Now if that isn’t a title that makes you want to share this post, you clearly have not read it!
The first #crimechat is definitely one to bookmark if you are a blogger.
Why?
Because in plain English, Gavin Ward explained a lot of SEO terms, Google rankings & terms, and gave plenty of examples. He also gave us a top 10 list of the best SEO tips for blogging.
After his explanation, it became clear what my to-do list is or should be for 2013. Consistency in writing, use of alt tags, and yes, setting up a Google Plus profile but this time for real e.g. actively using it instead of setting it (somewhat) up and then neglecting it.
The first two … I can definitely do that. Setting aside time to write or block a few hours on specific days for writing & blogging can be done. And as for alt tags, now that I understand what it is AND that the visually impaired get to hear the text of the alt tag that describes the image they cannot clearly see, I most definitely will use them! I am sorry that I have not done so but I cannot see myself going back over 900+ posts to correct them all though. Martin Sloan pointed out that alt tags can “also improve usability on mobile devices/low bandwidth where images [are] not displayed.” As for a G+ profile, I tried this before but it just doesn’t appeal to me. It is another thing that I have to update. I will put it on my New year’s Resolutions list but … you can feel the enthusiasm, right? 🙂
Anyway, as always, Gavin was more than generous with his time. I appreciate it very much that he shares his knowledge and tips to help others. The verbatim text is below. If you have any questions or comments, just place them in the comment box below the recap and I will alert Gavin.
Cheers, V
| Vidocq_CC | It is noon on the East Coast in America so time for another chat. New chat name, but not an improved host. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:00:05 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | So today we are going to tackle something I struggle with and have since 2009: SEO! Of course, who to talk to? @GavWard!!! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:00:38 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | Gavin has kindly agreed to be on board for another chat related to blogging. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:01:01 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @gavward Thanks for being here, Gavin. How are you? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:01:16 +0000 |
| GavWard | @vidocq_cc I'm good thanks V, yourself? Coffee ready for this? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:02:39 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Oh yes! I have Kona bold here and Kahlua so we are good! I am well, thanks for asking. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:03:32 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard So question number 1: how important is it that I write with SEO in mind? Pros & Cons? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:04:04 +0000 |
| GavWard | First, thanks @Vidocq_CC for the useful Wordpress plugin tip about hashtag tweets e.g. http://t.co/176ZXvca cc @TANQsociety #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:05:14 +0000 |
| GavWard | @vidocq_cc It's important to write with SEO in mind if you want good quality traffic to find your blog through search engines #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:06:26 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard That's what my tech man said! But ... how do I do that? Are there word choices I should make? Length of the post? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:07:59 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC For beginners, even before registering your first domain name for your blog, think about keywords you're targeting #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:09:21 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @GavWard: For beginners, even before registering your first domain name for your blog, think about keywords youre targeting #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:10:01 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard So in my case http://t.co/BtADBwBv the words "cold" and "cases" should be considered, right? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:11:17 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC so, for example http://t.co/DEFndmat is an excellent example of a well-chosen domain name for a cold cases blog #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:11:19 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Exactly. Although Google's 'exact match domain' ('EMD') update has reduced the importance of keywords in domain names #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:12:33 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard I lost you after Google, please explain! #tech-challenged-host #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:13:27 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @GavWard: so, for example http://t.co/N4VXyt2Y is an excellent example of a well-chosen domain name for a cold cases blog #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:14:22 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Google launched an update so that sites with keywords in the domain name won't necessarily rank for those terms #seo #crimechat.. | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:15:36 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC I've written more about this on the @MLTechnology blog here: http://t.co/pyk16nSB Good quality sites still rank well #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:16:26 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Does that mean they now look more for a match to content instead of domain name/title? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:17:09 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Exactly. Focus on your blog's readers more - if the content is of high quality it can still rank very highly #seo #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:18:32 +0000 |
| GavWard | Thanks to @TANQsociety and @HM_outandabout for the retweets. Follow my discussion about #seo and #blogging with @Vidocq_CC via #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:19:56 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | "with EMD you must ensure high content quality +strong web presence if not, rankings may not be as good until quality improves" #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:20:02 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @GavWard: @Vidocq_CC Ive written more about this on the @MLTechnology blog here: http://t.co/Jmh5aKU8 Great read, just quoted! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:20:29 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard How much does your readership influence your Google ranking? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:21:01 +0000 |
