Google Hummingbird is not just another of the Google algorithm updates that have been appearing regularly over the past few years. It is the most important algorithm change introduced by Google since 2001. So says Amit Singhal, Google's search chief. Fundamentally Hummingbird uses semantics to establish what searchers are really looking for with the search term they use. With this …
SEO
SEO involves the optimization of each individual post and static page to make its meaning as clear as possible to search engine spiders/crawlers/robots/algorithms. These are different terms for the same thing. Robots use statistical analysis of character strings to establish what each post is about, and also to establish the authority of your entire site in relation to its general subject or topic.
The way you apply SEO to your entire site – all the posts and pages – can determine whether or not your individual posts are indexed, and for which keywords (search terms) they will be listed in the search engine results pages. The fine detail of your SEO, will partially establish your ranking – your listing position in the results for specific searches. An intimate knowledge of SEO is therefore a very useful skill to have, although there are tools and plugins available to help you.
SEO Plugins
Basic search engine optimization is easily carried out by using an SEO plugin such as Yoast SEO. This plugin provides boxes for the insertion of the Title tag, Description Meta tag and the focus keyword. It also analyzes your use of that keyword within the text of the post or page, and indicates whether it has been over – or underused.
The Title tag for your post is the snippet that Google publishes as the heading for your search engine listing. The Description Meta tag is not visible on your page to human readers, but is used by Google as the description of your page below the title in the listing. SEO plugins enable you to write each of these to the correct length, thus assuring that they will not be cut short by Google.
Write for Your Readers
So SEO is an important aspect of blogging. SEO plugins can help, but the way you write your posts is also very important. Negatives include overuse of keywords and lack of apparent knowledge or authority in your subject. A big positive is to write for your readers and not for search engine robots. Google algorithms are very sophisticated and can easily detect good from bad writing – including spelling and grammar rules.
Our SEO category offers a range of posts on various aspects of search engine optimization, and you will benefit from reading them.
How to Tweak Your Old Posts to Keep Fresh for Google
If you tweak your old posts to keep fresh for Google, then you could avoid the inevitable demotion of these posts in Google's rankings. Google likes your content to be fresh, and unless you keep the search engines happy in that respect then your posts will ultimately disappear from the listings. Here are some tips on how to tweak your old posts and get them back up there in full …
How to Recover From the Google Panda and Penguin Update
Recovering from the Google Panda and Penguin Update is not easy unless you know how! If your website, or even just individual web pages, have lost ranking due to either of these algorithm updates, then it is important that you take immediate steps to understand what has been happening, and how to change your strategies to meet their requirements. Here is a brief outline of what …
Good Keyword Research to Rank an Article
Good keyword research is essential in article marketing. If you want to rank an article high in Google, or any of the other search engines, then your choice of keyword is critical. This is for more than just one reason. Sure, you need to get listed on Google for that keyword, but many people also use the article directories for information. Why Rank an Article in Article …
Squirrly Review: Review of the Squirrly SEO Plugin for Bloggers
This Squirrly review explains the benefits of the Squirrly SEO plugin and why many use it rather than Yoast or the WordPress SEO Ultimate plugin. This is not a comparison, but simply explains the features and benefits of Squirrly. You can decide which is best for you! So let’s start by answering the question that many ask when they hear about this SEO plugin for the first time: “What is …
How to Perform SEO Audit
There are a number of reasons why performing a search engine optimization audit for your website is important. You can identify areas that require improvement, and this, in turn, can help you create a plan for action aimed at correcting them. Additionally, a well-conducted SEO audit will ensure your website follows the latest developments and recommendations in search marketing and is …
What is Metadata and Why is it so Important?
The question "what is Metadata" is a very common one, and it is important that you understand the meaning of the term and its importance. Whether you refer to it as 'Metadata' or 'Meta data' is immaterial. The Google search engine sees the two as being the same term. So, what exactly is Metadata, and how does it affect you? First, let's establish one definition - we shall …
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