Why you need a solid SEO strategy and Metrics to measure results

Driving website traffic without a clear plan is like embarking on a road trip with only a vague destination in mind but no map or GPS to guide you.

You might eventually reach your destination, but it will take longer and require more effort than if you had a well-planned route.

A solid SEO strategy provides you with a clear goal and a step-by-step plan to achieve it.

Even if you’re new to search engine optimization (SEO) and not yet familiar with ranking for specific keywords, having a plan in place is key to keeping focused and committed.

As you progress, you can fine-tune and adjust both your strategy and your goal.

With a SEO strategy and metrics to track your progress, it becomes easier to determine if your approach is effective. Without these elements, you’re merely guessing, which is not a sound business practice. SEO requires time and effort, and if you’re outsourcing the work, it can also involve a significant financial investment.

So, where to begin? 

Start by implementing a reliable website analytics program to measure your current traffic and identify where new traffic is coming from.

Google Analytics: An excellent tool for this purpose, and it can grow with you as your knowledge expands. Install it, explore the reports, and gradually build your understanding of how it works.

MonsterInsights: This is a popular WordPress plugin that integrates with Google Analytics but simplifies the data presentation. It allows users to view key metrics directly from their WordPress dashboard without needing to dive into the more complex Google Analytics interface.

ExactMetrics: Another WordPress plugin that offers similar features to MonsterInsights. It helps users track essential website data, such as page views, bounce rate, and traffic sources, without requiring deep knowledge of analytics.

Both tools are great for users who need the basics without getting overwhelmed by the extensive data Google Analytics provides. These plugins also offer easy setup, and the data they present is often more digestible for those who are new to website analytics.

Next step is to develop a strategy, which can be broken down into 5 key steps:

1. Identify your ideal target audience

A. Research and Define Your Audience

B. Create Buyer Personas

C. Segment Your Audience

D. Analyze Competitors’ Audiences

 

2. Understand what they are searching for

A. Conduct Keyword Research

B. Analyze Search Intent

C. Identify Content Gaps

D. Monitor Trends and Seasonality

 

3. Create high-value content

A. Content Planning

B. Content Creation

C. Content Formats

D. Content Optimization

 

4. Optimize On-Page and On-Site elements

A. On-Page SEO

B. On-Site SEO

C. Technical SEO

D. User Engagement

 

5. Track results and adjust as needed

A. Set Up Tracking Tools

B. Monitor Key Metrics

C. Evaluate Strategy Effectiveness

D. Make Data-Driven Adjustments

E. Continuously Improve

Never Give Up

Once you have this foundation, you can expand on what’s working by identifying additional audiences, discovering new keywords, and creating more content. Conversely, you can scale back on what isn’t yielding results.

As mentioned, SEO is a long-term game, and you’re gradually building your website’s reputation with search engines over time.

Don’t abandon your strategy prematurely, and whatever you do, don’t give up. With persistence and a solid plan, your efforts will pay off.

To Your Ongoing Success!

Janice

PS: Catch me on ➡️ Social Media for more tips and resources.

~~~

Janice Dugas, content optimization strategist and entrepreneur helps local businesses and solopreneurs reach a larger audience and grow their revenue by improving web visibility. Claim your free copy of Boost Your Digital Presence: 11 Steps To Increase Your Online Visibility to build credibility and profitability.

~~~

#SEOStrategy #TrackingPerformance #WebsiteTraffic