The Internet has become a crucial tool in finding information about businesses. Search engines such as Google have become a part of our daily lives. Google, originally intended to be a proper noun, has become a verb in our society. Don’t know where to eat tonight? No problem, just Google it. Don’t know how to get there? Don’t worry, you can just Google it. How many calories are in Tilapia? That’s easy, just Google it.
Devices such as smart phones, laptops and tablets have made the Internet virtually accessible from any location at any time. With the Internet right at our fingertips Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is key to a websites success. According to comSource Explicit Core Search Share Report, 90% of Internet users only click on results within the first two pages. This means if you are not one of the results in the first 2 pages you basically do not exist.
The idea of Search Engine Optimization is to ensure Internet users can easily find and use your website. SEO should be central to PR and Marketing planning. As Public Relations practitioners it is our job to guide our clients in ways to maximize their website. This can be done through various tools. One way to ensure your website is search engine optimized is choosing appropriate keywords, and keeping the key word density between 3 and 5%. It is also important to make sure the content of the website is readable, easy to navigate and up-to-date. SEO is an ongoing process that needs to be maintenance regularly.
Google has definitely become a verb! A very popular verb for all ages. As pr practitioners we need to stay up on technology and ensure that our organization is easy to find online!