s why you’ll need to organize your site in a way that makes sense to Google. Otherwise, you’ll confuse the algorithm and won’t show up in search results.

That’s the last thing that you want, so here’s how to organize your website:

  • Sitemap.XML File. Your sitemap lets search engines know about all the pages on your website. It lets Google know the order of importance of your pages, recent updates, and more. To ensure Google has visibility of you, upload your sitemap to Google Search Console. Bonus points for creating an HTML version as well.
  • URL Directories/Folders. You’ll need to have your URL structure immaculate so that Google can crawl your site with ease. Order everything hierarchically to keep everything in place. Also, use crucial SEO keywords in your URL folders. Also, it’s best not to split your site into subdomains – as that can spread your authority too thin (rather than aggregating it on one site: better for SEO).
  • Site Navigation. It should be effortless to navigate your site for users but also for Google. Ensure that your main navigation bar has a nice layout with About and Contact pages. Also, use linked breadcrumbs to improve navigation. Breadcrumbs keep track of each page a user visits. It looks like this: Home > About Us > Our Mission.
  • Internal Linking. You’ll want to find areas where you can link to your other blog articles. That creates a spider web of interrelated content on your website. That’s great for SEO and encourages readers to click on related articles.

If you have all your ducks in a row here, you won’t run into issues with confusing search engine algorithms.

4. “Local” Landing Page Keyword Strategy

If you have multiple physical locations, you’ll want to use some “local SEO” techniques in your strategy for quality traffic. Local SEO refers to targeting local search queries in your area.

For enterprise-level companies, you’ll want to separately target each of your locations. That will increase your chances of being locally relevant and gaining more traffic. For local SEO keywords, you’ll want to include the location. An example would be, “car rental Green Bay WI.”

In that query, it’s evident that the user needs to rent a car in the Green Bay area. What’s great about local SEO is keywords often have more purchase intent than others. The fact that they include the location in their search shows that they are likely lower in the sales funnel.

5. Technical SEO Site Audit

Next on the list is a thorough technical SEO audit of your website. It’s where you take a look at key technical aspects that affect your search engine visibility.

Here are some of the factors that you need to audit:

  • Fixing broken links, images, and JavaScript. “Broken anything” means bad news for your SEO. Broken links and lines of code confuse the algorithm, so you need to fix them ASAP. If you find any broken links, know that broken internal links hurt more than external ones. Strive to fix your internal links first for this reason.
  • Images that are missing alt tags. Every image needs an ‘alt tag’ describing the image’s content. Google can’t see pictures, so it needs a description of what you’re trying to show.
  • Page speed issues. Your page needs to load quicker than it takes you to blink. Not only will slow websites frustrate customers, but Google ignores them. If you don’t pass the Core Web Vitals test, you’ll get overlooked.
  • 404 Pages and 302 redirects. Every time you see a 404 Not Found or 302 (temporary) redirect, use a 301 (permanent) redirect. Google prefers 301 redirects because they pass the domain/page authority test.
    Among others…

Fixing crucial technical errors can provide a quick boost to your SEO.

6. Article Keyword Research + Editorial Calendar

Playing the SEO game is all about releasing stellar content. You also need to remain consistent with your release schedule. That’s why you’ll need to develop an editorial calendar to keep you on track.

Regularly releasing blogs is a great way to see continuous boosts in traffic. Just make sure that you base these articles on solid keyword research (popular, relevant keywords that aren’t too hard to rank for).

Use your competitor keyword research, and supplement with others you think of along the way. Also, don’t neglect your content from the past; updating old articles (that are already getting some SEO traffic) can give you a new boost.

7. Backlink Outreach Strategy

Lastly, you’ll want to include link-building as a core part of your strategy. In addition to finding spots for internal links, you’ll need external links (other sites linking to you), too.

Adding links from high authority sites is a great way to give your content a power boost. If your content is linked from pages that Google views as trustworthy, it will boost your authority too.

For me, the first place to start link-building is with email outreach. I use the ‘skyscraper’ technique for email outreach. That’s where you find high-ranking pages in your niche with desirable backlinks.