| GavWard | @vidocq_cc It's becoming much more important to build a quality site with good content that people, not just search engines, love #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:22:45 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Got it. But what about writing? Are there preferred styles for the best SEO? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:23:50 +0000 |
| AAThomson | @GavWard @vidocq_cc interesting stuff guys! Can you get branding or photos into Google search results? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:23:59 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @AAThomson Good question! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:25:06 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Yes, there are indeed preferred styles of writing for SEO purposes. I'll set out some top tips just now #seotips #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:25:10 +0000 |
| GavWard | To write well for SEO, you need to 1. Think about the main keywords you are targeting #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:25:58 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | Stay tuned everyone, @gavward will tweet preferred writing style tips for the best SEO results! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:26:19 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 2. Stick to the niche topic of your blog - don't stray too far #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:26:47 +0000 |
| adrim00 | RT @GavWard: SEO Tip for Blogging 2. Stick to the niche topic of your blog - don't stray too far #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:27:15 +0000 |
| svetlyac | RT @GavWard: SEO Tip for Blogging 2. Stick to the niche topic of your blog - don't stray too far #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:27:41 +0000 |
| svetlyac | RT @GavWard: To write well for SEO, you need to 1. Think about the main keywords you are targeting #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:27:50 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 3. Choose blog post headings that have keywords AND that will get shared socially #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:28:28 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 4. Link to your other blog posts and try to attract links from other bloggers #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:29:29 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 5. Choose a good category name and a few relevant tags for each blog post #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:30:46 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 6.Write with keywords in mind, BUT keep it readable and don't stuff keywords #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:31:13 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 7. Use heading tags (H1, H2, H3) with relevant keywords in your blog posts #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:32:08 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 8. Publish images (e.g. Flickr's creative commons) and include relevant alt tags #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:32:43 +0000 |
| FinWycherley | "@GavWard: SEO Tip for Blogging 6.Write with keywords in mind, BUT keep it readable and don't stuff keywords #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC" | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:33:07 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 9. Plan ahead, schedule posts and write consistently, not just every now and then. #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:35:02 +0000 |
| GavWard | SEO Tip for Blogging 10. Guest blog e.g. on @YouBlawg http://t.co/2PJHY99L and invite guest bloggers #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:36:20 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @GavWard: SEO Tip for Blogging 9. Plan ahead, schedule posts and write consistently, not just every now and then. #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:36:39 +0000 |
| GavWard | @FinWycherley Thanks for the RT Fin cc @Vidocq_CC #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:37:21 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard This is a goldmine! Got them down but I need more explanations with #3, 4 and 8. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:37:49 +0000 |
| GavWard | @adrim00 Many thanks for the RT cc @Vidocq_CC #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:38:10 +0000 |
| GavWard | @svetlyac Many thanks for the RTs cc @Vidocq_CC #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:38:18 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard How do I make sure a title is shared socially? Words that engage people? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:38:23 +0000 |
| dave_llb | @GavWard @Vidocq_CC is it possible/desirable to combine two different categories into one blog? (e.g. Law and running) #crimechat #seotips | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:38:27 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Of course, those are my 10 top tips. Will explain 3, 4 and 8 more #seo #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:39:17 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @dave_llb Good question! I guess related is best but I'll let @GavWard answer! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:39:39 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Try to write a blog post title that is so compelling others will have to share it! e.g. include useful stats #seo #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:41:12 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC @dave_llb Good question indeed. There are no set rules for topics. Just don't try blogging about absolutely everything #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:42:10 +0000 |
| GavWard | @AAThomson @Vidocq_CC A good question - yes, Google results are always changing in terms of appearance. Note 'author rank' #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:43:23 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard @dave_llb So not cramming every topic in just one post but splitting it up a in few posts? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:43:45 +0000 |
