Search engine optimization often comes down to making a number of small changes that together can cause a significant change in your search engine rankings. Here are five basic elements that Google uses as top criteria in it’s ranking system.

1. Use good page titles

HTML, the language that websites are written in, has a <TITLE> tag that you can use to describe your page. (This tag usually shows on the top of you browser when you view a page.) Google puts a lot of weight of these title tags. Also make sure you mention your top keywords in your title.

Bad Title: “Acme, Inc.”
Good Title: “Acme, Inc. – auto repair for Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and other imports in Edmond, OK.”

2. Put your keywords in your copy

People frequently complain that Google doesn’t list them under their preferred keywords. Ironically, many times when we review the site, those keywords aren’t even on the home page. Make sure all your preferred keyword phrases are in the copy exactly as you want them displayed. Pictures don’t count, the words have to be in the copy.

Bad Copy: “We keep your car running at peak performance.”
Better Copy: “We keep your Honda, Nissan or Toyota running at peak performance with preventive maintenance, oil changes, repairs, and tuneups.”

3. Use the “description” meta tag

HTML includes a meta tag called description. This tag lets you post a short summary of the page. If provided, Google often pulls this to display under your listing on searches. If not provided, Google will either show nothing, or try to pull other text from your site for the description.

4. Create good page URLs

Using longer word-based URLs for pages will create better search results than shorter, cryptic URLs. If Google can see the words in the URL it will include them in the ranking for those keywords.

Bad URL: http://www.yoursite.com/?page=23
Good URL: http://www.yoursite.com/honda-auto-repair-services

5. Make sure Google knows you exist

Google is always searching the internet for new sites and updated content, but it’s better to tell them about your site than to wait for them to find you. Google allows you to submit specially formatted site maps to their system. These site maps make it easier for Google to index your pages. Many content management systems have plugins or utilities that will generate these site maps for you.

Main Street can help you optimize your WordPress site through simple plugins and copy changes. Contact us today for more information.

More and more companies are adding video to their websites. Production costs have dropped drastically and the benefits are pretty straightforward:

1. Video is sticky
In the world of web stats, “stickiness” refers to how long people stay on your site. If they click on your site and immediately click away, your site is NOT sticky. Video makes people stay longer on your site. When they stay longer, they are more liable to click on other links and investigate your site more deeply.

2. Video improves your search engine exposure
Youtube is the second most popular search engine in the world. The math is pretty simple: if you don’t have some type of content on Youtube, then you are not listed on the second most popular search engine — period. If you have a product or service that requires an “educational” sales pitch, Youtube is the perfect place to tell your story.

3. Video is engaging
Generations of Americans have grown up on TV. They prefer to watch than to read. It’s easier to get people’s attention and hold it with video than with written text. When you want to call someone to action, video generates better results than copy.

4. Video reinforces your brand
Video lets you say a lot in a short time. Everything from the choice of talent, to wardrobe, to backgrounds and music send messages to the viewer. If you are in an industry with many similar competitors and products, video can help you stand out as unique.

Main Street now offers custom web video production with packages starting under $500. Contact us for  details and start using video to improve your website responses.