When it comes to running a successful website, it pays to know a thing or two about search engine optimization aka website seo.

That said, unless you’re an expert in the field, it can be pretty hard to sift through all of the conflicting information out there to figure out with methods are best for your site.

Do you need a little help getting your website up to speed and aren’t sure where to start? We’re here to help.

Here are five of the most common website SEO do’s and don’ts everyone should know.

Do: Focus on Mobile

Every year, more and more consumers switch from primarily using a desktop computer to using their mobile devices. As of last year, over 53% of online traffic came from mobile users.

That means that if you haven’t optimized your site for mobile use, you could be missing out on a lot of potential customers.

Not only do consumers prefer mobile sites, but search engines do as well. Google’s algorithm currently favors mobile sites, giving them preference over those who have yet to optimize for mobile use.

So, do yourself and your users a favor, and invest in a mobile version of your site.

Don’t: Keyword Stuff

Keywords are still an integral part of search engine optimization. That said, search engines, and users, can tell if you’re trying too hard.

Overstuffing keywords won’t just cancel out the effectiveness of the keyword, but it will also make our content look unnatural, which could drive away users.

While you should still tailor your content around viable keywords in your field, your goal should be to make your usage as natural and unassuming as possible.

Do: Optimize Images

It’s just as the old saying goes; a picture is worth a thousand keywords.

The images you use in your content can significantly help boost your site’s ranking, but only if the search engine can see them. And search engines can only see your images if you properly label them.

Labeling or adding alt-text to your images is the only way to make sure search engines pick up on any pictures you may incorporate into your site’s content.

And remember, when optimizing your images, you should try to include any keywords you may be targeting.

Don’t: Try Ticks

Must-try SEO fads and trends come and go as fast as the algorithms change—which is to say almost daily.

The truth about SEO is it’s not nearly as complicated as it may seem, and there aren’t a lot of magic tricks that will get your site to the top of the rankings overnight.

The only thing surefire about any of the “tricks” or “hacks” you may hear about is that your users will notice them, which could wind up driving traffic away.

Do: Aim for Your Target

Odds are, you’re not trying to attract everyone to your site. So, why optimize for everyone?

If you’re in touch with your market, you already know what kind of content your returning and potential customers are looking for when they visit your site. So, use that knowledge to your advantage.

Figure out the specific user persona that would be interested in, and tailor your content to suit that need.

Website SEO: What You Need to Know

These do’s and don’ts of website SEO, are an excellent starting point for whipping your site back into shape and driving users back to your content.

That said, if you feel like you’re already doing everything right and you’re still not seeing the results you want, it’s time to call in a little outside help.

Contact us for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation today.