July 28, 2011
Webinar - Webinar Explores SEO Potential in Online Communities
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
The endless amount of content available online today can make it a challenge for businesses to ensure their target customers find their websites and their information. As SEO techniques must continue to change to comply with search engine regulations, the best options for boosting SEO can be a challenge to identify at times.
To help companies maneuver through the complicated maze to boost SEO, TMCnet offered an informative webinar: “Rank Higher: How to Incorporate Smarter SEO Techniques Through Online Communities”. Archived here, this webinar covers ways that online communities can boost SEO by using tried and true techniques that will drive organic ranking on major search engines.
As an online tool, search engines have revolutionized the way that people access content. More than ever, companies need to identify strategies that will ensure that their content is found by the greatest number of potential customers. Industry experts say that 90 percent of people go online before they make the decision to buy. This same group of people rarely looks beyond the first four listings on the search result page. Businesses that optimize search initiatives are in good marketing position.
Increasing website traffic, developing lead generation and improving brand awareness/reputation are three leading marketing concerns which can be addressed through smart SEO techniques. Industry experts warn against ‘black hat techniques’ such as keyword stuffing. Instead, they suggest fresh website content that will be picked up by constantly changing search engine algorithms and the use of social media such as Twitter (News - Alert), Facebook and LinkedIn to diversify marketing channels.
Whether on the website or in the online community forum, the quality of the content is key. If possible, companies should develop a niche community by finding out the questions customers would ask and address those in the content rather than emphasizing the company or brand. Customers can discern a sales pitch and will avoid it. However, if the content is informative and generates discussion, the company builds trust and positions itself as a Thought Leader. The online niche community has its own language which will work naturally to boost SEO and articles will organically disperse.
A website which includes best practices design and contains credible content that is constantly refreshed is important. Businesses can further strengthen the SEO by diversifying into social media sites with quality information that is objective and educational. Utilizing a third party or hosted SEO firm can also extend a company’s space into new venues.
Online communities can help progressive companies to leverage their leadership in their respective industries. To learn how to make these communities work for your business, click here to access this archived webinar today.
Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Jennifer Russell
