In 2010 we are learning as search engine marketers that we need to be very, very versatile. Gone are the days of optimizing a few title tags, inserting keyword spam, then all of a sudden you find yourself on the first page of the search engines. Today now more than ever you must use all aspects of online marketing in order to get your sites to the top.
Some strategies that have been successful during the early part of 2010:
- SEO
- Local Search (PPC)
- Social Media
- Local Business Directory
SEO – Still one of the most talked about and mis-understood forms on online marketing. Search engine optimization continues to be a strong driver for many sites that are working closely with a consultant, company, or in house SEO expert. With the new social media sites that seem to pop up weekly, SEO specialists have to stay on top of their game in order to keep up with all of the work.
Today, still good unique content and quality links seem to matter the most. Many companies get a nice website designed but forget to focus on the content of the site. Visitors to the site are going to read your content so the way you layout the content and what you say is very important. For competitive keywords, if you are not getting links then you are not going to rank in the top 3 on the first page, period.
Local Search (PPC) – Probably the easiest form of online marketing but also the hardest to get right. Anyone can sign up for a Google AdWords account but if you do not setup the account properly you will be throwing money away to the masses. Along with SEO, PPC requires skill, research, analysis, and correct implementation in order to get the best results.
Social Media – The old everyone is doing it philosophy. Yeah it looks that everyone has a Facebook fan page / business page and a twitter account. The biggest thing the masses do not understand is at the end of the day it is about having a conversation. In order to get good results within the Social Media real you must be able to communicate with your followers / fans and get them to react as well as communicate back.
Local Business Directory – Great tool for local businesses. Get listed, verify your listing, and complete your profile. Much like a LinkedIn profile is reviewed by potential employers, your business listing within a Local Business Directory is reviewed by potential customers. You would not want someone to come into your brick and mortar store without providing them with the best contact information upfront.
