Worry less because, in this post, I am going to walk you through the most essential tricks to get your site up and running correctly.
Without wasting time, let's get started.
7 things a new website/ blog owner should know
1. Use the right structure to build your site.
It is going to be a little bit complicated for someone who is not a developer to know what I mean by correct site structure. Let's explain itWhat is the correct site structure for the websites?
The correct site structure for a website means organizing it in a way that’s easy for users and search engines to navigate and understand. This means positioning the HTML code correctly as recommended by Google and other search engines and also applying the correct style and functionality.
The correct site structure should have the following major features:
A. Homepage
The main entry point provides an overview and links to important sections.B. Navigation Menu
a. Main Menu: Includes primary pages like Home, About Us, Services/Products, Blog, and Contact.b. Secondary Menu: For less critical pages such as Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and FAQs.
C. Categories and Subcategories
Group Group-relatednt logically. For a blog, categories might include Tech, Lifestyle, and Business, with subcategories under each.D. Internal Linking
Links within content to related pages, improving navigation and SEO.E. URL Structure
Clean and descriptive URLs. Example: www.example.com/category/subcategory/pageF. Breadcrumbs
Navigation aids show the user’s path, like Home > Category > Subcategory.I. Footer
Contains links to essential pages, social media, and contact information.Sample of what you should have
If you don't know how to design or develop websites yourself, it's important to pay attention to the features mentioned above and discuss them when you want to build a customized site. If you prefer to buy a pre-made theme, for example, running your website on WordPress, Wix, or any CMS platform, you should also consider these features.
Look beyond the outward appearance, as sometimes other factors can make some themes less user-friendly. I have dedicated a post on how to avoid slow and to pick a good template, which you should read to help you make the right choice.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Site Structure
- • User-Friendly: Visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
- • SEO-Friendly: Search engines can find and rank your pages better.
- • Easy to Grow: You can add new content without messing up the site’s layout.
2. Write as Much as You Can Early On
When starting fresh, it's essential to publish a high volume of posts, especially if you're entering a competitive niche. For example, if you're launching an e-commerce site, ensure you're consistently publishing numerous product posts. This strategy helps you stay competitive with established players. The primary reason for this is that search engines like Google prioritize sites with ample content, making it easier for them to index and rank your site.
Master how to write content for your website with this article: How to Create Content That Ranks Consistently
3. Avoid Using AI for Full Content Writing
While AI tools can be valuable for enhancing the structure, appearance, and research aspects of your content, relying solely on AI for full content creation is not advisable. Google accepts and even encourages the use of AI to improve content, particularly for research-intensive topics. However, Google warns that sites entirely dependent on AI for content creation may face policy violations, leading to lower rankings or, in extreme cases, removal from search results.
By striking a balance between human creativity and AI assistance, you can create high-quality content that complies with search engine standards and attracts a wider audience.
4. Master the Concept of SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for ensuring your website appears prominently in search engine results when users search for relevant topics. To effectively leverage SEO, you need to understand its principles and integrate them throughout your website. This includes optimizing your content, metadata, and technical elements. A comprehensive approach to SEO can significantly enhance your online visibility, driving more organic traffic to your site. My SEO 101 guide provides a detailed introduction to these strategies, offering practical tips and techniques to help you implement SEO effectively and improve your search rankings.
5. Use Google Business Profile for Search Visibility (Optional)
Creating and optimizing a Google Business Profile (GBP) can greatly enhance your visibility on Google Search and Maps, especially if you run a business with a physical location. GBP allows you to manage how your business information appears across Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you. By regularly updating your profile with accurate information, photos, and reviews, you can improve your local search ranking and attract more customers. This tool is essential for businesses to increase their local search presence and engage with their community.
6. Join Google Publishers for Better Reach
Joining Google Publishers can expand your content's reach by distributing it across Google's vast network. This platform allows you to share your content with a broader audience, driving more traffic and engagement. By becoming a Google Publisher, you can benefit from enhanced visibility, better monetization opportunities, and access to advanced tools and analytics to track your performance. This step is particularly beneficial for content creators, bloggers, and businesses seeking to maximize their online presence and connect with a larger audience.
7. Share Your Content
Effectively sharing your content is crucial for reaching a wider audience and driving engagement. Here are some key strategies to consider:
7.1. Create Social Media Page(s)
Social media platforms have become essential spaces for interaction and content discovery. While it is possible to share your posts directly from your website to various social media pages and groups you belong to, having your own dedicated social media pages offers distinct advantages. By establishing a presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or others relevant to your audience, you can create a hub for sharing your content and engaging with your followers.
Creating your own social media pages allows you to:
Build a Community: Develop a loyal following who are interested in your content and updates.
Increase Visibility: Social media platforms have large user bases, providing an opportunity to reach new audiences.
Engage Directly: Interact with your audience through comments, messages, and posts, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty.
Boost SEO: Social media signals can indirectly impact your search engine rankings by driving traffic and generating backlinks.
When sharing content on social media, it's essential to tailor your approach to each platform. For instance:
Facebook: Share engaging posts with images or videos, use Facebook Groups to target niche audiences, and utilize Facebook Ads for broader reach.
Instagram: Focus on high-quality visuals and use Stories, Reels, and IGTV to diversify your content.
Twitter: Share concise updates, use relevant hashtags, and engage in conversations to increase visibility.
LinkedIn: Share professional content, join industry-specific groups, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Regularly updating your social media pages with fresh content and interacting with your audience can drive more traffic to your website and enhance your online presence. Additionally, since many people use social media platforms as search engines, sharing your content on these channels ensures that it reaches a wider audience beyond traditional search engine queries.
Conclusion
Starting and maintaining a website or blog can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can create a successful online presence. By focusing on essential elements like proper site structure, consistent content creation, careful use of AI, SEO mastery, utilizing Google Business Profile, joining Google Publishers, and effectively sharing your content on social media, you can significantly enhance your site's visibility and engagement. Embrace these tips to get your site up and running smoothly and watch your online presence grow.
Let me hear your thoughts.