Google has recently had its biggest overhaul of algorithms since 2010. An algorithm is used to help rank websites in their search engine results. This latest update understands people's search queries to produce better search results.
What can you do to improve your ranking on google?
The focus is now, more than ever before, on high quality, original and relevant content. This is also content that people like to share on social media, and you can share it yourself!

Here are some ideas to create content that the new Google algorithms focus on:

• “Top…” lists: Lists, such as “Top 10 things to do in...” are easily shareable on social media. People like them because they are clear and to the point.
  

• Frequently Asked Questions: Include a FAQ page on your website that is logically formatted in topics and has links to relevant sections or pages on your website.
• How-to guides: Offer step by step instructions to something that is relevant to your business or industry that would help your customers.
  
• In-depth articles: Add in-depth articles on your website that relate to your industry and would be of interest to your guests. For example, if you offer bird watching tours, you could add some in-depth articles on specific native birds that can be seen on your tours.
• Easy to read font type: Ensure the font you use is easy to read.
• YouTube videos: YouTube is the world's second largest search engine and owned by Google. Having videos on your website will encourage sharing, and people can find your website on YouTube as well.
  
• Blogging: create a blog on your website. You can use some of the above ideas for content on your blog! You could also interview someone that would be of interest to your customers

Till next week, Marijke

Have you seen the above icons on websites? They are share icons and encourage people to share content on your website.
It's a great way to increase quality traffic to your website!
By having a range of share options, the visitors to your website will share your content with their preferred social media platform or by email.

To add this to your website, go to: www.sharethis.com and follow instructions. And.. it's free!

PS: have a go and share this page!

Till next week, Marijke

Here we go:
1. Contact information: your address, email and phone number. (these should really be on EVERY page!) And while we’re at it, ensure these are also on the automatic signature of your emails!

2. An overview paragraph (or a couple) clearly outlining what you do or sell (with relevant keywords of course!)

3. Stunning images that represent what you do or sell!

4. A video on your homepage increases conversion.

5. Clear navigation with working links, including a BOOK NOW or BUY NOW button. Check your links regularly to ensure they work!

6. An email signup box: One effective way to encourage customer loyalty is with a regular newsletter. Services such as Mailchimp offer simple ways of doing this.

7. Social media links: Help customers stay in touch by providing links to your social media accounts right on your front page. Use recognizable icons linked to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

Till next week, Marijke