As a manufacturing business, your primary focus is daily production. Handling the promotional aspects of your business can become challenging and time-consuming. Being aware of the seven common SEO myths associated with manufacturing websites streamlines your efforts and makes them more focused.
1. Press Releases and Guest Blogging Are No Longer Relevant
Many marketers are buzzing about press releases and guest blogging being irrelevant since recent Google updates. In the past, this content was primarily used to build links to your website. Now the focus of preparing a press release is to alert the media and people about important business updates. For example, a press release is still one of the best ways to spread the word about a new, cutting edge product. Guest blogging is useful when you have something unique to say at a relevant industry blog. Sharing your knowledge can ultimately turn you into a valued authority in your field. The focus is on sharing useful info rather than simply building links. In the long run, this type of content will also serve to promote your manufacturing enterprise.
2. No-Follow Links Are Not as Good as Do-Follow Links
Building links at other websites remains a viable way to boost your website’s ranking. Do-follow links have the most link-building “juice” but should not be the only links you look for. A natural mix of no-follows and do-follow links is the best way to start to creep up the search engines. If you only try to build do-follow links to your website, it ultimately looks unnatural and can even lead to your website being downgraded.
3. Your Web Content Should Have Plenty of Internal Links
Did you ever read an article with several links to the same website? This becomes annoying and the user may even surf away. Moz research revealed more is not necessarily better when it comes to building internal links. Try to use one internal link in an article or page of web content. The link should provide real value to the reader. People are savvy enough to spot shameless self-promotion and it distracts from the main message being conveyed by your content.
4. Use Lots of Keyword in Your Content and Anchor Text
In the Wild West days of the Internet, using lots of keywords was the easiest way to make your website ranking soar. Much like excessive internal links, this made for an irritating user experience. Search results included irrelevant websites that were just trying to rank well. Recent updates mean businesses should use keywords sparingly. The anchor text used to build links should not always be keywords or terms such as “visit this website.” Instead try to choose random text and include one or two strong keywords rather than several. Minimizing the use of certain keywords helps improve your website ranking over time and makes your content easier to read.
5. All You Need is a Basic Website
The days of having a basic website are gone. Your website needs to be mobile-friendly. An increasing number of people access the Internet on mobile devices such as iPods, iPads and Android phones. Your website should appear in mobile searches and be accessible from mobile devices. You want to harness the power of this growing target market. Keep in mind most mobile searchers are looking for neighborhood businesses. Localize some of your content to appear on regional mobile searches.
6. Manufacturing Businesses Can Rely on Word of Mouth
Just a decade ago, most manufacturers relied on word-of-mouth advertising and occasional ads in local periodicals. While these marketing methods can still be effective, they should complement your digital marketing campaigns. In the modern business world, most people find out about enterprises online rather than talking about them. Create social media accounts for your business and engage in online interactions to spread the word. Hoping people talk about you or will pick up a newspaper is likely to lead to disappointment. The majority of people are getting their info online and you need to be there.
7. SEO is More Important Than Web Content – Or Vice Versa
When it comes to online marketing, savvy SEO strategies and interesting content are equally important. One does not trump the other. The process starts with developing web content that appeals to your target marketing. Adding SEO tactics helps your target market to find this content and your website. The two actually work hand-in-hand.
[box type=”shadow”]Main Takeaway: Knowing a few basics about SEO can help you make the most of your marketing efforts. Post relevant content, seek no-follow and do-follow links and continue to grow with the ever-changing online marketplace.[/box]