Trying to figure out what SEO specialists do or how they can help your business can be overwhelming. The world of search algorithms is complicated, encompassing everything from keywords to title tags to user experience. SEO specialists learn the ins and outs of what search engines, like Google, want to see from your website. By turning to such an expert, you can dramatically improve your search ranking and, by extension, even your sales. Whether you operate a travel industry business or are a real estate agent, chances are an SEO expert can help you.
What are SEO Specialists?
So what is an SEO specialist, anyway? SEO, which stands for search engine optimization, means making the most of your website so that it ranks well in internet searches. Someone who specializes in this area learns the basics of what is required to optimize search positions and stays up-to-date on industry knowledge. Algorithms that determine search ranking change frequently, so an SEO specialist must be very in tune with updates and be able to alter their recommendations to clients accordingly.
SEO specialists are tasked with analyzing, reviewing, and ultimately implementing changes based on search algorithms. In many cases, specialists do this work for other businesses, helping them to improve their websites and earn more traffic in search.
Specialists can take a look at your website and determine whether your metadata is lacking critical optimized keywords, or if your site’s load times are too slow. Either of these things can hinder your ability to appear in searches.
Generally, SEO specialists will have a background or degree in their field. These experts may have educational experiences in a variety of areas, including IT, Computer Programming, or Marketing.
Some professionals may focus more on the technical aspects of SEO, like metadata, while others may focus more on content development, like blogs and keywords. Still others who work in this industry might specialize in User Experience or website programming. This is why knowing your company’s goals and overall digital marketing strategy will be useful to an SEO specialist before you decide to work together, to ensure they are a good fit.
What Do SEO Specialists Look For?
An SEO specialist would likely begin their work with your business by learning more about your goals and the general digital marketing strategy you have adopted thus far. Next, they would examine your website, looking for key elements that increase visibility, like:
- Title tags
- Metadata
- Adequate site content
- High-quality images
- Alt-text on images
- Proper backlinking
- No broken links or redirects
- Secure protocols
- Quick load times
- General user experience
- Site mapping
- Proper use of keywords
- Superior content and user experience to competitors
- Internal linking
Tools Used by SEO Specialists
SEO specialists rely on their body of knowledge, frequent efforts to keep apprised of algorithm changes, and certain tools to ensure the best possible results for your company’s website. Tools that they may use include keyword resources, which recommend specific keywords relevant to your content that would help to optimize your site. In addition, SEO specialists might use resources that help them scan your website for broken links or redirects.
There are a number of free SEO tools available on the internet. You may have even used some yourself. While these can be an important part of a solid digital marketing strategy, a true SEO specialist will likely have access to a variety of paid tools, as well. As you might imagine, paid tools offer a greater depth of information and more actionable insight into how you can improve your website.
Paid tools offer a variety of valuable resources, including alternate keyword finders, which help you to plan around the most common keywords in your niche and find similar ones that are easy to rank for. Other tools include content planners, which examine your competitors’ sites and guide you in the content writing process by suggesting keywords, links, and reading level difficulty that will help you rank highest. Paid tools can even analyze your site for you and let you know what needs work.
A good SEO specialist will be able to expertly combine free and paid search engine optimization tools to build a solid digital marketing strategy. The average marketer may not be able to sift through the plethora of resources out there to determine what is truly worth using, making an SEO specialist a valuable asset.
Choosing an SEO Specialist
When it comes to choosing an SEO specialist, it’s essential that you find someone whose skillset aligns with your company’s digital marketing goals. For instance, if you are hoping to grow your tour operator business with the 18-44 demographic, you’ll want to work with a specialist who understands great content, maximizing imagery, and integrating social media and blogs. Some specialists, particularly those who are part of SEO agencies, may be better able to serve all of your needs.
For SEO copywriting, link building, keyword research, and other SEO-based marketing projects, contact our team of SEO experts today. Galileo Tech Media is well equipped to assist you in developing the perfect SEO strategy for your company.