Why Content Matters with SEO

Content in search engine optimization is not just something you do, it is the thing you do. Everything about SEO revolves around the content. There are several things to consider when talking about content for SEO but we will focus on the big three: keywords, quality, and freshness.

The Hummingbird update that happened was a big change for the search algorithm that Google put into place. There is more focus on keywords now than ever before once the Hummingbird update came; keywords are to be in the titles of things, meta tags, in the paragraphs, your keyword density, etc. However, in regards to keywords, more emphasis is now on what the article is about and how you are using the keywords within all the content.

In the past, Google studied the search trends around the world and realized they had to improve identifications among synonyms and concept grouping. What does this mean? It means you should have both synonyms that are related to your main keywords as well as keywords directly related to the topic. This has changed search engine marketing strategy for every internet marketing firm in Chicago, New York, San Franciso, etc.

What about the article quality? You now have to write articles that are longer and are much more meaningful. Back in the day, you could get away with articles that were only 250 words but now, that minimum has doubled. A lot of websites have seen themselves get hit by Google because they had too little content. Ideally, webpages of 300, 400, 500+ words do well, even some sites with 1500 word articles do well. The most important thing is how well your articles are written; Google likes to see how well your stuff is written since that impacts its search quality.

Fresh content is a big, big deal. If you are unable to create content from your own mind, then you will need some extra help; having content that you did not make up is not only plagiarism but it will also get you hit by the big ol' Google. Online marketing has a focus on creating fresh, fun content for audiences and for good reason. Write on things that other people are not covering, or if they are, take a new spin on it. Always putting up new content to your site will help you quite a bit!

If you are looking for a Chicago marketing company that can help with your SEO needs, then contact Integraphix. 

Chicago SEO: Top 5 Ranking Factors for Optimization

Chicago SEO

It's fairly comment to find clients who've worked with SEO firms in the past that really didn't understand all the factors that go into determining where a website ranks in the SERPs. Some people think it's merely a matter of stuffing your title tags and meta data full of random keywords and sitting back. 

A hint: Most of SEO is in the background and you'll never see it unless you look at the source code of a website.

By reading industry blogs, practicing Chicago SEO and Internet Marketing since the mid-2000's, we've gathered a massing of data about SEO techniques and have shortened a 5 inch binder full of information down to the top 5 most important Google SEO in Chicago ranking factors you should be implementing on all of your websites.

Age of Domain

This sometimes can't be helped, especially if you just started a business, but domain age is incredibly important to the search engines. It means you're established, and by association are more trust-worthy. If you have the cash, you can purchase a domain name that's been around a while (for a few grand). Otherwise...you've got a long road ahead of you.

Content, Content, Content.

Content is king, content is king! Hail to the king of Chicago SEO. If you've got a beautiful website about Shoes, and all your content is about the great sweater you've got for sale, you can say goodbye to rankings for Shoes forever. The jist of the matter is this: write great, unique content using targeted keywords spread out naturally in your paragraphs. Never ever write solely for a search engine spider. It's a great way to lose customers and get black-listed at the same time.

Hidden Tags, Images and Internal Linking

Ok yes, this is three in one, but they're all important! A lot of SEO is unseen or brushed off by the human eye, but spider-bots read them all the time. Hidden tags include Title Tags, H1-H6, Alts, no-index, no-follow, etc. The most important of these are the Title Tags, H1 tags and Alt tags. They tell the spiders and therefore the search engines, what your website is about. Images? Important? Yes! Make very sure, when you upload an image to your website, that you include your keywords in the image name. Don't ever leave it the 'istock number' or the 'straight from the camera' name or even worse... header.jpg. As for Internal Linking, not only does linking internally show your visitors where to go, it tells the spiders where to go as well. Keep the clickable images to a minimum and make sure you incorporate the LEAST amount of flash as possible.

Keywords!!!

