Summary of the Podcast Episode
Main Topic:This podcast episode revolves around SEO strategies for website owners, with a focus on managing hidden pages and enhancing branded searches. Meredith's husband provides actionable SEO advice tailored for business owners who may not have in-depth technical knowledge.
Details and Advice for Website Owners:
SEO for Hidden Pages:
A listener asked if ignoring SEO for hidden client pages could harm the overall site’s SEO. Meredith's husband explains that historically, tactics like using "doorway pages" (hidden pages linked only to specific users) were used to manipulate search rankings. However, such techniques are now flagged as "black hat SEO" by Google and could result in penalties.
To protect private content and prevent Google from indexing these pages, it's recommended to use password protection. Even if pages are not linked to from the main site, they could still be indexed due to automatic sitemaps generated by platforms like WordPress or via shared links that may be scanned by email services. Passwords are the most effective way to control access.
Understanding Branded Searches:
Meredith’s husband discusses the importance of branded searches, where potential clients search for a specific business by name. These searches often indicate a serious level of interest and due diligence by the user, making them valuable leads.
For example, people searching for "Meredith Zinner Photography" are likely researching or verifying her reputation before making a hiring decision. Thus, owning and managing the content that appears on the first page of Google search results is crucial.
Optimizing for Branded Searches:
Website owners should aim to "own" the first page of branded search results. This means ensuring that most, if not all, of the top results are controlled by the business. These might include the official website, social media profiles (like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), and other platforms like Pinterest or Yelp. Creating professional, updated, and consistent profiles across these platforms can help present a trustworthy image to potential clients.
Using tools like Google Search Console can help monitor how your site appears in search results and manage any issues with indexing.
Tagging Images Properly:
Properly naming and tagging images on the website is essential. Descriptive filenames and alt tags should include relevant keywords while avoiding excessive keyword stuffing. This helps in enhancing image search results and maintaining a clean, user-friendly experience.
Resources:
Google Search Console: Useful for tracking how your website is indexed and managed by Google.
Basic advice on using LinkedIn, Pinterest, and other social media platforms to enhance your business’s online presence.
This episode provides practical advice for maintaining good SEO practices, ensuring privacy for client-related content, and maximizing visibility in branded search scenarios.
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