For those interested in learning more about the ins and outs of SEO, this Infographic by Blogging Pro really spells it out in stunning visual fashion. SEO is such an integral part of any car dealer’s marketing strategy that having a basic understanding can be helpful. With so many SEO and web providers out there claiming to have the best automotive SEO, being armed with knowledge is your best bet. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
This month marked the launch of Google’s new search index, called Caffeine. By now you’ve probably noticed an array of changes in search results pages. Among the changes included in this update are faster indexing of pages and quicker search results, both of which will be helpful for searchers and website owners alike.
With all of these new changes, let’s look at what website owners and SEOs in particular need to consider to take advantage of Caffeine. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
Each year Portland-based SEO David Mihm releases the results of his Local Search Ranking Factors survey. Along with 34 other respected SEO practitioners and marketers, Mihm outlines the most important, or heavily weighted, variables needed to rank competitively in local search. In total there are 69 factors considered and each can range from -5 to +5 in overall importance.
Guides to SEO ranking factors are not necessarily always spot on, but they do provide excellent insights from those that are intimately involved in the search landscape day in and day out. They’re also helpful for business that want to prioritize their marketing efforts. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
Just last week Google announced one of their newest products, Google Buzz. Buzz leverages existing products but introduces all-new social functionality. Already Google has contributed to the social web with a number of other products, but Buzz marks an exciting new direction into social networking, despite being late to the game.
After only a week, reactions to Google Buzz have been mixed, and changes to the product are already underway as Google is addressing a number of concerns centering on privacy and security. But before we jump ahead, let’s look a little more closely at what exactly Google Buzz is all about. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
There are countless variables that SEOs must contend with in order to attain competitive rankings. Getting to number one in the search engine results pages (SERPs) doesn’t require one or two helpful tactics, but numerous tactics and a sound strategy that will help a site battle countless competitors that are actively trying to rank above you.
Start Off Right
Time and time again, SEO can easily become an afterthought and it’s often included only after a website’s design and structure has been finalized. When this happens, SEO and usability could suffer. If rankings and the user experience begins to suffer, so too will conversion rates.
Website design can often impair search engine rankings, and SEO and design should go hand in hand from the start of the development process. If titles, headings, content, navigation, and inner page linking structures are finalized before SEO comes into the process, then the design of the website becomes impaired from the start. These components are keys to SEO and usability, so they should not be discounted or considered last minute. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
It wasn’t long ago when directory submissions were one of the most important tactics available to SEOs. But these days, link building has become more diverse, and directory submissions have lost their luster in response to emerging link building tactics that have involved blogging, bookmarking, and other social media marketing tactics.
With the continuing popularity and diversity of various social media sites, directories have continued to become less popular and less relevant. In addition, since the heyday of directory submissions, Google has changed their algorithm to account for the spam that typically plagues popular free directories. Google has also warned against using paid links for link building, and this also includes directory links.
While directories may have become less influential as far as Google is concerned, this is not to say that directories should be ignored completely. As fewer SEOs are relying on directories, they may be the low-hanging fruit you need to give your website an edge. The key is to find the right directories to submit to, rather than submitting to just any directory. By exercising caution, you can avoid the low-quality, irrelevant directories and take advantage of those that can still boost page rank and referrals. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
As the year comes to an end, we’ve witnessed one of the most turbulent economic periods in recent history, and it has crippled the automotive industry. The past year has seen a dearth in new car sales, changing buying preferences, and large automakers fall from grace. All automakers are not only conscious of what they’re spending when it comes to advertising and marketing, but they’re also increasingly conscious of how these channels can influence their brand image and consumer perception.
Top Dealer SEO recently had the pleasure of attending the 2009 LA Auto Show prior to its doors opening to the public. As a result we got to see firsthand the exciting new concepts and new cars of 2010 and 2011. But what was also exciting for us was the chance to see how automakers were marketing these new vehicles in light of recent economic challenges. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
URLs are crucial building blocks within any website. The URLs that your website uses enables users to move from one page to another, and helps to organize your site’s content into organized sections. URLs also remain important for on-site search engine optimization. Changes to URL structure can significantly impact your SEO performance, and URL content should not only mesh with information architecture and website organization, but they should also include important keywords that relate to specific pages. Whether you’re considering changing URL structure or considering a redesign, here are several areas to consider.
Length
Generally speaking, the shorter the URL the better. Not only does it become easier for the user if the URL remains somewhat memorable and understandable, but it also should feature helpful keywords that provide a relevant description of what’s on the page without extraneous syntax or words. Keeping URL structures shorter also prevents them from being cut off if a user tries to copy and paste the URL, for example if they want to email it to a friend.
Content
The URL structure should include descriptive keywords for several reasons. First, if the page is present in search engine result pages (SERPs) search engines often bold keywords that match a user’s query, thereby accentuating the search result and improving click-through. Additionally, concise keyword-rich URLs are also easier to work with since you can find specific pages easier, as opposed to pages that have URLs filled with unhelpful, irrelevant numbers or letters that don’t correlate to the content.
Case Consideration
URLs may include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, or both. As a result, mixing these elements together can create unnecessary confusion. The general good practice is to use lowercase letters throughout the URLs and stick with them. If old pages are discovered that use uppercase letters apply a 301 redirect to point old pages to the appropriate new page with lowercase letters.
Separating Words
While debate may continue, search engines do not officially have preferences for hyphens versus underscores when it comes to separating words in URLs. Generally speaking a hyphen is considered more user-friendly, and therefore seem to be preferred by most SEOs. Stick with either of these and avoid other characters that may hinder SEO.
Consistency
One of the most important factors is also one of the easiest to diverge from. Consistency in your naming conversions will help to eliminate confusion between those working on the website, but most importantly consistency will help users understand how content on your website is organized. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
Today is the first of many individual profiles we’ll be writing about here at Top Dealer SEO for specific car dealers and their marketing efforts. Practitioners of automotive SEO and car dealer marketing are more innovative than ever before and occasionally we’ll be highlighting specific dealers and their unique marketing tactics. After all, seeing creative online marketing tactics being implementing is always better than simply being told about them!
First up is a Boston Nissan dealer that has begun to strongly embrace social media. As we’ve discussed here on Top Dealer SEO in the past, video can play a monumental role in dealership marketing and specifically in SEO and online reputation management. This video from Marlboro Nissan shows just how easy it is to make an entertaining video, without high production costs and without simply rattling off specials. Show-off exciting new models or highlight the expertise of individual employees. This video also shows clever cross promotion which further shows the endless potential that lies within online video. [click to continue…]
{ 0 comments }