Keywords make the world go round. Without keywords, having an optimized website is worthless. Make sure you're doing your research and giving each specific page it's designated keyword based on the content and topic of each page. Example: If your page is about web design, don't talk about graphic design. Don't name your images graphic design related. 

Inbound & Outbound Links

Inbound links are better known as backlinks. Think of them like votes for your website. The key to building great inbound backlinks is to not BUY them. Develop them naturally and more links will follow! Outbound links are links from your website to others. If they're not relevant, don't bother.

For more information on Chicago Marketing Agency, Chicago SEO, Chicago Web Design and Chicago Graphic Design, call us for a FREE consultation at 847.537.0067.

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Why Content-Driven SEO Is Key To Effective Internet Marketing

Chicago Internet Marketing

Should you own a small business but have zero website presence, or if in case you have a site presence but it is still in the unknown side in the web world, then you definitely are missing out on a huge piece of the market. These days, individuals turn to Google, Yahoo! and Bing to search goods and services which they like or need. If you know you have a top-quality services that what your competition is at this time promoting online, then do the public a favor. Contract SEO services and get on the first page of Google!

SEO or search engine optimization is the native technique your internet site will get rated by search engines. For instance, SEO services Chicago firms make possible for establishments based in Chicago and elsewhere to land the top search results for a range of key words. This is achieved through content-driven SEO.

Significant content is produced for impending online buyers to observe and once they distinguish your web site stands out as the supplier of this applicable content, they will find it thus to their liking to go to see your site, advise their friends about your web site, and finally make an appointment for your service that you're marketing. With more people coming to your site, the search engines will appreciate the traffic and will then designate high page rank to you. In order that every time online consumers search for items which your establishment has for sale, your small business will at all times come up on the first page of results.

The comprehensive complement of SEO services Chicago valued clientele gain from involve content creation, content posting, and link building. With quality articles comes quality links and quality traffic to the website. If you are doing this for the first time, then beginning with, say, 48 keywords, will be adequate to see you jump from rank forgotten to rank known, until your way to the peak.

The beauty of Google SEO is how the results are enduring, and also you spend less and fewer time, effort, and money doing search engine optimization as you modestly keep your top rank. In comparison, PPC or pay per click campaigns will only drive traffic for a site while your dollar lasts. Each click amounts to dollars lost and as soon as the click halts, your ranking moreover drops.

Pick up some great SEO tricks and tips and find out how you can improve your search engine optimization on our website at http://www.integraphix.com/services/chicago_internet_marketing

Search Engine Optimization Tips: Chicago SEO

Chicago SEO

Search engine optimization better known as SEO, online business, promote well known marketing is one of the tools. Link building, link exchange and Google, MSN, Yahoo and the major high ranking in search engine can lead to various other methods. Web page it can easily be in the same way that plan quickly, access read and indexed by search engines. A few easy simple steps online presence and the company’s site, you can gain reputation.

SEO from time to time (and) is very effective. Here are some SEO tips and search engine approved by time and again the trick that you can use:

Title tags The main points for SEO has always been. Your page is what focus search engine are displayed within the title tags of your keywords is to keep. Maintaining the title tag is not guaranteed to be unique, such as the title multiple pages using the tag. Plus-your title tags in your keyword, do not spam. So people will want to click Explore read restrictions below Google i.e. 69 characters aim can read good keep it up.

Description tag fits in the title tag and put your keywords. SEO than this element in your visitors search engines for more. Description tag if you are unable to read and no one will be interested and date at the top of if you don’t click. Like the title tag and Google’s restrictions i.e. 156 characters for my page must be unique.

H1 tags the primary header tags and title tags, but do not exactly match what you need to fit the same keyword. Just for the SEO of your pages ch-H1 tags instead of the page to fit your design, make sure not to. So it’s not a big text, and CSS files in the size of the H1 tag, you can always change.

Anchor text on your page, also known as the “link text” your page, click the link. Any keyword anchor text posted on the page for your rankings earn about careful observation date. Certain more links with anchor text into a Web page that will be high points raised in it date.

