We are all aware that websites need to have good SEO in order to perform well, be it the words on your web pages or the structure of your site, but off-page SEO is equally important, even if it is only marketing to Google.
Google has become the king of the internet, we all Google to find information we want – and some we don’t, but having a high ranking in one of the biggest search engines goes further than making sure your keywords are scattered all over your site, you need to actually market yourself to Google.
The more often Google ‘finds’ you on the internet the higher it will rank you. Credibility is key. If Google finds you multiple times with back links to your site from other credible sites, then you’re half way there.
We’ve put together a list of off-page SEO strategies to help you build your reputation with Google, remember these should be carried out after you’ve done your on-page SEO.
Social networking
Become a member of the most popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and LinkedIn. Connect, share and promote your business to help build your online reputation.
Blogging
Writing a blog not only provides people with valuable information, but is also a great promoter for your business as people share and comment on your posts. Remember to promote your blog on blog directories, and post comments on other blogs and include a link to your own blog/website.
Forums
Why not create your own forum? Start a discussion or share topics on issues relating to your business. Also, post and reply to threads on other forums and include a link to your site.
Directory submissions
Be selective, but directory submissions will help in the quest for high Google ranking, and may also bring in more business, especially if the directory is local to your area.
Social bookmarking
Social sites such as Digg, Delicious and StumbleUpon are great for driving traffic to your website. Remember to use tags effectively including specific and relevant words to your business.
Link-love
Exchanging links with other service-related websites is extremely valuable, and is a major factor in Google’s PageRank algorithm. The more related websites Google finds you on the higher it will rank you. Be careful not to fall into the ‘black-hat’ trap (buying link exchanges) as this can result in search engine penalties.