SEO is no longer about ranking..

[carrcomp]

You ever see your website ranked anywhere from 1-3... think to yourself. "damn, thats pretty good." Then when you clear your cache or go on another computer you realize your really number 6 or even on the 2nd page? What this means is that Google is personalizing your search (and your clients search) for websites that they have visited in the past and more frequently visit. The more your visiting your own site... the hire it's going to be ranked everytime you do a google search. Most clients don't regularly clear the cache so what there seeing are the sites they most often visit. So your website can be optimized to the teeth but still not rank as well as other more "established" websites or a website. Which brings me to my question.

What keeps YOU visiting a site?
What keeps a client visiting a site?
What are some good ways to incorporate more content on your site without becoming cluttered?

Note: My rankings are anywhere from 1-5 on most keywords, but am not finding a return in traffic. I assume that when my search does land a customer.. It's either because its a new computer, its there first time searching, they were very interested in my website name and description, etc. Most of my business comes from offline means. How can i change that? Would having weekly sales help? Google doesn't index sites often enough for you to constantly update your descriptions and page titles. So what are some experiments that can be done?

Going back to the OP, I haven't finished my site yet, but eventually I will have a blog, probably a few how to videos for regular self maintenance, my mhelpdesk login site, and of course the pages with the offerings I have and online ordering.

What you need is ever changing content to pull people in

As an aside, the reason clearning cache and cookies changes the search results is probably because that also clears your authenticated sessions, so if you were logged into google then your catered search results will be changed

 

[16k_zx81]

_________________________________________________________________
Completely off topic and almost entirely irrelevant, but it is a huge pet peeve of mine, so I am forced by an almost unworldly compulsion to mention...

There = a place, as in, "The ball is over there."
Their = a 3rd person possessive pronoun, as in, "That is their ball."
They're = a contraction of they and are, as in, "They're not going to let you play with their ball over there."

Learn them, use them appropriately.

</OCD Moment>

Bloody Google. Their always changing they're algorythm's. I wish theyd leave it be so I could get on with running my puter wrecking ... I mean repair business

 

[hightechrex]

I thought I understood perfectly and I found your post pretty darn interesting. Then I read all the replies and felt like I must be stupid because I thought I understood what you were saying but everyone else starting piling on like you were an idiot. So...if you are an idiot and I thought I understood what you were saying....then I guess that makes me an idiot too.

But all joking aside, I heard Leo Laporte and the guys on TWIT talking about this sort of thing back 6-8 months ago. They were explaining how Google was customizing search results for each user. To prove this, they all used their own laptops in their various locations around the country, at the same time and searched for the exact same thing on Google using the exact same wording. They got all kinds of different results in different orders. I found it all really interesting.

That's the thing about us technically individuals.. We can wire a home office, swap out a motherboard, administer a network for a lawfirm, and do whatever else we're called on to do.. But we often struggle with the simplest things.. I'm guilty of this too sometimes. And precisely, we put so much focus into the placement of our site... yet it's a lot more complicated then that. The idea that google is going for, is for us to cater to our users not the system itself. I think it's quite ingenius actually (for the customer) just not us.

 

[hightechrex]

While I have seen this sort of 'personalized results,' I'm not sure that it changes the SEO game too much. The goal is still to come back as high as possible using whatever tools possible (keywords, links, fresh content, etc). Outside of paying for ads, I guess I'm not sure how we can affect these personalized results. I have, on occasion, built sites for customers, but I know my limitations and make sure they know upfront I don't manage SEO, but it would be nice to know more about this topic.

Exactly.. what I'm trying to say is that SEO is more complicated then we think. Proper keyword usage and descriptions will only get your foot in the door. And sounds fair enough, we have little control over SEO... Ultimately, it's up to the user to find your website useful enough to keep visiting and the client should know that.

 

[mhelpdesk]

Search results definitely vary depending on whether or not you are logged in or not. To accurately gauge where you are on Google, I recommend setting up Google Webmaster tools on your site. Also, you should have analytics setup. This will give you a better understanding of how users are finding you.

However, even being in the top 1-3 results doesn't guarantee that it will translate into sales. The single most important thing you can do to convert traffic is to focus on your "landing page" and a "call-to-action".

The landing page is simply your home-page or whatever page the visitor sees when they click the search result to come to your website. The call-to-action is what you ask the visitor to do. A big mistake is not asking the customer to do anything! Don't just show them an online brochure.

If you rank #1 in your city and the visitor comes to your "landing/home page", the content needs to be compelling enough for them to execute your "call to action".

