How to Increase Your Website's Visibility For Free

Use keywords to increase your website's visibility.

If your website focuses on a popular topic or product and has engaging content, you already have a strong foundation for bringing traffic to your site. There are strategic steps you can take, though, to increase your website's visibility. If you do them yourself, they won't cost anything. Building an audience takes time, and so rising to the top of search results rarely happens overnight. Be patient and stay committed to building your website's reputation.

Instructions

1. Identify keywords that relate to the content of each page on your website. Think of words other Internet users might search to find your website, including synonyms and abbreviations. If these words do not appear in the content and coding of your website, search engines might overlook your site. If your web design program allows you to write html headings, this is an important place to put keywords. Edit the text of your website to include keywords, too.

2. Create a title tag, metatag keywords and a meta description for each website page. These website design tools are in page properties. Write a different title tag for each page, keeping the tag under 64 characters and using one or two keywords. Type 15 to 20 terms that relate directly to the content of the page in the metatag keywords box. You can use up to three variations of a keyword. Type keywords in lower case and separate terms with a comma and a space. For the meta description, write two or three sentences summarizing the page content and using keywords.

3. Invite other websites to link to your website. Aim to place links on websites that relate to your topic and receive more traffic than your site, as this will provide publicity for you and boost your site's appeal among the search engines. Provide website administrators with a link that contains the name of your website and a hyperlink to the main page of your website. It is a courtesy to place a reciprocal link for the other website on your own links page, but be wary of link exchange offers that do not relate to the subject of your site.

4. Update your website at least once a week and offer a free periodic e-newsletter to opt-in subscribers. Set a schedule for e-mailing your newsletter and only send it to subscribers so you will not be accused of sending spam. Include your address in the newsletter and provide an option for readers to unsubscribe. Use the newsletter to inform readers of updates on your website and provide links to the featured items. Keep the newsletter brief.

5. Include a link to your website in e-mails and print materials. Use social media platforms to spread the word about your website. Establish yourself as an expert on the subject of your website content. Give presentations and write articles, inviting the audience to visit your website for more information. Network with bloggers who can highlight your site.

References

• Bellevue College; Web Publishing Guide; Website Tips; Search Engine Optimizations
• Boston College: Writing Meta Tags: Descriptions & Keywords
• Princeton University; Roxen CMS Support; Search Engine Optimization (SEO)