Your goal is to acquire these backlinks for yourself. How do you do that?

To outdo their content, provide more value. Dive into more detail, offer new insights, and include images and videos. Once it’s evident that your content is superior, it’s time to email the owner of the website you want to link. Politely let them know that your content adds more value and that you’d like to link to their page.

Enterprise SEO That Scales

Those are the 7 core components of a successful enterprise SEO strategy. Remember, it’s about quality over quantity. A few solid backlinks will do more good for you than 1,000 poor ones.

The same is valid with your content. Focus on releasing SEO optimized articles that aim to educate and convert above all else. You want to be intentional and consistent with your SEO tactics to achieve the best results.

Bio/byline: Miles Anthony Smith, a tech keynote speaker and SEO consultant, delights in delivering invaluable content to people hungry for answers to their most vexing questions or challenges.

7 Effective WordPress Website Design Principles to Follow

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article, 7 Effective WordPress Website Design Principles to Follow

If you are looking to start a website, or are in the process of redesigning your current website, it is important to understand some effective WordPress website design principles. By following these guidelines, you can create a website that is both visually appealing and user-friendly. We will go over some of the most important principles to follow when designing your website using WordPress.

1. Muted Colors are the Way to Go

In general, muted web colors work best on websites. These are colors that come from the color spectrum that have been slightly “muted” down by adding gray. Bright colors can be too overpowering and distracting on your site, which is why muted colors are often best for your website. Just make sure not to go too extreme in the other direction by choosing only black and white. Also, be aware of color schemes. The difference between a color scheme and color choices is that a color scheme includes more than one color.

2. Resize Your Graphics Well for Online Use

When designing your site, be aware that you will not always be using it on a large screen. For this reason, it is important to resize your graphics for use online. By maintaining the original resolution of your image, you can ensure that it will not get distorted when used on a smaller screen. That way, your users will be able to view the same high-quality image that you intended them to see.

3. Parallax Effects Are Good But Don’t Overdo It

A parallax effect is a scrolling technique that gives the illusion of depth, dimension, and movement. They have been used on many sites to give viewers an exciting visual experience. While these effects can definitely boost the appeal of your website, be careful not to overdo it. Too much parallax scrolling can become distracting and even nauseating for some users. Find a balance.

4. Fonts Matter

Fonts are a very important aspect of your web design in Long Island. By choosing the right fonts, you can create a unique and creative look for your site. There are many great options out there to choose from, so make sure to take advantage of them. Just be careful not to use too many different fonts. Also, keep in mind that a font may look perfect on your computer, but may not look so great when used on another. So always test it out before making the final decision.

5. Think About a Minimalist Design

Another important thing to consider when designing your WordPress website is a minimalist design. This means keeping the site free of unnecessary graphics and clutter. Too much clutter can get in the way of what you are trying to convey. By using a simpler design, users will be able to focus on your content instead of having to sift through a bunch of other stuff.

6. Incorporate 3D Visuals and Illustrations

3D visuals and illustrations are a great way to incorporate an extra element into your site. Whether you use them for backgrounds or overlays, they are sure to give your site a creative feel. Just be careful not to overdo it with 3D visuals since they can become distracting.

7. Be Consistent

Finally, it is important to maintain consistency throughout your website design. This includes everything from the images you choose to use to the color scheme. By maintaining a similar look throughout your site, you can keep it visually appealing. This will also make it more user-friendly for your visitors.

There are many different things to keep in mind when designing your WordPress website. By following some of these critical rules, you can ensure that your site will be user-friendly and eye-catching as well. If you’re looking to design a WordPress website, you can consider hiring a WordPress web design company that will touch on all aspects for maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

The Impact of Packaging on Your eCommerce Sales

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article | The Impact of Packaging on Your eCommerce SalesPackaging is one of the most crucial elements of an eCommerce store and it can determine the level of success your business experiences. The way you package your product goes a long way to attracting potential customers, appealing to your target audience and differentiating your brand from the competition.

