6 Changes Every SEO Should Make Before the Over Optimization Penalty Hits

Having overly optimized web pages could soon get your websites in some hot water with Google and their search results. It has recently been announced that Google will start to penalize websites that engage in over-optimization practices.

Here is some information and changes that you should be making to your SEO practices in order to avoid this type of penalization.

[Source: http://goo.gl/F8NRe]

The Benefit Of Custom Logos

Logos are very important no matter what kind of business you have. If you are running a local business, then a logo should be one of the first things that you put out there. The benefit of a logo is that people will recognize them much easier than a companie’s name. The reason this happens is because people remember objects and images with ease, unlike words and lettering. Now, if you company has a name that is rather hard to pronounce then it makes sense to use an logo for branding purposes rather than your companies name.

As far as the benefit of custom logos, there are tons of them. The best part about a custom logo is that nobody will get your logo confused with that of your competitors. A lot of companies will use logos of bigger corporations and all this does is helps build the brand of that bigger corporation. Do yourself and your company a favor and make sure your logo stands out the rest of the logos out there. If your logo is too much like another one, then it is pointless to market it. I know that logo designers can cost quite a bit but they are not that expensive if you think of them in terms of a long term investment.

Google's Algorithm Update to Penalize Over-Optimized Sites

Last week during a SXSW panel, Matt Cutts, head of Google's search spam team, announced that Google has been working on a new tweak to its algorithm that will punish sites that are too optimized for SEO -- what he called "over-optimized" or "overly SEO'd," according to the recording of the announcement posted on Search Engine Land. Here's what you need to know about the new Google algorithm update, which has not been released yet but will go live in the next few weeks, according to Cutts' announcement.

What Cutts Revealed About the New Algorithm Update

Cutts hadn't planned on mentioning the algorithm update, but was given the perfect opportunity when an attendee asked the following question:

"With so many SEO companies showing up claiming to do SEO, a lot of markets are getting saturated with optimized content...What are you doing to prevent, for example, if you're looking for something, and the first page is just optimized content, and it's not what you're actually looking for? Are you pretty much out of luck if you're not optimizing your site but it has relevant content? If I'm a mom or pop and I'm trying to optimize a site by myself, I'm going to get beat by people paying thousands of dollars."

This algorithm update is working to level the playing field for sites without as many resources to dedicate to SEO. Matt explained the changes as "trying to make the algorithm more adaptive," or being more understanding of sites that have good content even if it isn't search engine optimizedlike many marketers have learned to do. The sites that will be penalized are those that "throw too many keywords on the page, exchange way too many links, whatever they're doing to go beyond what a normal person would expect."

What Google's Algorithm Update Means Practically for Marketers

If your content is driven by topics, you shouldn't expect to be penalized when the new algorithm update rolls out, even if you do take the time to search engine optimize that content with keywords and relevant links. If your writing is driven by keywords, however, we predict it's more likely you'll suffer some search ranking slips.

What's the difference between a keyword-driven content strategy and a topic-driven content strategy? A content strategy driven by what readers want, not what search engines want, is the direction that Google has been actively working toward rewarding even since last year's Panda updatesrolled out. So if you're selecting topics based on what your audience would find helpful, you're doing content strategy right. If you're choosing what to write about based on the keywords you want to be found for, you don't have the reader top of mind; and Google is doing everything they can in its algorithm not to reward such sites in the SERPs.

Said Cutts on the panel, "Make a compelling site. Make a site that's useful. Make a site that's interesting. Make a site that's relevant to people's interests...We're always trying to best approximate if a user lands on a page if they are going to be annoyed...All of the changes we make are designed to approximate, if a user lands on your page, just how happy they are going to be with what they're going to get."

