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SEO Articles Should I Add a BLOG to My Website? By Jill Whalen
SEO Articles Should I Add a BLOG to My Website? By Jill Whalen
Should I Add a BLOG to My Website? By Jill Whalen
Taken from HIGH RANKINGS ADVISOR Newsletter
Question:
I want to add a blog to my site as a tool to keep my customers updated. I also want to use it to improve my ranking and show that my site is an active one. I am currently using Google's Blogger to test the water and haven't connected it to my site yet.
My question is: How does Google know that the blog is part of my website if the address isn't under my website address or hosted by my server? It isn't under www.mysite.com but is mysite.blogspot.com.
Response:
In reference to your question, Google doesn't know that your blog is part of your website, because it isn't. But don't worry, Google isn't supposed to know stuff like that. All they know how to do is follow links and determine relevancy. They don't attempt to determine ownership because that's not important.
Question:
That makes sense, but does it then help my site ranking in any way, or am I better off just creating a static html archive and adding to it on a regular basis?
Response:
I think you're perhaps confused by having heard some old myths that blogs and fresh content somehow magically help rankings. Nothing helps your 'site' ranking as a whole. Every page is judged on its own merits. Adding new content to a website doesn't provide you with any special rankings boost, it just keeps the search engine spiders coming around often so they can index the new stuff.
This is not to say that a blog isn't helpful. If you create one as a helpful resource for your site visitors, it can also help for SEO purposes because you can link from your blog posts to other pages on your site – thus helping those pages' link popularity and perhaps ultimately their rankings. But even better than using your blog to link to your own stuff, if you write amazing content on your blog and get the word out about it, other bloggers are apt to link to your posts.
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Should I create a blog for SEO purposes?
This parrot that I talk to in the pet store told me that I should create a blog for search engine optimization purposes. Can you speak to this?
Blogs have no special powers of high rankings. What they do have (if done correctly) is fresh, unique content. Search engines do tend to like that, regardless of the format. If they know any given site is adding new articles on a frequent basis, they will come around often to index it. Blogs are certainly one way of easily adding new information to your site. Newsletters archived on your site can provide a similar benefit, as can archived press releases, or a popular forum.
The 'pinging' done by most blog software these days also seems to help get blog posts spidered and indexed very quickly, which is a plus. In addition, blog posts will also show up in blog searches such as Google's Blog search, and Technorati Blog searches.
Question:
I want to add a blog to my site as a tool to keep my customers updated. I also want to use it to improve my ranking and show that my site is an active one. I am currently using Google's Blogger to test the water and haven't connected it to my site yet.
My question is: How does Google know that the blog is part of my website if the address isn't under my website address or hosted by my server? It isn't under www.mysite.com but is mysite.blogspot.com.
Response:
In reference to your question, Google doesn't know that your blog is part of your website, because it isn't. But don't worry, Google isn't supposed to know stuff like that. All they know how to do is follow links and determine relevancy. They don't attempt to determine ownership because that's not important.
Question:
That makes sense, but does it then help my site ranking in any way, or am I better off just creating a static html archive and adding to it on a regular basis?
Response:
I think you're perhaps confused by having heard some old myths that blogs and fresh content somehow magically help rankings. Nothing helps your 'site' ranking as a whole. Every page is judged on its own merits. Adding new content to a website doesn't provide you with any special rankings boost, it just keeps the search engine spiders coming around often so they can index the new stuff.
This is not to say that a blog isn't helpful. If you create one as a helpful resource for your site visitors, it can also help for SEO purposes because you can link from your blog posts to other pages on your site – thus helping those pages' link popularity and perhaps ultimately their rankings. But even better than using your blog to link to your own stuff, if you write amazing content on your blog and get the word out about it, other bloggers are apt to link to your posts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Should I create a blog for SEO purposes?
This parrot that I talk to in the pet store told me that I should create a blog for search engine optimization purposes. Can you speak to this?
Blogs have no special powers of high rankings. What they do have (if done correctly) is fresh, unique content. Search engines do tend to like that, regardless of the format. If they know any given site is adding new articles on a frequent basis, they will come around often to index it. Blogs are certainly one way of easily adding new information to your site. Newsletters archived on your site can provide a similar benefit, as can archived press releases, or a popular forum.
The 'pinging' done by most blog software these days also seems to help get blog posts spidered and indexed very quickly, which is a plus. In addition, blog posts will also show up in blog searches such as Google's Blog search, and Technorati Blog searches.
- Jill Whalen is the CEO of High Rankings, an SEO Consulting company in the Boston, MA area since 1995.
- Follow her on Twitter @JillWhalen
16 Questions Asking 'Does Your Website Get TOP MARKS?'
Are site colors & images aesthetically pleasing?
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
Are there bulky sections of writing on the home page?
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Are there links to social media?
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Can you easily find the benefits of the product or service offered?
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Can you find out more about the site owner or employees?
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Do menu items clearly tell you where they will take you?
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly. Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly. Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Do you feel personally connected?
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers - real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers - real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Do you know right away what this website is about?
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
Is the content well-written & informative?
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit. If you are unable to provide the content yourself, hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit. If you are unable to provide the content yourself, hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Is the font easy to read?
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Is the important information 'above the fold'?
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Is there a 'Sign Up for our Newsletter' option?
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Is there a clear call to action?
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
Is there an easy way to contact the business?
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
Is there any multimedia?
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Where do your eyes go first?
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more
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Affinity Resource Management
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F.A.P. - F.R.™ Seminars
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Director/Creator
Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems
F.A.P. - F.R.™ Seminars
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Vasectomy Reversals Canada
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Vasectomy Reversals Canada
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Montreal
Skolar Chiropractic
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Montreal
Skolar Chiropractic
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Energy Boutique
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Energy Boutique
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Gelley Chiropractic
Dr. Geoff Gelley Winnipeg Manitoba
Gelley Chiropractic
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Georgian Triangle Lifelong Learning Institute
Elizabeth Dods, Website Manager
Georgian Triangle Lifelong Learning Institute
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Vancouver Reflexology
Body Harmonics Wellness Clinic
Jeni Shaw
Vancouver Reflexology
Body Harmonics Wellness Clinic
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Jonathan Ruben, CA, CPA, CFP
JRPC Toronto
Jonathan Ruben, CA, CPA, CFP
JRPC Toronto
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Dr. Kevin Bloom Toronto
Dr. Kevin Bloom Toronto
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Barrister & Solicitor
Kubes Law Firm
George J. Kubes
Barrister & Solicitor
Kubes Law Firm
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Motessori Educator
Kindergarten & Tutoring
Love of Learning
Trudi Barrett
Motessori Educator
Kindergarten & Tutoring
Love of Learning
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Nude Food Nutrition
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Nude Food Nutrition
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Newmarket Ontario
Palcam Technologies
Walter Palisca, President
Newmarket Ontario
Palcam Technologies
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Reiner Law Toronto
Peter. J. Reiner
Reiner Law Toronto
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Holistic Nutritionist, Toronto
pinstripenutrition.ca
Sandy Badgley
Holistic Nutritionist, Toronto
pinstripenutrition.ca
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SHAPE Toronto
Dr. Sender Deutsch
SHAPE Toronto
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Steve's Masonry Collingwood Ontario
Steve's Masonry Collingwood Ontario