With an eCommerce business, you don’t have the benefit of customers being able to pick your products up or to talk to them face to face about your offerings, so you’re reliant on first impressions. That’s where packaging comes in to win new customers, retain existing ones and boost sales.

A rising demand for sustainable packaging

Sustainability has become an increasingly prominent issue for customers in recent years, and consumers want the products they buy to be packaged in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way. eCommerce businesses need to be sure they’re not overpacking their products which will contribute towards excess and unnecessary waste. They also need to ensure that the materials they use are recyclable or compostable to ease the burden placed on our planet.

Sustainable packaging comes in various forms and there are many packaging strategies for eCommerce businesses to try, from shipping in smaller packages to using biodegradable alternatives and plant-based solutions. These options improve your brand’s reputation, lower shipping costs for your business and increase sales.

Increased scrutiny from consumers

With the rise in online purchasing, businesses need to do all they can to connect with consumers on a personal level. In eCommerce, a customer’s perceptions of a brand are primarily based on their initial unboxing experience, so they’ll be checking for packaging damage, whether the item arrives in good condition and how the delivery experience was for them. Damage and faulty goods can negatively affect your reputation and lead to customers going to a different supplier, so the way in which you package your items makes all the difference.

This is even more important with food products. Customers have much higher standards when it comes to consumables, so you need to think about the item you’re selling and how best to package it to preserve the integrity of the product. For example, serving up one of the nation’s most popular drinks, tea bags are sensitive to light and moisture. As such, businesses in this niche need to choose packaging that provides a barrier to these elements to ensure the customer receives the product in the same condition as when you packaged it. Likewise, a company selling bath products needs to be sure the contents of a customer’s orders will remain intact and won’t absorb moisture.

The importance of visual appeal

While it’s true that packaging serves a practical function, there’s also a fantastic opportunity for eCommerce businesses to play with the design of their product and shipping packaging to elevate their brand presence and entice customers to buy. On average, customers form an opinion about a product in just 3 seconds, so you don’t have long to get their attention and keep it. Visuals are essential for representing your brand in the right way and could be the difference between a customer choosing to buy from your online business versus another.

You can use packaging design to convey your unique brand identity and messaging in a clear and concise way, so customers are immediately aware of what your business is about. Make sure your colours and fonts are cohesive with your brand and that you’re clearly displaying your business name, logo and trademarks so consumers instantly know that it’s your brand they’re purchasing from and will recognise your products from their aesthetically appealing designs.

Greater customer loyalty

Great packaging could spell the difference between a customer using your business again or switching to someone else, so it pays to take this into consideration. Consider if someone is purchasing a gift for a friend or relative. The packaging of your product could have a significant impact on whether they’re likely to consider your brand or someone else’s, and whether they’re likely to consider you again in the future.

Customer loyalty is an argument for considering custom packaging for your eCommerce goods, setting your products apart from the rest of the industry and making the design unique to your brand. Custom packaging is an underused marketing tactic that would put you a step ahead of your competition, but it also gives you the opportunity to really hone in on what your customers are looking for and provide it to them. Getting creative with the design, from the size, shape and functionality to colours and finishes, will delight your customers and encourage them to think of your business when they need to make a purchase.

Key takeaways

eCommerce businesses have to take packaging into account for a number of reasons, particularly if they want another effective method of boosting their online sales. Packaging plays an important role in protecting the interior items, providing a great service to customers and improving brand reputation and loyalty. There are so many opportunities to make packaging a focal point of a product, from playing with different designs to make your items stand out on the digital shelves to choosing sustainable materials that will give you eco points with consumers.

The main goal when it comes to increasing sales through packaging is to ensure that the style of packaging you choose is suitable for the products you’re sending out to customers and that the appearance matches up with the impression you want to give your customers.

Talking Shop – What Your Ecommerce Site Can’t Do Without

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If you’re reading this then you know that the future of shopping is well-and-truly online. But not every shop is created equal. The ecommerce businesses that keep the tips below in mind are going to see much more success with their customers.