At the very least, you should be asking them for an email address. You can offer a free white-paper or a newsletter that goes over DIY tips-n-tricks in exchange for their email address. A button like "Sign-up For Our DIY Tips" is a call-to-action. Even a button like "Request an Estimate" that asks the user to fill out an online form can be your call-to-action. The bottom-line is that this must be clearly visible.

Once you secure some contact info from the user, you can then start your follow-up that will eventually lead to a sale.

Would you guys be interested in more topics like this? I didn't go into detail about how all this works, but I could go on all day about landing pages, split testing call-to-actions, auto-responders etc. Online marketing seems to be an area most busy professionals overlook. I'd be more than happy to share what we've learned over the years.

 

[hightechrex]

Search results definitely vary depending on whether or not you are logged in or not. To accurately gauge where you are on Google, I recommend setting up Google Webmaster tools on your site. Also, you should have analytics setup. This will give you a better understanding of how users are finding you.

However, even being in the top 1-3 results doesn't guarantee that it will translate into sales. The single most important thing you can do to convert traffic is to focus on your "landing page" and a "call-to-action".

The landing page is simply your home-page or whatever page the visitor sees when they click the search result to come to your website. The call-to-action is what you ask the visitor to do. A big mistake is not asking the customer to do anything! Don't just show them an online brochure.

If you rank #1 in your city and the visitor comes to your "landing/home page", the content needs to be compelling enough for them to execute your "call to action".

At the very least, you should be asking them for an email address. You can offer a free white-paper or a newsletter that goes over DIY tips-n-tricks in exchange for their email address. A button like "Sign-up For Our DIY Tips" is a call-to-action. Even a button like "Request an Estimate" that asks the user to fill out an online form can be your call-to-action. The bottom-line is that this must be clearly visible.

Once you secure some contact info from the user, you can then start your follow-up that will eventually lead to a sale.

Would you guys be interested in more topics like this? I didn't go into detail about how all this works, but I could go on all day about landing pages, split testing call-to-actions, auto-responders etc. Online marketing seems to be an area most busy professionals overlook. I'd be more than happy to share what we've learned over the years.

Sure thing man! That's what this post is all about

 

['putertutor]

Bloody Google. Their always changing they're algorythm's. I wish theyd leave it be so I could get on with running my puter wrecking ... I mean repair business

Great!! Now now my brain is bleeding. Again! Thanks a lot 16k!!

 

[hightechrex]

Great!! Now now my brain is bleeding. Again! Thanks a lot 16k!!

wow. you two are lame. lmaoo, im sorry

 

[16k_zx81]

we have little control over SEO... Ultimately, it's up to the user to find your website useful enough to keep visiting and the client should know that.

Mate thats all very theoretical, and no offense but its also just not correct.

Rank is still something that can be created synthetically. IMO, the emphasis you are placing on 'return visits' is not an accurate reflection of their actual weight among other factors.

But again, if it was the case that this was the criterion - this could also be orchestrated for rank. In other words, it could be easily controlled, synthetically.

SEO is a reality. Its one of the fastest growing employment fields. To date, all the Algorythm changes have done is shift the protocols used. But to say "we have little control over SEO" frankly is just wrong. We actually do have stacks of control over page rank.

A TN member asked me to do a page for him a couple of weeks ago so he could see how on-page optimisation works. I got him ranked fourth for his keyword within a week. Thats with NO off page SEO. The page itself got picked up and ranked by the Algorythm because it was well written. Period.

it's up to the user to find your website useful enough to keep visiting and the client should know that

Yeah I just don't get this. For those of us running computer repairs business websites, how do you propose to achieve it?

I just dont see my average customer going 'hmmmm... Im a bit bored and looking for some reading. I might just surf to Jim's computer repairs business website and catch up on some of that killer content'.

Is this really what you're proposing as 'SEO' ?

If so, what 'content' do you propose for Repairs sites would keep customers returning?

Youtube videos? Lottery results? Bargain coupons? Movie reviews? Flash games? Tech news? Something else with mass-appeal?

Im just trying to picture what this "useful website that will keep people returning" would look like.....

 

[maclaptech]

SEO is a reality. Its one of the fastest growing employment fields. To date, all the Algorythm changes have done is shift the protocols used. But to say "we have little control over SEO" frankly is just wrong. We actually do have stacks of control over page rank.

Yeah I just don't get this. For those of us running computer repairs business websites, how do you propose to achieve it?

I just dont see my average customer going 'hmmmm... Im a bit bored and looking for some reading. I might just surf to Jim's computer repairs business website and catch up on some of that killer content'.