| GavWard | @AAThomson @Vidocq_CC e.g. If you Google '10 linkedin tips for lawyers', you'll see my Google+ profile under my blog #crimechat #blogging | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:45:13 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC @dave_llb Yes, try to keep blog posts on a specific topic, although don't be confined to a word limit #crimechat #seo | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:46:52 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Can you only be ranked as an author if you have a Google+ profile? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:47:01 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Aha! I once read that the ideal word limit for posts was about 1000 words. True? Real? False? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:47:53 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Yes, that's right. I'd recommend setting up a Google+ profile. I'm here, for instance, https://t.co/Ka84QiBy #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:48:55 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC I don't think there's a set limit. I find that the longer and more informative the blog post the better it does. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:49:48 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC e.g. I wrote a 2000 word piece on one of my new blawgs @socialblawg http://t.co/BR3nMSvA and it got a good reception. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:50:47 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard What are alt tags? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:51:16 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Good to know that! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:51:35 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard How do I attract links from other bloggers? #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:52:08 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Alt tags for images are essentially terms that describe what your images are about. Click edit image to find this #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:52:57 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC To attract links, the best way is to create compelling content that others will want to share and link to #crimechat #seo | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:53:42 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC also good to see you continuing your Q&A sessions. I did this recently on @FamilyBlawg http://t.co/JD2GlGX5 #crimechat #blogging | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:54:41 +0000 |
| HighlandLawyer | @GavWard @Vidocq_CC Alt tags for images essential in terms of accessibility guidelines for visually impaired readers #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:56:12 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @gavward Great stuff and clear explanations in plain English! Wheh! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:56:18 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard I got carried away after retiring with being social in real life. So I strayed from the writing discipline. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:56:57 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @gavward I need to get the consistentcy back and that is one of my New Year's Resolutions. Also, will apply your top 10 tips! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:57:41 +0000 |
| HeatherTowns | RT @GavWard: SEO Tip for Blogging 9. Plan ahead, schedule posts and write consistently, not just every now and then. #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:58:00 +0000 |
| HeatherTowns | RT @GavWard: SEO Tip for Blogging 6.Write with keywords in mind, BUT keep it readable and don't stuff keywords #seotips #crimechat @Vidocq_CC | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:58:16 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @gavward I never fill in those boxes under "edit image" but from now on will certainly do (now that I understand why!) #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:58:20 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @HighlandLawyer: @GavWard Alt tags for images essential in terms of accessibility guidelines for visually impaired readers #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:58:38 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @HighlandLawyer I never realized that and from now on will most certainly use alt tags! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:59:03 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC Great to hear that V. Check out my New Year's #SEO resolution tips here: http://t.co/vSPa2aIk #crimechat #blogging | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:59:28 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | I think that this is THE fastes chat ever. And one of the very best ones too! 😀 #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:59:58 +0000 |
| backpack1389 | RT @GavWard: @Vidocq_CC Great to hear that V. Check out my New Year's #SEO resolution tips here: http://t.co/vSPa2aIk #crimechat #blogging | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:00:06 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard OK, got that bookmarked. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:00:29 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Thank you for one of the most enlightening chats and I mean it. If you are tech-challenged, a lot is abracadabra! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:02:33 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | Any questions for @GavWard, folks? I will post a recap on my blog so you can also leave comments there. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:03:02 +0000 |
| GavWard | @Vidocq_CC You're welcome V and thanks for inviting me to the #crimechat session! Will be blogging about it soon! | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:03:56 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | Recap will come later. I am first going to buy a planner that has room for all the tips and plan my writing days for consistency. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:03:57 +0000 |
| GavWard | RT @Vidocq_CC: Any questions for @GavWard, folks? I will post a recap on my blog so you can also leave comments there. #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:04:09 +0000 |
| seotweetz | RT @GavWard: @Vidocq_CC Great to hear that V. Check out my New Year's #SEO resolution tips here: http://t.co/vSPa2aIk #crimechat #blogging | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:04:14 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | @GavWard Me too! Thank you again! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:04:46 +0000 |
| Vidocq_CC | That is the end of our chat, folks. With great thanks to @gavward for so generously sharing time and knowledge! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:05:26 +0000 |
| GavWard | RT @Vidocq_CC: That is the end of our chat, folks. With great thanks to @gavward for so generously sharing time and knowledge! #crimechat | Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:06:02 +0000 |