This is the final part in our 3-part mini sequel on how to make your shop googleable. In our previous 2 blog posts (SEO tips part 1 and 2), we explained why optimising your shop or website’s content should be improved in terms of meta data and external links. We want Auntie Google to push you up the ranking ladder, so keep reading!
Search engines like Google like everything that buzzes and makes a lot of noise on the Web. Google’s new algorithm – Hummingbird – was released in September 2013. Ever since one thing has become more important than anything else: ENGAGEMENT. What this means for you? Create content that users can interact with, particularly by sharing it and talking about it on other Web platforms. So make sure that whatever you offer is bound to make some noise. Here’s how to bang the drums:1. Create original and valuable content
You could also call it “link bait”: when creating and sharing something that has great value in terms of unique content and creativity, people will want to share it (and link to it, see SEO Tips part 2). The question is: what to create? Check out the most successful examples of link bait techniques here. What works best are:
- Outrageously funny videos
- An experience engaging the user: for example with a game or a question (What would you wear at a funeral – “T-shirt A” or “T-shirt B”?)
- Visual content: images and videos add appeal to the user
- Useful content: either very specialised advice (or “life hacks”) and info graphics
2. Optimise it and make it shareable
Depending on where your content is posted, make sure that it is optimised for Google. See our “SEO tips part 1” concerning on-page optimization. If you have a WordPress blog, you can optimise your content easily with Yoast’s plugin – it’s child’s play. If you share a video on Youtube, bear in mind that Youtube is a search engine as well. It’s a good idea to choose a really good and fitting video title, and to fill in the description with all the necessary information. Even adding a video’s transcript will improve success here, just like googling the lyrics of a song takes can take you to all kinds of sources online.
What’s more, you can use plugins that help users share your content on social media platforms: Facebook, twitter, Google+…
3. Share it on the right platforms
Identify your customers or potential audience and their favourite Social Media, and target these with your content. A younger audience will love photos and videos on Instagram, and people searching for creative images will look for inspiration on Pinterest. Build your own community on Twitter, Facebook and/or Google+ to generate interest for your shop. Youtube is the right place to host any kind of video, and Vimeo caters to a more artistic audience. There are no limits to the number of social media platforms on which to share your content, but keep your focus on the audience you’re trying to target. And please remember: it’s nice to be recognised, but for the right reasons. Don’t go overboard; just try to generate fresh content that users can interact with.
And ask others to help you spread the word!
SEOly yours,
Spreadshirt’s SEO team
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