Is this really what you're proposing as 'SEO' ?

I totally agree with these points from experience of doing this for a while now.

 

[NateDawg]

Total agreement with 16k_zx81 on this one!!

Mate thats all very theoretical, and no offense but its also just not correct.

Rank is still something that can be created synthetically. IMO, the emphasis you are placing on 'return visits' is not an accurate reflection of their actual weight among other factors.

But again, if it was the case that this was the criterion - this could also be orchestrated for rank. In other words, it could be easily controlled, synthetically.

SEO is a reality. Its one of the fastest growing employment fields. To date, all the Algorythm changes have done is shift the protocols used. But to say "we have little control over SEO" frankly is just wrong. We actually do have stacks of control over page rank.

A TN member asked me to do a page for him a couple of weeks ago so he could see how on-page optimisation works. I got him ranked fourth for his keyword within a week. Thats with NO off page SEO. The page itself got picked up and ranked by the Algorythm because it was well written. Period.



Yeah I just don't get this. For those of us running computer repairs business websites, how do you propose to achieve it?

I just dont see my average customer going 'hmmmm... Im a bit bored and looking for some reading. I might just surf to Jim's computer repairs business website and catch up on some of that killer content'.

Is this really what you're proposing as 'SEO' ?

If so, what 'content' do you propose for Repairs sites would keep customers returning?

Youtube videos? Lottery results? Bargain coupons? Movie reviews? Flash games? Tech news? Something else with mass-appeal?

Im just trying to picture what this "useful website that will keep people returning" would look like.....

For kicks and giggles, and since I live in Columbia, SC...I decided to search Computer Repair Columbia Sc (after I cleared out history and cache) and High Tech Rex did not show up until page 5. My old computer business website (which is a just a jpg file and I need to take it down) ranked higher. SEO does play a very important role in website development. While I am no expert in SEO, I have been following a lot of suggestions from Technibblers, such as 16k_zx81, when it comes to SEO. I think HighTech's problem is he/she is not following any of the advice of the SEO experts here. And to honestly think that a visitor needs to keep visiting a computer repair website to increase ranking is ridiculous. I want someone to visit my site and call me ASAP. Once the first visit is done, I want them to call me right off the back without having to visit my site again (keep them from looking for other repair techs on the net ).

 

[hightechrex]

For kicks and giggles, and since I live in Columbia, SC...I decided to search Computer Repair Columbia Sc (after I cleared out history and cache) and High Tech Rex did not show up until page 5. My old computer business website (which is a just a jpg file and I need to take it down) ranked higher. SEO does play a very important role in website development. While I am no expert in SEO, I have been following a lot of suggestions from Technibblers, such as 16k_zx81, when it comes to SEO. I think HighTech's problem is he/she is not following any of the advice of the SEO experts here. And to honestly think that a visitor needs to keep visiting a computer repair website to increase ranking is ridiculous. I want someone to visit my site and call me ASAP. Once the first visit is done, I want them to call me right off the back without having to visit my site again (keep them from looking for other repair techs on the net ).

Funny you assume that i optimized my site for the phrase "computer repair" which I didnt. The entire point of me being here is to get my website a hire rank? What was your point exactly? And frequent visits is one of the factors that increases your rank.. Maybe you should do your research?


virus removal columbia sc (#4)
tablet repair columbia sc ( #3 and #4)
tablet screen repair columbia sc (#3 and #4)
laptop screen repair columbia sc (#4)
data recovery columbia sc (#8)
Try any other variables and options for similar results..

Also (any variations of the following)
affordable laptops columbia sc (#3)
affordable tablets columbia sc (#1)
cheap laptops columbia sc (#3)

 

[Kitten Kong]

I've just searched virus removal, your on p4.

This is on my tablet, where I have never searched for you previously. I'm in the uk too. Not that that should make too much difference.

 

[hightechrex]

I've just searched virus removal, your on p4.

This is on my tablet, where I have never searched for you previously. I'm in the uk too. Not that that should make too much difference.

That's the thing.. It DOES make a difference. That's the point ive been trying to make. Your location is another factor that plays a huge part. I know people from different areas all over and all my sites show up in different locations. Google prioritizes searches based on the location of the searcher as well. Why do you think your laptop, phone, and tablet are always asking for your location? Why do you think your always signed into google? It all makes a difference. It all plays a part. To assume that a few keywords is all it takes to get a good rank is silly. Even if you were to type "computer repair" without a location. It would still push locations that are closest to you up the list.