Marketers, business owners, and SEOs could also take a cue from Bing's Duane Forrester, who was also on the panel and addressed the attendee's question after Matt Cutts' initial response. He highlighted the importance of social sharing as a signal others actually like your content -- one of the key indicators of relevancy for search engines. "Does the rest of the world think you have a great product?" Forrester asked. "If they do, they will amplify this. If you're not engaged socially, you're missing the boat because the conversation is happening socially about you and about your content. Those are really important signals for us. Whether you're involved or not is your choice, but those signals still exist whether you're in the conversation or not."

Thankfully, Danny Sullivan asked the burning question we all had (or still have) on our minds -- whether Google is going to release an algorithm update that's designed to hurt the kinds of SEO activities that have been recommended to marketers to help their search rankings. In short, no; this algorithm update won't do that. Cutts clarified by saying, "SEO can often be very helpful. It can make a site more crawlable; it can make a site more accessible; it can think about the words users are going to type whenever they come to a search engine to make sure those words are on a page. The same things you do to optimize your return on investment and make sure things spread virally or socially are often the same things that work from a search engine perspective...but there are some people who take it too far. If you're white hat or doing very little SEO, you're not going to be affected by this change."

So marketers, it sounds like the same rules still apply. Create great content with readers in mind first, search engines in mind second. Then make sure your site is easily crawlable so bots can actually read and index that content. As more information is released, we'll keep you updated on whether this algorithm update will affect the way you approach your content or search engine optimization strategy. 

[Source: hubspot.com]

What does Semantic Search mean for SEO?

What Is Semantic Search?

Semantic search uses artificial intelligence in order to understand the searcher’s intent and the meaning of the query rather than parsing through keywords like a dictionary. When you search now, Google gives you results based solely on the text and the keywords that you put in that search. Essentially, Google gives you its best guess.

When you use semantic search, Google will dive into the relationship between those words, how they work together, and attempt to understand what those words mean. Google will understand that “their” and “they’re” has two different meanings and when “New” and “York” are placed together, it changes the meaning.

Semantic search isn’t a new concept. As early as 2008, search engines were popping up that focus on natural language over keywords. But we’re really only taking notice now because of Google. And Google is really only taking notice because of Siri and Google’s response to Siri, Google Assistant, which will be out on Android devices later this year.

Semantic Search for SEO

Keywords are easy to manipulate; intent, not so much. In order to rank well in semantic search, you don’t just have to put your keywords in the right places, you have to figure out the actual meaning behind those keywords and create content around that specifically. That puts more emphasis on your keyword research.

When people search, they aim to answer a question. They just search in the truncated version of that question. Keyword research is largely data-driven around the popularity of the terms in their question. Keyword research in semantic search will have to focus on what that person actually means when searching for that keyword.

For example: Physiotherapy. What could people mean they search “Physiotherapy?”

§                     What is physiotherapy?

§                     The different procedure of physiotherapy

§                     How to handle different physiotherapy cases

§                     Physiotherapy learning videos and guidelines.

The possibilities are endless. When you’re framing your content in a semantic search world, it has to be around answering the specific questions people have as it relates to that keyword. With every sentence you write, ask yourself: How does this answer the searcher’s question? You will have to focus on the natural language even if those users are still focusing on keywords.

[Source: mashable.com]

On Page Optimization Tips

Title
Title should have between 10 to 65 characters including spaces. Use your primary keywords and phrases in your title.

Meta Description
Description should have between 60 to 165 charaters including spaces. It is the summary of your website. It display in google search results. You must also use your primary keyword and use a secondary keyword too in your meta description.

Meta Keywords
Keywords should have no more than 256 characters and separate the keywords or phrases using a comma. Use keyword research tool to find keywords.

Heading Tags
Use H1, H2, H3, H4, H5 and H6 tags. Try to include your main keyword in heading tag.

Bold and Italic Tags
Use bold, italic and Invered comma for your main keywords. Try to use bold for your primary keyword in the beginning and end of the content. Don’t over do it but use it properly.

Anchor text
Use keywords and phrases in anchor text.

Keyword Density
Keyword density should have up to 2 percent only. Try to use your main keyword once in first paragraph and in the last paragraph of your site content.

