Webifiable

If you are in business, there are potential customers out there using search engines to try to find you. I’m going to give you one major tip with four steps to maximize your search engine presence.

First, let’s talk briefly about some advantages to search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is the process of setting your site up so it’s easy for search engines to scan, and creating content that brings in your target audience. The end result of SEO should be getting people on your website.

In 2005, I helped David and Kim, a missionary couple going to Nicaragua, put together a website. The “product” they were selling was themselves and their mission work. I told them to blog regularly to stay visible on the search engine rankings, so from 2005 until 2009 they blogged several times a month.

Although they’ve been back in the states for over a year, their website is still on the first page of search engines for phrases you use when searching for missionaries in Nicaragua. And I didn’t even use any special industry SEO tricks on their site!

What does that mean for you? If your website is set up relatively well, you can increase its search engine rankings just by blogging frequently.

The following four steps will help maximize the return on your time invested in blogging.

1. For your business, set up a Facebook page, a Twitter account and add your company to LinkedIn.

It’s no secret that Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn rank highly in search engines. While it may take time to set them up initially, it will help you dominate the search engine results. Link these social networks back to your website and people will be able to find you.

2. Set up a blog on your website.

Your blog needs to be on the same domain as the rest of your website. If not, your website’s search engines rankings will get zero benefit.

3. Set up your blog entries to automatically be pushed out to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

This will help your rankings on every site you have a presence on. I recommend the NetworkedBlogs app on Facebook, twitterfeed.com for Twitter, and the built in RSS field on LinkedIn.

4. Blog frequently!

This step will take an ongoing commitment. Blogging on a regular basis, preferably weekly, makes a huge difference. Search engines love sites that are updated frequently and constantly growing.

Following these steps will significantly increase your website’s search engine ranking. That’s all David and Kim did. Don’t settle for just having your website listed when your company can dominate the listings!

What are you waiting for? Start blogging today so your customers can find you.