Content is Still King
We’ve been throwing around the phrase, “Content is King” for a number of years now. Almost anyone that works with web development, web design or online marketing will tell you that the best solution for good search engine ranking is excellent content. This seems to be even more true in the local search market.
Brian Wool posted an excellent article entitled Local Content is King on the Click Z network. In his article, he gives some great examples of web sites that have top ranking for their industry and the content they provide to accomplish it. His examples include online giants such as Realtor.com, Expedia and Amazon. But the point he makes that is important, is that the local search game can be lost or won by great content as well. He gives examples of some local businesses that can benefit by providing more content.
I’ve always encouraged my clients to think of creative ways to add useful content to their web site. This gives their site visitors the information they want and helps improve their search rankings. No matter what your business is–there is content that your visitors will appreciate and its that content that will earn you high search rankings, inbound links, repeat visits and word of mouth referrals. For example, a plumber might include content on when to use chemical drain openers, what payment methods they accept, and how quickly they can respond in an emergency. A retail shop might add content on creative uses for their products or custom designs that might be available. I guarantee that with some simple brainstorming any business can find usable and relevant content to add to their site.
Need help beefing up your web site content? Sometimes its hard as a business owner to decide what your customers might want to know. Some impartial opinons might help. Ask some friends, “If you were looking for a new whatever, what kind of information would you want to know?” If your friends don’t come up with any good ideas, consider a consultation with an online marketing professional. Not only are they removed from your business, they’re familiar with what web visitors want.
Take a look at your site and as you’re thinking about things to tune up, consider the content you have online. Is it enough? Is it what your customers want to know? Does it differentiate you in local search? Content is still king. Have plenty of right kind of it, and you’ll win at search engine marketing.