Note: I just searched virus removal and computer repair in manchester uk and your site is nowhere to be found.

 

[Martyn]

That's the thing.. It DOES make a difference. That's the point ive been trying to make. Your location is another factor that plays a huge part. I know people from different areas all over and all my sites show up in different locations. Google prioritizes searches based on the location of the searcher as well. Why do you think your laptop, phone, and tablet are always asking for your location? Why do you think your always signed into google? It all makes a difference. It all plays a part. To assume that a few keywords is all it takes to get a good rank is silly. What would separate websites from each other?

Note: I just searched virus removal and computer repair in manchester uk and your site is nowhere to be found.

You need to search Cadishead for Nige, Manchester is a major city in the uk

 

[hightechrex]

You need to search Cadishead for Nige, Manchester is a major city in the uk

Funny. I searched for computer repair in nige manchester.. and this thread showed up in google. Still no cadishead. Why are you all so intent on trying to prove a point that I never disputed? I never said keywords or conventional SEO werent important. I just said that they weren't the ONLY factor. Google only using keywords and phrases to prioritizes searches doesn't even make sense.. when you factor in how large in scope Google searches are.

 

[NateDawg]

Okay...I digress, a little

HighTech...

You got me on the ranking of your site . (didn't know you had two different businesses, if you are ranking #3 and #4). And yes, I do know that visits will help in SEO; however, it sounded like you wanted visitors to constantly visit your site to improve your sales. The possible reasons why you are not getting the sales from your site could be as follows:

Well, your site.... It loads too slow...I have used tablets, new PC's, high performance PC's, smartphones, etc...the results are the same...too slow. Ipad and Iphones...forget it...lose the flash. You have links linking to irrelevant pages. Click on iPad repair and I get the smartphone repair page. While I know they may be similar, your non-techie customers may not.

If you are not getting the sales from your site (while you may rank high in our location), your site is what is hurting you. Maybe people are not looking into mobile repair? I think you are limiting yourself.

 

[hightechrex]

HighTech...

You got me on the ranking of your site . (didn't know you had two different businesses, if you are ranking #3 and #4). And yes, I do know that visits will help in SEO; however, it sounded like you wanted visitors to constantly visit your site to improve your sales. The possible reasons why you are not getting the sales from your site could be as follows:

Well, your site.... It loads too slow...I have used tablets, new PC's, high performance PC's, smartphones, etc...the results are the same...too slow. Ipad and Iphones...forget it...lose the flash. You have links linking to irrelevant pages. Click on iPad repair and I get the smartphone repair page. While I know they may be similar, your non-techie customers may not.

If you are not getting the sales from your site (while you may rank high in our location), your site is what is hurting you. Maybe people are not looking into mobile repair? I think you are limiting yourself.

I agree that maybe people aren't looking for mobile repair, that may be what's killing my ranking. I'm going to try changing my page titles to stuff like (iphone repair, ipad repair, laptop repair, macbook, sony laptop, etc). Right now my pages are all crammed with keywords. I think the titles need to be changed as well. As for the load times they are affected by my site builder being open. I just closed it, try clearing your cache and loading my site again it should be faster this time.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

Funny you assume that i optimized my site for the phrase "computer repair" which I didnt. The entire point of me being here is to get my website a hire rank? What was your point exactly? And frequent visits is one of the factors that increases your rank.. Maybe you should do your research?


virus removal columbia sc (#4)

You are #5 for me in columbia, and ur #5 from boston as well for this keyword. I didnt check on the others cause im all tied up right now.

 

[Kitten Kong]

Right now my pages are all crammed with keywords. I think the titles need to be changed as well. As for the load times they are affected by my site builder being open. I just closed it, try clearing your cache and loading my site again it should be faster this time.

Every single page, I have looked at, have the same keywords listed.

URL: http://www.hightechrex.com/

Title: Smartphone Laptop Repair Columbia, SC

Meta keywords: virus, malware removal, slow computer, laptop screen repair, charger port, reinstall windows, macbook repair, data recovery blue screen, digitizer repair, headphone jack repair, phone speaker, home button repair, LCD screen repair, wifi repair, camera lens repair

Meta description: We specialize in virus removals, data recovery, laptop screen repairs, windows tuneups, and we even fix blue screens Have a cracked iPad or iPhone screen that you need repaired We handle digitizer replacements on all tablets and smartphones

I am sure, it has been mentioned to you previously, that each page, must be optimised for the keywords which you are attempting to get good placement for; rather than opting for the same keywords, over and over again.