Since the Google Penguin algorithm update, Google has been giving warning signs indicating that they are becoming stricter and are not afraid to punish or ban those who do not follow their guidelines.  Anyone caught trying to game the system using black hat SEO techniques will risk facing more serious consequences than ever before.

Many individuals and businesses who either don’t have time or don’t quite understand ever-changing search engine optimization feel safer outsourcing their SEO efforts to an agency.  It makes sense—agencies are generally comprised of experts who stay on top of the changing trends in Google and other search engines and can deliver results more easily than a business could on its own.  That said, be careful!  Not all search marketing agencies are created equally, and just because an agency appears to be professional does not mean they aren’t engaging in practices that could backfire and end up getting a site on Google’s blacklist.

A recent article on Search Engine Land spotlights on an unprecedented Google ban on a search marketing agency.  In this particular instance, the agency is being accused of utilizing paid links in order to boost clients’ sites’ rankings.  Although businesses—most famously, JC Penney—have been penalized for buying links in the past, this is the first time a search marketing agency itself has been punished.  The agencies involved were previously viewed as reputable and this Google ban is sending ripples through the search engine optimization community.  Google means business and no one who breaks the rules is off-limits to punishment.

How can you be sure that the search marketing agency you want to hire is doing things in accordance with Google’s rules?  Communicate with them openly.  Do not enter into a contract until you understand how they plan on helping your site rise in the rankings.  If it sounds too easy or too good to be true, it just might be.  Money doesn’t magically make a site show up higher in Google—actual work must be done.  The best way to draw people into your site is to have search-optimized, valuable content there.  If an agency claims they can help your organic search traffic for a fee but doesn’t mention creating content or making any changes to your site then there’s a problem.

If you’re interested in achieving higher rankings and increasing your search traffic the right way, we at ClickXPosure can help you.  Feel free to contact us via email or at 888-909-RANK so we can start discuss which Google-approved SEO solutions will work best for your business.

Could your SEO efforts get you punished by Google? is a post from: Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Pay Per Click Management (PPC) Local Maps Optimization

If you’re a website owner, you know that much of your success depends on how well it ranks on search engines.  Achieving top rankings is no easy task.  Increasing the ranking of your website is directly related to your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. Not seeing the results you want?  Perhaps it’s time to rethink your SEO strategy.

A robust SEO strategy depends on three key elements, all of which should be the foundation of a good website.  Does your current SEO strategy and website accurately address these components?

User-Focused Architecture

Your website is only as good as how well it allows users and search engines to access and consume content.  The way you configure your website, be it your navigation bar, images or other media, is key.  A good website must be user-focused and provide instinctive links to pages, useful tags and titles and an overall positive user experience.

Rich Content

Content is key when it comes to developing a successful SEO strategy.  Your website should be content-rich, maximizing your keywords and keyword phrases.  Each of your pages should target specific keywords and phrases and be the main focus of your content writing.  After all,  your rankings are directly related to how well your content matches searchers queries.  Targeted and relevant keyword-rich content that remains focused should be your top priority when analyzing the content of your site.

Link Building

Just like having more friends on Facebook makes you look better, having more links also makes you look better in the eyes of search engines.  Link building, or the art of strategically building connections with other websites, is essential to growing your rankings.  But, having more links is not enough.  Link popularity is just the start.  The quality of your back links is important.  Create mutually beneficial links for best results.

Your website is an essential part of your overall market presence and has the potential to be one of your best marketing tools.  Get the most of your website, and your online presence by building a website with a strong foundation based on user-friendly architecture, keyword-rich content and quality back links.

If your website is subpar in one of these elements, let a professional do what they do best.  ClickXPosure offers a full-array of SEO and PPC services to help clients achieve their search marketing goals.  Contact us today at 1.888.909.RANK for a free consultation where we’ll show you what your website needs to climb up the ranking ladder.

The Three Keys to a Successful SEO Strategy is a post from: Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Pay Per Click Management (PPC) Local Maps Optimization