Your page link is what helped improve search engine results page is your place. Always have pointed out in the confirmation page, the link is not broken links and they are not the source of the virus or malicious code, point to the page.

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Chicago SEO

SEO Firm: Don't Ask Sites for Links!

Chicago SEO Firm

SEO Company in Chicago

Yep. That's what I said. Don't ask websites for links! It's bad PR. What you need to do is find people and connect. Network! Since many SEOs are trained in the traditional practice of link building, we typically go through a process somewhat like this.

1. Find a relevant website.

2. Search for contact information.

3. Get in touch and make a trade.

If you've done this before...you know this type of Chicago Internet Marketing sucks. Conversion rates are typically very low, and the Return on your Investment is there, but it is a painfully long road to travel. But there is a much better way.

Find human beings! 

What a concept! They can be bloggers, journalists, forum participants, social networkers, people in the media, or perhaps you're simply well connected already! (Lucky you!)

Follow them

No not like a stalker. Follow their internet contributions: Twitter, Facebook, their blog, Forum conversations, emails, etc. Don't ask for anything.

Make yourself useful to them

Offer them great content, give them a referral, build trust.

Make them aware of this 'thing' you have for them

Talk about it on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, email, blog comments, or whatever way you wish to contact them.

There are huge advantages to building connections and links this way because it's coming from a trusted source and not from random email spam. People also like people. People who interact with them specifically. Getting an email from info@somerandomsite.com isn't likely to reap any rewards.

Credibility is huge here. Not only are you building credibility for yourself, but you're doing it for your clients as well. You've got greater brand awareness, attention from influential people, social sharing and more! And the best part? It's future proof. No matter what signals search engines measure, your work will carry value. If Facebook sharing or Tweeting takes over the internet, it won't be a problem, because you're already getting your links shared.

Good luck out there! We're rooting for you here at Integraphix. The process can be longer, but it will reduce the painful awkwardness on both sides of the fence. If you've got a comment, (a useful one) let us know by adding your name below!

--

Integraphix, a Chicago SEO Firm

Palatine, IL Online Marketing Company

Optimizing your business website for search engines is becoming one of the most popular techniques for getting business and getting noticed as a small business. If you own a small business and either don't feel SEO Marketing is a good investment, or are simply not applying the strategies, you're missing out on a huge source of free advertising.

Although Search Engine Optimization is key to becoming popular in your geographical location, business owners are usually not skilled enough or have the know-how to do SEO on their own. This is where an SEO Consultant comes into play. An SEO Consultant will help small business owners put together a strategic internet marketing plan that ensures success online, or if one person is not enough, business owners can consult an Internet Marketing Company. Here are some tips to filter out the bad and choose the best company for your business needs.

SEO Reputation:
When researching SEO companies, you must check the reputation of the company. There is a practice known as 'Black Hat SEO' and many companies employ this. Black Hat SEO is an unethical form of SEO, that, while sometimes successful, will more than likely get your website blacklisted by major search engines.

Top Ranking on All SEs:
Beware of this promise. Companies that promise visibility or top rankings on ALL search engines for the length of your seo contract are lying to you. This is not possible as search engines, especially Google, are changing the way they rank websites all the time, and usually, without warning. Websites will move up and down all the time in rankings based on these changes, so guaranteeing a spot is unethical. An Ethical Search Engine Marketing Company will let you know that results are NOT guaranteed and your place will fluctuate with how the search engines are reading your website.

SEO Specialties
Legit SEO Companies will list their specific specialties on their website. The best SEO Companies will supply their website visitors with SEO strategy articles, blogs and other information. You should ask for recommendations from trusted online sources such as Google Maps, Yelp and other reviewing sites or ask business connections when looking for an Internet Marketing Company or SEO Strategist.

