I’ve been thinking about the various elements that most people consider to be involved in search engine optimisation (keyword research, optimising the various elements on a page, building links to a page, etc) and was wondering what other people consider to be the most difficult part of the process for them.
I personally find that people don’t know the intricacies of keyword research as it seems difficult for many people to really understand what heir target market will type into the search engines. I find that many people who don’t think about what their target market will type in generally think that the keywords which are quite generic and generate the most traffic are often not the most suitable. Of course this depends on the client and their business but for many small businesses fitting a niche is usually the best route as, when people reach a website from a relatively specific keyword then they are more likely to find a website useful, whether that’s buying a product on your website or getting in touch regarding a service that you are offering.
What do you find difficult? Keyword researching? Optimising a web page for keywords? Getting a website higher in the search engines for the right keywords?
IMO getting links is the hardest, by a long shot.
Getting links from free directories may be fairly easy, but they’re also not deemed to be worth much.
“Write good quality content and the links will come” is a mantra I hear often, but that in itself isn’t always easy.
How do you get reputable, relevant links without paying for them?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your comment. I think getting reputable and relevant links is where a really good online marketer comes in as they will have their own contacts and portfolio of websites to help out in this regard whilst also being able to work with a client to obtain relevant links from their contacts. Of course, having great content on a website that people want to link to is the best way to get large amounts of high quality links.
Hope that helps,
James
Links for sure… Also clients who have no idea about the work that it really takes to get a site moving and a grooving in the rankings!
Links are by far the hardest element of SEO to get right or at least good quality links anyway. Keyword Research is the foundation of any websites seo success, on page stuff, once learnt, is easy but link building and good content is a tough one to get right. Links will make or break a site
Clients.
They are their own worse enemies. And can be a hindrance to my work.
Luckily most clients I choose – end up not interfering and thus not messing their own SEO results. Otherwise I have to work against the flow, it’s like 5x harder.