Did you know that you can learn a lot from your competitors? I know you are thinking that’s a lousy way to begin an article. Of course you can learn from your competitor, right? This means being able to observe their website, see what products and services they are offering and even check on their prices. You can view the layout and design features – so OF COURSE you can learn from your competitors.
However, there is an element of observation you may have never considered.
Source Code
You should begin by locating a handful of sites that could be classified as competing websites for products or services that are similar to yours. Once you have located these sites and gleaned what you can from simple observation you should considering viewing their source code.
This information is available (In Internet Explorer) by clicking the ‘view’ tab at the top of your browser, then clicking the ‘source’ link. Other browsers will have similar features. What you are viewing next is pure text using the html code that is the map for the page design you are viewing. This information provides a hidden title and keywords the site is using for search engine optimization. This information can help you refine your own Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to either compete directly with them on SEO keywords or find a strong niche set of keywords to use that can help set you apart.
The Meta Tool
The Meta title and Meta name information is not visible on the website, but is used to help search engines understand the website’s purpose better. This can help in search engine placement. Now, before you think this is an unfair practice you should know this information is also available to those who visit your site.
Once you determine what new keywords or phrases you want to use for your website make sure to make consistent and sweeping changes to your own source code as well as product descriptions, knowledge-based articles and other affiliated information such as photos.
Morphing a Site
Altering or changing out your content is an easy way to keep consumers coming back while maximizing exposure to the keywords and phrases you have chosen to assist you in improved site rankings.
By utilizing all site promotion tools at your disposal you will be better equipped to manage the growth you may experience due to your expanded efforts.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ tool that can allow you to find ultimate success. You need to explore a variety of tools and then learn how to use each tool effectively because every site promotion tool you master has the potential of drawing significant visitors to your site.
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