SEO for People Instead of Algorithm Bots

Search engine optimization is a relatively new field of study for marketers. When more and more consumers started using the Internet to research and access information about various businesses and industries, forward thinking businesses determined that a solid and established web presence was a necessity. Soon, the Internet was flooded with millions of websites in industries from shoe sales to legal counsel.

With so many websites flooding the Internet, it became necessary for search engines to evaluate these sites and display results that consumers could use. Search engine optimization is the process of working a website to the top of a search engine results page. The better a website's optimization is for search engine algorithms, the more likely consumers are to see that webpage when they search for specific keywords.

A New Approach to SEO

However, many marketers began focusing too much on the algorithm and lost track of the initial purpose of a website. Websites were created to help consumers find the information they were seeking. When marketers started to focus on bots and algorithms rather than people, the quality of websites began to deteriorate. Now, new updates to the search engine algorithms are penalizing websites that fail to provide high quality content to consumers.

Creating Content for People, Not Bots

Instead of creating content that will attract the attention of a large search engine algorithm such as Google, create content that will be valuable to consumers in your target audience. Content that answers questions, provides information, entertains, inspires, or shares news and industry updates is all helpful to the consumer population.

Focus on the Consumer

Above all, focus on the consumer when you are planning your search engine optimization and marketing strategies. Stop thinking about bots and algorithms. Those computer programs were created simply to mimic the needs and preferences of real people. A Google algorithm is not a person. It doesn't have feelings. It cannot truly evaluate a website. The algorithm, however, is created to "think" in similar ways to a real human who is using the internet. All of the updates and changes to the algorithm that affect links, content, keywords, meta tags, and other detailed information are simply tools that the algorithm is using to think like a person. The end result, ideally, is that the algorithm selects sites from which a real person will be able to find value and assistance.

Stop focusing on the algorithms, and start focusing on people. When you think about your desired consumer audience, you'll know exactly what types of content to create, how to market your services, how to get in touch with potential customers, and how often you should post new, helpful content. If your consumers are craving articles about what to do after an automobile accident, for example, don't worry about trying to stuff the articles with legal keywords. Simply create a high quality article that answers consumers' questions. The bots will recognize the benefits of the content you are creating. Consumers will be happy, Google will be happy, and your website will start ranking more highly on search engine results pages.