One of the most popular online marketing strategies is known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO). While there are many aspects of SEO, one of the main components is technical SEO. In this post, we bring you 4 critical technical SEO elements that every webmaster must address.
AMP (accelerated mobile pages)
Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) were among the most debated components of digital marketing. The AMPs were created by Google to assist in making mobile pages faster. AMPs are stripped off components that are unnecessary for the handheld devices. Initially, AMPs were thought to be only important for news site because they carried content to viewers. However, they have become essential for all websites after Google divided its search index with a bias to mobile index. With appropriate AMPs, you improve the page loading speed, enhance user engagement, and guarantee a more user-friendly interface to clients. All of these work towards enhancing your website’s ranking.
Structured data (Schema markup)
Structured data (schema markup) are codes that make it easier for search engines to understand the content and improve visibility. To put it in a different way, schema markup helps search engines understand the context of the pages to deliver better answers and Enhance UX to clients.
Though structured data is not one of the main ranking components by Google, implementing it raises a site’s organic visibility. Since it raises the website’s visibility and enhances CTR, the site will be on its path to better ranking.
Secured certificate (HTTPS)
After introducing the secured certificates in 2014, Google indicated that it would use them as important ranking factors. However, even after emphasis from Google, a lot of sites still lack the secure certificates (HTTPS). HTTPS works by including a new layer of security (SSL) when transferring data. In 2016, Google added a bar to sites that run on HTTP to remind owners of the preference for certified and trusted sites. If you are still operating on the old HTTP, you are exposed to numerous security threats and ranking on SERPs could be greatly compromised.
Redirects
The redirects are very useful when pages have been moved, transferred or temporarily unavailable. Though the process is relatively simple, a lot of sites still operate without redirects even when various pages have been moved. The most important redirects include;
- 302 temporary redirects: These are redirects that used when one is planning to move pages temporarily. You should never mistake the 300 redirects with 301 redirects that can get the old pages indexed while the new ones are disregarded.
- 301 temporary redirects: These redirects are applied when a webmaster does not want clients to keep refreshing the pages. This is very useful especially if clients are submitting useful details such as personal info and credit card numbers.
- 404-errors: If a page cannot be reached, the problem might be as a result of deleted pages, moved pages, or misspelling. The problem is addressed by redirecting clients to the right pages. You could opt to redirect them to the homepage or other sections with related info.
To succeed in technical SEO, the webmaster has to be involved at all levels. Remember that every component of technical SEO requires significant computing knowledge and practice. Alternatively, you can engage an SEO consultant in your area to assist you to improve the technical SEO of your website.
