by Jonathon Hyjek | Jan 10, 2013 | Search Engine Optimization
In the process of learning SEO, I have tried many different tactics to improve rankings as I am sure other SEO companies have also done. There is some trial and error as it relates to SEO and figuring out what works and what doesn’t work.
However…
There is a big difference between doing testing and trial and error on your own websites versus those of a client. I learned SEO through building and doing SEO on approximately 50 of my own niche websites. Some were successful and ended up earning me some money, some where not, but I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by learning the SEO business this way. If I messed up, I was only hurting myself.
Unfortunately not all SEO companies are created equal. It would seem that many SEO companies are still using techniques that are old and out-dated and are more likely to get your site de-indexed by Google, rather than get it onto the front page.
Two scenarios come to mind when I think about all the different problematic SEO tactics I have seen used by SEO companies in the past 5 years.
1. A few years back I owned a few article directories. This was when article marketing was at the height of it’s effectiveness for SEO. Day after day I would clear out hundreds of spammy articles, written by offshore writers for some pretty reputable companies. Time after time I would see the same poor quality article, submitted to all 4 of my article directories. Spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes and often they just didn’t make any sense whatsoever.
A few times I was tempted to contact the owners of the businesses being represented in the articles to let them know what their SEO company was up to, but I never did. It would have been a full-time job in itself. I think it’s safe to say that they had no idea what their SEO company was doing to get them higher rankings.
2. A few months ago I was doing some SEO work for a client. When I logged into the control panel for their website, I noticed that their website had hundreds of blog posts about various topics, which in no way related to their business. It would seem that their SEO company had signed them up to some sort of private blog network which allowed other people to post articles on their website (unknowingly) everyday, linking to various websites. None of the posts were accessible through the website’s main navigation, so customers weren’t seeing these articles, however they were there. Google was indexing these articles and many were about gambling, online poker, online dating and prescriptions drugs.
What’s My Advice?
While you don’t need to know every detail of your SEO company and what they do to get your website to the front page of Google, you need to be able to trust them. If you don’t get the sense that you can trust them, don’t work with them. It’s that simple! Get to know your SEO company or SEO expert, ask them questions, learn about their integrity (if they have any) and then move ahead with the business relationship. You don’t need to choose your SEO company overnight either. Choose carefully and make sure you are going to be comfortable working with them since this is not a one-time transaction.
A word of advice though: Don’t breathe down their neck. SEO takes time and sometimes, LOTS of time. If you hire an SEO company today, don’t ask them in 3 days why your website isn’t on the front page of Google. It takes time. Most likely they will want to work with you ongoing for several months to start and at first, you may not see a lot of results. Rest assured that a good SEO company is building a foundation and that over time, you will see those rankings improve.
by Jonathon Hyjek | Nov 4, 2012 | Online Marketing, Search Engine Optimization
In today’s digital age, your business’s online presence is not just an asset—it’s a necessity. When potential customers search for your company or services, the digital trail you leave behind, often referred to as your digital footprint, can make or break their decision to engage with you.
This footprint encompasses every listing, profile, and piece of content associated with your business that you can control or influence. A robust digital footprint establishes credibility, builds trust, and amplifies your reach, ensuring that your business stands out in a crowded online marketplace.
This article explores the concept of a digital footprint, why it matters for businesses, and how to strategically build and manage it to dominate search engine results. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to enhance your online presence and attract more customers.
What Is a Digital Footprint?
Your digital footprint is the collection of online content associated with your business that appears when someone searches for your company name or related keywords. Think of it as a virtual pathway that leads potential customers directly to your business. This pathway includes your website, social media profiles, business directory listings, review platforms, and any other online platforms where your business has a presence.
When customers search for your business, they typically fall into one of two categories:
- Discovery Searchers: These are people who don’t know your business but are searching for products or services you offer. They use broad keywords like “SEO company” or “local bakery near me.”
- Direct Searchers: These individuals already know your business name, perhaps through a referral or advertisement, and search for it specifically, such as “Jonathon Hyjek SEO Services.”
While search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for capturing discovery searchers, building a strong digital footprint is equally important for direct searchers. A well-crafted digital footprint ensures that when someone searches for your business name, they find a wealth of credible, consistent, and professional information about you.
Why Your Digital Footprint Matters
A strong digital footprint serves multiple purposes, each contributing to your business’s success:
1. Establishes Credibility and Trust
When potential customers search for your business and find a well-maintained website followed by active profiles on LinkedIn, Yelp, Google Business Profile, and other platforms, it signals that your business is legitimate and engaged. A sparse or inconsistent online presence, on the other hand, can raise doubts about your reliability.
2. Amplifies Your Reach
By occupying multiple spots on the first page or two of search engine results, you increase the likelihood that searchers will interact with your business. Even if they don’t click on your website immediately, they may visit your LinkedIn page, read Yelp reviews, or explore your social media, all of which can lead them back to you.
3. Enhances SEO Performance
Many online profiles and directories allow you to include links to your website. These backlinks can improve your website’s authority in the eyes of search engines, boosting your organic rankings for both branded and non-branded keywords.
