60% of web searches are on mobile devices

A recent report says smartphones and tablets account for 60% of all online traffic--up from 50% a year ago. That’s why Google changed their algorithm to give searchers a good experience, no matter which hardware they're using.

If your website is not mobile-friendly, you’re likely seeing a huge drop in visitors--searchers who might want what you offer. To check your site, use this link. Since Google (rather than Bing or Yahoo) is used for 80% of web searches, ya gotta keep ‘em happy.

Don’t be like the invisible man when someone is looking for you. Update and optimize your website now to show off what you offer and why a visitor should be interested, even when your visitor is on a smartphone or tablet. This change happened April 21. If you're not mobile yet, you’re already behind!

Blogging--another way to entice website visits

Many people still set up their website and then leave it alone while they focus on other things--like running their business. Important, for sure. Yet Google (yup, them again) rewards websites that add fresh content.

That reward is having your site show up higher in the list of results when someone searches for what you offer.

A blog gives you an easier and faster way to add new information--from news to case studies to discussions about your industry to answering questions. A blog also gives you more places to optimize your site for search.

Fresh content is good for SEO

By creating a blog post around one topic, that topic becomes your keyword or phrase. Incorporating that phrase naturally through your post will tell Google what the page is about. Your page, and your site, will be found by people looking for that topic.

Sounds simple, sure. But there are a few things to remember:

• People search in their own language, which may not be yours. Avoid technical terms or industry jargon.
• Most people research before buying, and before they talk to a live person. Stats show most people are 60% towards a decision before they contact anyone. It's higher for business to business--up to 90% towards a purchase decision.
• A blog supports your website content in a conversational manner. You can get feedback and provide opinions in a way that doesn't work on a website. 
• New blog posts will enhance your social media campaign when you link from social back to the blog.

Providing valuable content, written from the reader’s point of view (remember, “what’s in it for me?”) is still the best way to get visitors to your website and then invite them to look further. Blogging puts more content and information online to help more people find you.

We've put together a useful guideline on how to be a better blogger. From topics to SEO to word count, download our 12 Tactics to go from blog beginner to better blogger. You'll reach more people and improve your website traffic ... to help you grow your organization.