So much
fuss was made about optimizing website text for search engines that it took a
while before people started applying the same SEO concepts to non-text content.
In fact, optimizing graphics and other non-wordiness may be more important to search engine
rankings.
Long
blocks of text still exist on the web, but what would you rather do, read a
long blog or watch a video with cool effects? If you chose the video, you’re in
good company. Unfortunately, many site owners aren’t doing everything they can
to optimize these website elements. To reach the highest ranking possible, take
these four steps.
Optimize Tags and
Descriptions
Google’s
algorithms can now distinguish relevant content from keyword stuffing. So have
readers, for that matter, so you can no longer use the same word five times in
one paragraph. Content tags and descriptions can optimize your site without
making it looking obnoxious.
Instead
of flooding your product description with the keyword contractor software, use it in descriptions and tags of photos on
your site. However, don’t just write a bunch of tags — write a description you
might share with a friend or colleague.
Change File Names
Most photos
and videos are saved with a random string of numbers and letters, which mean
nothing to search engines. Google and other sites look at file names along with
tags and descriptions, so rename your files before publishing.
Think of
your file name as a summary of your description. A video of a lecture from a
physics professor could be named “Physics Professor Lecture.” There’s no length
limit, as long as the name includes keywords and accurately describes the piece
of media.
Use Simple Domain Names and URLs
Do the
URLs on your web pages read like gobbledy-gook, or could you read them and know
exactly what’s on the page? Descriptive URLs help search engines find you, and
they help visitors find the information they’re looking for on your site.
Two
basic rules apply to rewriting URLs. First, put your chosen keywords near the
beginning of the name; search engines weight the first words more heavily than
the last. Second, don’t make the name too long. Shorter names are easier for
users and search engine spiders to work with.
Choose the Right Formats
Search
engines value certain content formats more than others. If you’re posting
videos and photos that aren’t in a Google-supported format, the algorithms may
ignore them altogether. Before publishing your content, convert it to a search
engine-friendly program.
Most
image and video editors allow you to export files into other formats. For
instance, Photoshop saves photos in a PSD format, which Google doesn’t read, so
export your file to a more compatible JPEG format. Also, keep the file small;
faster downloads mean higher rankings.
Your
website won’t be fully optimized until you manage every piece of it, including
non-text elements like those listed above.
Adrienne Erin is a social media marketer
and avid blogger who writes regularly for Search Engine People and SiteProNews.
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