4. Shapes Your Narrative
A strong digital footprint lets you control the story told about your business. By creating and optimizing profiles, you can highlight your strengths, showcase customer testimonials, and address potential concerns before they arise.
Building Your Digital Footprint: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a comprehensive digital footprint requires strategy, consistency, and patience. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Secure Your Website as the Foundation
Your website is the cornerstone of your digital footprint. When someone searches for your business name, your website should ideally be the first result. To ensure this:
- Optimize for Your Brand: Include your business name in your website’s title tags, meta descriptions, and content. For example, “Jonathon Hyjek SEO Services – London, Ontario” is more effective than a generic “SEO Services.”
- Ensure Accessibility: Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and easy to navigate.
- Claim Your Domain: Use a domain that matches your business name (e.g., jonathonhyjek.com) to reinforce brand consistency.
If your website isn’t ranking at the top for your business name, you may need to investigate technical SEO issues or competing listings, such as outdated directory profiles.
Step 2: Claim and Optimize Key Online Profiles
Beyond your website, create and optimize profiles on platforms that align with your industry and audience. These platforms fall into three main categories:
Social Media Platforms
- LinkedIn: Create a company page and a personal profile for key team members. Share industry insights, case studies, and company updates.
- Twitter/X: Use your business name as your handle and post regularly about your services, promotions, and industry news.
- Facebook: Build a business page with complete contact information, customer reviews, and engaging content like photos or videos.
- Instagram: Ideal for visually-driven businesses, such as restaurants or retailers. Share high-quality images and use hashtags to increase discoverability.
Business Directories
- Google Business Profile: Claim and verify your profile to appear in Google Maps and local search results. Include accurate business details, photos, and regular updates on your Google Business Profile.
- Yelp: Optimize your Yelp page with a detailed business description, photos, and prompt responses to customer reviews.
- Manta, Weblocal, and Yellow Pages: These directories are particularly valuable for local businesses. Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) is consistent across all platforms.
Industry-Specific Platforms
- Quora: Answer questions related to your industry to establish expertise and drive traffic to your website.
- Houzz or Angi: For home improvement businesses, these platforms are essential for showcasing projects and collecting reviews.
- TripAdvisor: Critical for hospitality businesses like hotels or restaurants.
When creating profiles, use consistent branding (logos, colors, and messaging) and include links to your website. Avoid creating profiles on low-quality or spammy directories, as they can harm your reputation.
Step 3: Create Valuable Content
Content is a powerful tool for expanding your digital footprint. By publishing blog posts, videos, or infographics, you can occupy more search engine real estate and engage potential customers. Consider:
- Blogging: Write articles on your website about topics relevant to your audience. For example, an SEO company could publish “Top 10 SEO Mistakes Businesses Make.”
- Guest Posting: Contribute articles to reputable industry blogs, including a link back to your website.
- Video Content: Create short videos for YouTube or TikTok that showcase your expertise or behind-the-scenes looks at your business.
Step 4: Manage Online Reviews
Reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, and Facebook are a critical part of your digital footprint. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and respond promptly to all reviews, positive or negative. A thoughtful response to a negative review can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain Your Footprint
Building a digital footprint is not a one-time task. Regularly:
- Check for Accuracy: Ensure your business information is up-to-date across all platforms, especially after a rebrand or change in contact details.
- Monitor Search Results: Search for your business name periodically to see what appears. If undesirable results (e.g., outdated profiles) show up, take steps to suppress or remove them.
- Engage Actively: Post updates, respond to comments, and interact with followers to keep your profiles active and relevant.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While building your digital footprint, steer clear of these mistakes:
- Spamming Search Engines: Creating dozens of low-quality profiles in a short period can trigger search engine penalties. Build profiles gradually and focus on reputable platforms.
- Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies in your business name, address, or phone number can confuse customers and harm your SEO.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Outdated profiles or inactive social media accounts can make your business appear unprofessional.
Measuring the Impact of Your Digital Footprint
To gauge the effectiveness of your efforts, track key metrics:
- Search Engine Rankings: Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor where your website and profiles rank for your business name and related keywords.
- Website Traffic: Analyze referral traffic from social media, directories, and other profiles using Google Analytics.
- Customer Engagement: Monitor likes, comments, and shares on social media to assess audience interaction.
Final Thoughts
Mastering your digital footprint is an ongoing process that requires strategy and diligence. By securing a strong website, claiming key profiles, creating valuable content, and actively managing your online presence, you can dominate search engine results and build trust with potential customers. A well-crafted digital footprint not only makes your business appear larger and more credible but also ensures that customers can easily find and engage with you, no matter how they search.
Start today by auditing your current online presence and identifying gaps. With consistent effort, your digital footprint will become a powerful tool for driving growth and establishing your business as a leader in your industry.
by Jonathon Hyjek | Aug 22, 2012 | Search Engine Optimization
You don’t have to look very hard to find an SEO company to help you improve your rankings. Just Google the term “SEO company”, do a search on Twitter or check out Linkedin and you will be faced with hundreds or thousands of results for SEO companies and independent consultants who claim to all be able to get your website onto the front page of Google.