The Cost of SEO
If you're not sure what the average cost is of hiring an SEO Company or Consultant, it's best to do some initial research. First, know that SEO is not a one-time thing, and it will typically take a few months to see significant results, especially if your website has never been optimized before. Your second step will be to check out your competition: are you going up against a competitive niche? If so, it may be better to hire an Internet Marketing Company over a single SEO Consultant. Thirdly, remember that your cost will be based on how aggressive you want to be. If you want more backlinks, more social media activity, more articles and blogging, you're looking to spend around $800 on the low end. If you're hiring a huge company, be ready to pay at least $3000 a month in Online Marketing. Integraphix prides itself at being one of the less expensive SEO Companies in Chicago and you're more likely to be in the $300-600 range for monthly SEO marketing.

The most important thing to remember is this: You have a business to run, and if you're trying to become popular online, it is less expensive to hire a SEO Company than to lose business by doing it yourself. If you are unable to apply the correct strategies on your own, you might be hurting your SEO in the long run and it will be more expensive to fix and optimize you correctly. Be sure to do your research, ask questions, and ask to see their work. If they're not willing to share, they're probably doing some shady things behind closed doors.

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Are No-follow Links good for SEO?

I've recently seen a lot of discussion on the value of no-follow links for SEO. Half of the Internet Marketing community is saying there IS value to them and the other half thinks there is absolutely no value. After some research, I've found compiled some information on backlinks and their do-follow/no-follow relevance to SEO.

No-follow Links: Is is still valuable to get them when you can? Social Media sites are mostly no-follow. Is it worth the reach even without the SEO value?

With some research, I've come to this conclusion: Yes, no-follow links are definitely important. There is much debate on no-follow links and as an SEO, I don't believe there needs to be so much concern over getting do-follow links. If a link is from a strong website with high PR such as Huffington Post, or Forbes and can pass traffic, then I say go get it! Search Engines are paying a lot of attention to Social media websites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) so why bother with worrying about nofollow/dofollow when they're still incredibly important to have. If you're trying to build a brand and rank on Google, it's best not to obsess over whether a link is good for SEO - think about what is good for your brand.

Nofollow links to not pass search engine value for Google and Bing - Yahoo might be another story. But you CAN have a link on Wikipedia or even Google's own blog and it won't count, but that doesn't mean it's not incredibly valuable.

Websites with lots of links, even if they're no-follow links, can still send traffic: meaning that the link is still clickable or live. This can still help with increased website traffic, leads and potential conversions and perhaps even encourage others to link to your website with a do-follow link. The point of all the Social Media links is about creating awareness and a following for your product and services. This awareness about your brand will lead to more link building from other sources and develop a larger community for your brand. So do no-follow links matter? Yes they most certainly do.

Investing in SEO for your Website

Is your website getting all the traffic you'd like to see? Often, good web design is not enough. To draw visitors to your site, an SEO campaign may be necessary.

Search engine optimization is not a do-it-yourself project. SEO experts use a collection of sophisticated tools to dive into the details of your website to make it more attractive to search engines, and build sophisticated strategies to improve your search engine rankings. But not all SEO firms are created equal. Here are five red flags to watch out for when comparing SEO firms for your search engine optimization campaign.

1. Aggressive timelines. If a firm promises high rankings and big results in the first 30 days, beware. True search engine optimization takes time to achieve. This sort of short-term gain usually requires a flurry of activity in promoting your site online -- and can often get you banned from Google or other search engines indefinitely. A reputable SEO firm will talk about results over months, not weeks.

2. A one-time shot. Just as you change your product or pricing in response to the market, good SEO requires changes in strategy over time. A short-term project may create short-term activity, but just because your site is ranked #1 today doesn't mean it will be tomorrow. Good SEO firms provide constant monitoring and updating as required to see search engine success over the long term.

3. A "trust me" approach. Your SEO efforts are only worth as much as the results. If you're writing a check each month for services and aren't sure exactly what's being done on your behalf and what impact that's having on your search rankings, find another SEO firm. Most solid SEO firms will provide reporting regularly (we provide reporting monthly) and will keep you informed of how their work is progressing.

