Want to improve your business marketing tactics but not sure what more you can do to rank higher in Google search results? You’re not alone. Utilizing SEO in an ethical, beneficial way is harder than it seems. White hat SEO tactics will drive organic traffic to your website, but what exactly do we mean by white hat?
White Hat SEO vs. Black Hat SEO Tactics
White Hat SEO (what to do)
Just as you might imagine, White hat SEO is the “good guy,” also known as ethical marketing. It uses a number of search engine optimization strategies that adhere to the search engine rules and regulations. White hat SEO is important to search engines because they want users to find relevant and credible information about their search queries.
White hat SEO marketing companies utilize techniques like keywords, backlinking, and link building to connect people with services they need. These are great strategies for small and large businesses who want to invest in the quality and popularity of their website for the long term. Long term durability is key, especially with continuous updates from the search engines to better the experience for users.
Black Hat SEO (what not to do)
Black hat SEO refers to unethical marketing techniques that attempt to circumvent best practices the search engines are implementing. More often than not, they actually defy search engine regulations and can land many marketing companies and businesses in hot water if they’re caught.
Black hat SEO relies on shady links, keyword stuffing, and other techniques that try to trick search engines and get you better rankings. In some cases, these tactics will increase organic traffic to your website. However, in the long term, you run the risk of search engines flagging your website, removing you from keyword rankings, and allowing your competitors using white hat SEO to outrank you.
SEO Tips to Help Your Business
Ethical marketing is essential to growing your online traffic, in other words, your today and tomorrow buyers. White hat SEO utilizes the aforementioned strategies to get your website higher search rankings on search engines and connect you with more people looking for your services.
1. First, make sure your site is user friendly. Navigation should be easy and aesthetics pleasing – an estimated 38% of potential online consumers will avoid a website if the layout or color scheme is unattractive.
2. You should also streamline your website and blogs to benefit mobile users. This often overlooked factor can make a huge difference as more and more people read articles and search for services on their phone. Look at your business’ Mobile Usability Report to see how you can improve your mobile use.
3. Finally, no brick and mortar business should go without the use of geo-tagged keywords to connect with local consumers. These are the people you want to walk through your door. Using location-based marketing is essential to boosting your foot traffic and making those sales.
The good news is, you don’t have to try to do it all yourself. A great digital marketing company can help ensure your marketing techniques are following Google search regulations. Digital marketing experts will know how to avoid black hat SEO tactics and grow your business organically using white hat SEO.
Contact Revel today if you have questions about your current or future digital marketing strategy. We’re always happy to help!