How do you know which company or consultant to trust? How do you know what they’re telling you is true?
SEO is a field that technically doesn’t have right or wrong answers because there isn’t a formal/official body that oversees the industry. It’s not like doing a safety check on a car or wiring a house where there’s a right way and a wrong way. There’s a standard list of do’s and don’ts.
SEO isn’t like that. There are tactics and strategies that one SEO company will use and another will avoid. Each company has their own way of doing things and it may vary slightly from what another company does. At the end of it all, there isn’t an official body or group that oversees and makes sure that SEO is done right because in one sense, it’s like nailing jello to the wall!
SEO is Evolving
SEO is an ever-changing and evolving field and what worked 12 months ago may not work as well today, or might not work at all. That in itself isn’t a bad thing as it keeps professional SEO consultants and companies on their toes. Daily reading of whats happening in the industry and with Google is just part of understanding the field.
Bad SEO Companies Use Old Methods
With the SEO world changing so rapidly, what sets a good SEO company apart from a bad one is updated information. Good SEO companies are always learning, reading and testing to keep up with the changes and evolving their techniques and strategies as Google rolls out changes to their search algorithm.
SEO Company Tactics to Avoid
If you ever see phrases like this, you might be dealing with a company that “thinks” they know SEO, but they clearly do not.
“We will submit your website to search engines”
“We will submit your website to hundreds of web directories”
“We will submit hundreds of articles to article directories”
“We guarantee #1 rankings”
Other Warning Signs
If an SEO company is secretive about their methods and they aren’t able to answer your questions, you might want to look elsewhere. While every SEO company isn’t going to know everything there is to know, if they can’t or aren’t willing to talk specifics about your SEO campaign, it’s probably time to find another SEO company.
Work with Someone You Can Trust
If you find a good SEO company that you feel that you can trust, settle in for the long haul. Don’t look at it like a one-time transaction, but rather a long-term relationship.
by Jonathon Hyjek | Aug 14, 2012 | Search Engine Optimization
An SEO audit is the foundation of an SEO campaign because it gives us an understanding of the factors affecting a websites search engine rankings. Until we do an SEO audit, we can’t fully understand what we need to do in order for your website to be a success.
SEO Panic…
The usual scenario unfortunately goes like this: A company realizes that their website is under-performing in the search engine rankings so they start doing completely random activities like link building or article marketing in a flurry of activity, trying to get their website rankings to improve. It’s a panicked approach to taking action and often fails because activity apart from a strategy is an inefficient way to spend your SEO efforts and may even lead to a penalty.
A better approach is to have an SEO audit completed to get a full picture of where your website stands, the issues affecting your rankings and the solutions to improve. This method offers a more methodical approach to SEO and is a must for any company or organization serious about website rankings.
What’s included in an SEO Audit?
An SEO audit is the starting place that allows us to help you build a strategy. The SEO audit addresses many factors including:
- Keyword Research, Placement & Anchor Text
- Google Analytics & Webmaster Tools Data
- Response Codes (404, 301, 302 etc.,)
- Sitemap, Robots.txt & .htacess Analysis
- Title Tag & Meta Information review
- On-site & Off-site Content/Media Review (text, video, images)
- Website Structure & Usability
- Backlink Analysis
- Competition Comparison
- Social Media, Web2.0 & 3.0 property evaluation
- Up to 2 hours of SEO coaching to help implement recommendations
The SEO Audit is Done: Now What?
The good news is that our SEO audits don’t just tell you the issues, but they give you the solutions and actionable steps to improve your rankings. We write the report in plain, easy to understand language with steps that can either be implemented by your in-house developer or team, or you can inquire about an SEO package with Jonathon Hyjek and allow us to work to build your rankings.
To answer the question at the outset of this post: Do you need an SEO audit? For many, the answer will be YES without any hesitation.
by Jonathon Hyjek | Aug 13, 2012 | Search Engine Optimization
Being on page #1 in Google is exciting. That special moment when you realize that all your SEO work has paid off and you finally make it to first place.
But is there ever a time when being #1 in Google isn’t a big deal?
I can think of a circumstance when being #1 isn’t really a big deal.
When no one is competing for your keywords!
It happens. You may have a very specific niche in a small geographic area and in order for you to rank on the first page of Google for various search terms, it isn’t very hard. Some search terms get so little search volume and have no competition that any mediocre SEO company is going to be able to get you onto page one pretty easily.
If your website falls into this category, maybe it’s time you did some keyword research. There are terms that you can rank #1 in Google for, and because there just isn’t any demand for those search terms, that being #1 isn’t going to help you much. If your search terms are legitimately so narrow that no one is competing for them, that’s one thing; But if your just trying to compete for the WRONG search terms for your business, that’s a totally different problem.
Doing keyword research means that not only do you find keywords that you want to rank for, but you find keywords that you want to rank for that actually have search volume. There’s no challenge in ranking for terms that get next to no search traffic, on the other hand it cane be pretty difficult to rank for terms that get a lot of search volume and this is when having an SEO company working for you can really pay off.
Afterall, investing your SEO efforts on ranking for keywords that no one is searching for is a complete waste of time and money.
