Although
SEO (search engine optimization) best practices
are undeniably important, learning SEO is no easy task.
That’s why you need to know about the directory of SEO tools SEOChat created. Not only will
these tools help you keep your content optimized and up-to-date, they will help you stay ahead of the ever-changing Google algorithm curve and keep your
website (or your clients’ sites and blogs) functioning at optimum levels.
I recommend you check out all of the tools, but to save time, here are a few of my favorites:
1. IMN Google Site Map Generator
Fixing broken links is not only good for SEO, but for your customers. Nobody wants to get stuck while trying to get around your website.
You might have more broken links than you realize. To find the problem areas, simply type your URL into the IMN Google Site Map Generator. You’ll get a full
report that includes broken links, redirects and a site crawl. You can also opt to have the generator email the report to you so you can access it as you
need it.
2. Page Speed Checker
Page speed is a big honkin’ deal. Slow-loading sites not only get no Google love, they irritate the heck out of your customers and prospects.
If your site is too slow, Google will ding your SEO, and you will likely lose visitors who are angry with you for not understanding their need for speed.
[RELATED:
Learn why you need a content marketing plan at our content marketing boot camp.]
Use a tool like Page Speed Checker to periodically evaluate your page’s
load time. If it’s too slow, make changes accordingly. Get rid of unnecessary widgets or graphics that load slowly. You might even need to change your
website-hosting company.
3. On-Page Optimization Tool
Admit it: You’ve always wanted to crawl inside Google’s brain. Get a jumpstart with the On-Page Optimization Tool, which lets you see your site
as the search spiders do. It’s pretty cool. Use the tool to evaluate and refine site elements like internal links, meta information and page content.
4. Keyword Position Tool
You’ve likely done keyword research to help drive your website and blog content, yet how can you be sure your site ranks for those particular keywords? Run
a report with the Keyword Position Tool. It will check
results from Google, Yahoo and MSN to see what position your site holds for a specified keyword phrase. For example, “Not in top 100.”
If you’re sitting down to run a bunch of keyword reports at once, the Keyword Position Tool will run a report every five seconds.
5. Meta Tag Generator
Meta tags are important. In essence, they tell Google and other search engines what the content on each page of your site is about. And yes, every blog
post and Web page needs a meta description. Meta descriptions make it easier for others to find your site because of the keywords you use in the
description. (The content on each page should also support your keywords.)
If you’re relatively new to SEO and Web writing, you can use the Meta Tag Generator Tool to produce effective meta tags. Simply enter a
list of relevant keywords and a short description of your page, and the tool will create a list of meta tags that you can then incorporate into your site
or blog post.
How’s that for a list to get you started? Be sure to check out the rest of the directory,
too—especially if you have a specific SEO-related concern or query.
Have you used any of these tools? Are there any other must-use SEO tools?
Shelly Kramer is a digital marketing strategist and CEO of
V3 Integrated Marketing.
A version of this story first appeared on
her blog.
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