Search Engine Optimisation

What is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?

SEO or Search Engine Optimisation is the practice of fine-tuning a website to increase targeted traffic from search engines via “natural” or un-paid search results (organic searches, as opposed to paid for listings).

Typically, the higher your site appears in the search engine’s results pages (SERPS) for a given search-term (keywords), the more visitor traffic you are likely to receive.

Why is SEO important?

The majority of search engine users do not read beyond the first few pages of search results, believing that the search engine will present the ‘best’ or ‘most accurate’ results on those first few pages!  Therefore, if SEO can improve your SERPS ranking position, it should be considered an important investment as part of your online marketing strategy.

Through the use of “good” or “legitimate” SEO practices, your website is likely to generate a higher volume of visitors – generally meaning a higher likelihood of achieving goals – whatever they may be, for example; a sale, the visitor fills in a form, contacts you, or other.  Such goals can usually be measured by analysing any increases in ‘conversion rates’ in other words, how many people visit your site and undertake the desired action.

Does SEO really work?

There is no doubt that a high search engine ranking can generate huge interest for your online business. Whilst there are no “proven” or “guaranteed” methods for getting to number 1 (and don’t believe anyone that promises otherwise because all search engines regularly change the way they index websites), there are specific techniques that will significantly improve your chances of being properly indexed and ranked.

Recent research tells us a great deal about 1) the habits of surfers, and 2) how search engines rank websites and 3) what methods are proven to be successful (whilst being legitimate) and conversely, what methods to avoid (the so called “black hat” methods that search engines can penalise site for, if detected).

How do you check my SEO?

Many businesses rely on a ‘mixed bag’ approach of traditional advertising (print advertising, brochures, business cards etc), word of mouth recommendations from previous, happy customers (as we at Purple Dog Design do!) and of course, the internet.

Since Purple Dog are in the business of designing websites, we’ve come to know a thing or three about how a web site should be optimised and the best way to attract and keep visitors on your site.

All of the websites we create are designed with basic SEO in mind. We have learned from over ten years of direct practice, a wide range of essential, legitimate SEO techniques.

We would be happy to put our advanced knowledge to good use on your site.  Just get in touch with us to discuss the possibilities.