Alt code
Use alt code for your image. Always try to include your primary keyword on it.

Broken links
Check your broken links and fix them. Broken links negatively affect your website.

Robots.txt
Use robots.txt file to allow and disallow pages or folders from search engine crawl.

Sitemap
Use html and xml sitemaps for your website. Xml sitemap helps search engines to find and index your web pages more quickly and html sitemap helps your readers to find out the content of your website.


Note: Also read Meta Tags and SEO Tools.

Facebook Timeline Business Page - 14 Important Tips

1. Create a new Facebook timeline cover image. 

The cover image provides amazing opportunities for branding and to visually inspire and connect with your fans. The options are endless as long as you stay within the Facebook guidelines outlined in #3 below.

Create several different timeline covers so you can provide a fresh and inspiration experience for your timeline visitors!

Image dimensions: 851 x 315

Download a free template I created in both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator formats here.

2. Facebook cover image content guidelines (rules).

 Facebook has set pretty strict guidelines for what can and can’t be displayed and communicated on the new timeline cover image.

What you CAN do:

• Brand the heck out of your company, book or personal brand. This include brand images, logos, photos and any other visual marks.
• Inspire your audience with visually appealing graphics, colors and images.
• Use simple language that will help you inspire and connect with your fans.

What you can NOT do: (Per Facebook cover guidelines)

• Price or purchase information, such as “40% off” or “Download it at our website”
• Contact information, such as web address, email, mailing address or other information intended for your Page’s About section
• References to user interface elements, such as Like or Share, or any other Facebook site features
• Calls to action, such as “Get it now” or “Tell your friends”

Basically the cover image is provided to inspire and connect with your fans. It is not meant for blatant self promotion or hard sales.

*Obviously make sure you have legal copyrights to all images and content.

3. No default landing tabs. 

You can no longer set a tab as a default landing tab. Now before you go off on a wild rant about how terrible this is, remember this is a post designed to help you move forward and do good things with your new Facebook timeline.  Got it? Okay, great! Now here are a few things you CAN do:

• Maximize use and space of cover image.
• Use the unique urls of apps to direct people directly to the app from pages outside of Facebook as well as posts, status updates within Facebook.
• Maximize use of the top apps shown underneath your cover photo.
• Use the apps for call to actions and to engage your fans.
• Use this as an excuse to get out of your box and focus on truly inspiring and connecting with your audience

4. Tabs are now Apps! 

Apps are the new tabs. Although you can’t set one as a default landing tab for new visitors to your Facebook page, there are still many ways you can leverage apps.

• 4 apps are always on display underneath your Facebook cover image.
•  You can utilize a max of 14 custom apps on your timeline.
• Create a custom thumbnail for your app. (see #7 below)
• Apps have a unique url that can be used to drive traffic to a specific app (see #6 below).

5.  Use a unique url in place of landing tabs. 

Although you can no longer set a default landing tab, you can still easily get around this.  Since each app has it’s own unique url you can use the unique url to direct traffic from inside or outside of traffic to a specific app.

I suggest purchasing a unique url that you can use to drive traffic to your Facebook app of choice.  For example, I purchased the domain www.pamsfanpage.com and use to use it to direct traffic directly to my default landing tab. Now I will use it to drive traffic to an app of my choice. The best part of using a domain that you own is that no matter how many times Facebook changes the apps, tabs, timelines, pages or other, you can stick to one or two urls that you use on a regular basis.

6. Create custom thumbnails for apps. 

It is super easy to create a custom thumbnail image for each and every app. Note custom images cannot be set for photos and likes.

a. Create an image that is 111 x 74 pixels.

b. Click on the arrow to the right of your timeline (underneath the cover image). It will show a number which represents the number of apps you are using.

c. Click on the arrow next to the image of the app you want to change.

d. Click on edit settings.

e. Click on change (for the image)

f. Upload the new image

7. Now fans can send you private messages.

You can not message your fans. The messages are user (fan) initiated.  Messages are a good way to encourage one to one communication if you have an interest in doing such with your fans.