4. Tactics that harm your business reputation. No matter how much search engine rankings are worth, they're not worth damaging your business reputation. Some more questionable SEO practices can end up with your company information associated with unsavory areas of the web -- including adult content, organizations that you may not support, and websites that sell or in other ways profit from private user information. SEO firms that play fast and loose with your good name should be avoided.

5. Difficulty connecting with a real person that understands your business. SEO firms that use a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach will likely miss great opportunities to promote your website and add to visibility because they don't adequately understand your customer, your products, and your business goals. If someone wants to sell you an SEO package without an expert consultation which considers your wider marketing strategy, run.

Reputable, effective SEO firms can double or triple the number of visitors to your website over time, and they can make the difference between a winning web strategy and a site that's beautiful but unused. Before selecting an SEO firm, ask questions, get a detailed proposal, and make sure you understand what you'll be getting for your money.

Integraphix is a full-service Chicago website marketing company, developing and promoting stunning websites and dynamic mobile applications for large corporations and small businesses nationwide. Our SEO experts can design a search engine optimization campaign that grows your business without busting your budget. Contact us to see how investing in promoting your website can pay off over and over again.


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SEO Marketing on Tumblr: How to Optimize your Tumblr Blog

SEO Website Optimization for Tumblr and other Social Media Websites

Tumblr could possibly be the most addictive social media and micro-blogging platform behind Facebook and Twitter. This is especially so if you're looking for an easy to use (and awesome) photo/text/link blogging website. It'll be even easier to get addicted when you read this post. Also, please take not of the fact that Tumblr Corporate heads have plans in to expand significantly next year. If you're in it for internet marketing and seo...that's another story.

While fun to use, and wonderful to look at, Tumblr isn't the best blogging site out there to support an SEO campaign. Wordpress and Google's Blogger still reign supreme, while Tumblr rarely ranks well on search engine results. We're not saying that it will never rank well, but typically it does not rank without a few tweaks and tricks. What are these tips and tricks? Read along grasshopper:

Optimize your page Titles
Here's the great thing about Tumblr: their customization allows you to modify the HTML of your website and of the posts themselves. HTML...that's scary right? Well it's not that scary as it involves the simple change of a title tag of the post so that it contains the title of your post, a summary and perhaps even your blog name. This way, the information you want will show up in search results and help your content gain exposure (instead of just your blog name) and in turn help your search engine optimization.

Add Meta Descriptions
Don't know what a meta description is? It's the short paragraph seen  under Search results in Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Google is the main search engine most people should focus on, and they display no more than 160 characters for each description, so try to keep your meta description under that. If you don't create a meta description, Google will pull one from your website for you and you may not like the outcome! It will be a random accumulation of 'spidered' words. This is not good for SEO or the likelihood of someone visiting your website.

Submit your XML sitemap to the search engines
Tumblr gives users the ability to generate what's known as an XML sitemap. That's very nice because it gives you the ability to tell the search engines that you have amazing, organized and well thought out content.

Customize the URL of your post
Do not post anything before altering the URL of your blog post. It's in the lower right hand corner of the post/reblog page. Alter the URL so it is SEO-friendly - also remember add tags so people can find your post.

Optimize your Photos
This means more than just adding tags through the tumblr website itself. Make sure you are uploading pictures that are named properly, and have the appropriate alt text description.

Get going on Social Networking
The reason Tumblr is growing and becoming more successful is the social aspect of the blogging platform. Users can talk to each other much like Facebook and Twitter though their blog posts. This doesn't mean you don't have to get on Facebook or Twitter and use it religiously. Tumblr has a feature where you can connect your blog to Facebook and Twitter, so that whenever you post on Tumblr, it will automatically repost to Facebook and Twitter - saving you time, and building your following.

More questions on Social Media Marketing with Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter? Contact Integraphix for a FREE Internet Marketing Analysis and start your SEO campaign today!

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