The importance of first page listings and how to get them
In times such as these it is my observation that the smartest business people out there do more marketing instead of less. Makes sense really as the same amount of marketing spend now will give more visibility as more of your competitors make the mistake of tightening their belts when it comes to marketing spend. In most cases the cost of placing ads in times of recession is also slashed considerably which further enhances the benefits available to those that have the courage to stick to their guns and continue to market.
Those who have their heads well and truly screwed on will also know that they can have a great understanding of the intent of users by looking at the search terms that have been used.
There are in essence three different types of search that will be used
1. Search to find a particular, defined website
2. Search to find relevant information to solve a problem of challenge
3. Search to make perhaps a buying transaction or to engage in dialogue
So bearing the above points in mind, the following steps would be required. . .
1. Seek to understand the intention of the user or searcher
2. Try to gauge exactly where they are in the buying cycle
3. Make your offer appropriate to their wants and needs
The real benefit of any SEO campaign is only fully realised when you have a listing or listings on the first page. Most people searching the internet today will type in a new search term rather than scroll to the second page and beyond, so it is critical for any company that is relying on using the internet as not only branding but as a source of new business, to make sure that they have a presence on the first page for the keyphrase terms being optimised.
Many factors will help to establish this such as publishing whitepapers, creating regular video updates/releases, local search placings, news items, regular blogging and including reports of a financial nature.
Key is to create a pleasurable experience for the visitor and extend the time that a new visitor spends at your site. The longer they spend at your site the more likely they will be to convert into a lead for your business.