StrategyDriven Marketing and Sales Article

Focus on the user experience first and foremost

This should be a given for any site but in the world of ecommerce, it’s actually easier to lose customers. Beyond categorization for products that makes sense and smart advanced search options, take an in-depth look through the whole process of buying items on your store. Think about where you can trim the fat, where another page or another click might not necessarily be needed. Putting customers through too long a process puts you at real risk of shopping cart abandonment. Another way of fighting it is by using breadcrumb navigation that shows customers at what stage they’re at through every part of the process. User friendliness must be your first and last concern.

Work to your product

No two ecommerce systems should work alike. In fact, if they have different products and different target markets, they should be wildly different. Beyond good navigation, you need a focus on the value proposition of the site and the individual products. For instance, the front page should be loud and clear with the deals on some of the most popular product types on the site. A front page that says nothing about the products is going to result in a lot of confused visitors. But attention to detail should go deeper than that. For instance, writing great product descriptions depends wildly from product to product. Lifestyle and fashion products, for instance, rely more on greater visual detail. Meanwhile, tech like computers and TVs need the technical details up-front. We’re talking resolutions, gigabytes, and compatibilities. You can’t sell two different kinds of products on the same selling points.

Have a site that works with you

Even worse than a site that’s confusing to customers is one that’s confusing to you. Not just in terms of design but management. Nowadays, there a lot of ecommerce hosting options that make it a lot easier for site owners to choose a platform built specifically for hosting ecommerce pages, with all the various sub-pages that go with it. Continuous, never-ending testing of the site is essential, too. Not just to make sure all pages are working. Methods like A/B testing also help you better understand how to make the site much easier to use for the customer.

Watch and learn

One of the best things about running a shop online as opposed to in the physical world is how much easier it is to store data on not just your customer base, but individual customers, too. Measuring the whole gives you a finger on the pulse of the market, seeing the trends from the customer’s’ point of view that can help you decide on which new stock might work best for the business. Building individual customer profiles, however, lets you go even further. You can specialize offers and create a bespoke browsing experience for each user that makes them a lot more likely to see something they’re tempted to buy.

Simple Online Money Making Ideas In 2021

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Make Money Online|Simple Online Money Making Ideas In 2021If you are still stuck largely at home during the pandemic; there are a lot of different ways you can spend your time. From organising your pantry to investing in your own professional development through courses – we all have had to find ways to use our time as productively as we can.

One thing you may not have considered though is how to make money from home using the online world. Working from home is commonplace these days and there are so many amazing methods to make some extra income from your own living room this year.

Today we want to take a look at some of the different ways you can make money online to help you gain some extra income for yourself and your family this year.

Start a blog

It seems that since 2012, every man and his dog has started a blog – and when you realise the opportunities it brings with it you can start to really see why. Blogging is not only a great way to share your thoughts and feelings and the things you love but it is also a simple way to make money. You can earn money through blogging by hosting advertisements on your website, buy posting affiliate links through programmes such as Amazon Partners, and working with brands. It can be a great way to make money doing something creative but you will also be able to go to exclusive events, get access to new products, and meet a lot of people.

Manage a YouTube Channel

YouTube is one of those careers that has taken off incredibly over the last decade and you can create a whole empire at home by sharing your skills and interests on this platform. There are a lot of elements that can go into a YouTube channel such as social media channels and a supporting website – and you can always contact an IT Support Company to help you with the set up and maintenance of these aspects. YouTube allows you to be super creative and you can talk about anything you want.

Create a podcast

Podcasts have become super popular in the last few years and they are on the rise. If you have a story to tell or a passion to share, a podcast is a great way to do this and you can reach a wide audience with your creation. Whether it be cooking tips, wellness, or true crime stories -there are endless ways to make money through a podcast and recording one every week will allow you to start making some passive income in a fun way.

Share your skills

One more way to make money online if you have a professional skill to share is to create online courses on Skillshare. You can create your own course on a subject you are expert in and teach other people about it. It will be a simple way to make some passive income and can really be a useful tool for you this year.