8. Milestones

You can set milestones for your business for current, or past dates. This is a great way to highlight key events such as grand opening, ribbon cuttings, launch of new products, new partnerships, business milestones and achievements.  Milestone images are 843 x 403 pixels.

a. Click Milestone in the sharing bar at the top of your page

b. Add a headline, date, location and details

c. Choose to add a photo

d. Click Save

9. Highlighted Posts. 

You can set any post to be highlighted which means it will take up both sides of the page. I know, the name “highlight” just doesn’t make sense to me either. I expected to see some type of real highlight. This feature enables you to bring special attention to a particular post within the timeline.

10. Pinned Posts.

You can set a post to be pinned to the top of the page. Pinned posts will stay on top of your timeline for up to 7 days if possible; try not to wait the full 7 days before you change out the post unless you have a very important message to share. Chances are you have repeat visitors coming to your page throughout the week. Give them something new and fresh to check out.

11. Like button and interest lists. 

The like button will now show as “liked” for all fans who have already liked the page.

There are also new interest lists that can be accessed with a simple hover of the like / liked button.  You can create your own list as well as subscribe to lists the page owner has created.

Users can also select if they want to see your posts in their timeline right from your Facebook timeline by hovering over the same like button.

I will do more research on these feature and provide further detail in a subsequent post.

12. Know the required image sizes.

No need to over complicate this. Note the required image sizes and jot them down on a sticky. Stick it to your computer monitor and you won’t have to look them up or worry about forgetting them.

• Cover photo: 851 x 315
• Profile picture: 180 x 180
• Thumbnail image for apps: 111 x 74
• Highlighted & milestone images: 843 x 403
• Images within wall posts display as 404 x 404.

13.  Don’t freak out. 

The worst thing you can do is go into “freak out” mode. If you are completely freaked out over these changes then you really need to do the “double think” on your online marketing strategy. Remember, you do not own Facebook. Facebook can make any changes they see fit, whenever they decide to do so. It is a free platform and although you may have put too much weight into the platform for the success of your business, use the anxiety you feel today as a positive to move at least a few eggs out of the Facebook basket. Putting all your eggs in one basket is never a good thing, particularly when it is a basket you do not own!

14. Useful and important Facebook resources: 

Below I have compiled numerous Facebook pages to help you get acquainted with the most recent changes as well as the standard guidelines for Facebook features such as advertising and promotions.

Start setup of a new Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages

Facebook Basics: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=260315770650470&ref=hcnav

The Facebook Blog: https://blog.facebook.com/

Facebook Marketing Solutions Timeline Page: https://www.facebook.com/marketing

Build Your Brand with Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=198605806884743&ref=hcsubnav

Facebook Ads & Business Solutions: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=195623423828629&ref=hcnav

Facebook Advertising Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/ad_guidelines.php

Facebook Promotions Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/promotions_guidelines.php

Facebook Cover Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/help/search/?q=cover+guidelines

Facebook Pages Guidelines: https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php

Amended Facebook Pages Guidelines for State & Local Government in the United States: https://www.facebook.com/terms_pages_gov.php

Facebook Platform Policy: https://developers.facebook.com/policy/ (apps on pages must adhere to these)

How to make a Facebook milestone: https://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=279680818764230#What’s-a-milestone?-How-do-I-make-a-milestone-for-my-Facebook-Page?

Facebook Community Standards: https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards

Facebook Data Use Policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/

Facebook Statement of Rights & Responsibilities: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms

Facebook Apps, Games & Credits: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=310847352301318&ref=hcnav

Facebook App Basics: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=222844857728639

Facebook App Guidelines: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/guides/canvas/

Facebook Personal Timeline: https://www.facebook.com/help/timeline

Facebook Safety Timeline Page: https://www.facebook.com/security

Facebook Family Safety Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/safety

[source: By Pam Moore socialmediatoday.com]