The best SEO tactics and tools for traffic and sales

The Best SEO Tactics to Increase Traffic and Sales

Every Integrated Marketing professional knows that SEO is, right after having a website, the most important work a business needs to undertake to be found online by its customers.

It is also the key to keeping online advertising costs as low as possible. Anyone can be at the top of Google results for their selected keywords if they´re ready to pay through the nose. SEO is about doing the kind of work that, over time, ensures that they don´t have to pay through the nose; because that´s just gross.

Of course, and as with anything in life not given on a silver platter, it is an ongoing process that takes time and effort to see results. So, unless a business owner decides to do this work instead of working on their actual business, the logical step is to hire a professional.

This article is for entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized business owners who want to know what the main SEO tactics for success are and what are the best tools to use, so they can be on top of the work that is meant to be carried out. It is also a checklist for other Integrated Marketing professionals, whether they are in charge of SEO or overseeing the work and performance of the SEO specialist/s in their team.

The Top SEO and Content Research Tool in the Market

The number one tool SEO professionals and agencies use is Semrush. It covers most of the tactics I´m giving you, below, providing the most in-depth actionable information whilst significantly saving time. It comes with many useful features including competitor and content analysis and more.

Not cheap but it is a worthy beast. It is my favourite SEO and SEM tool by far.

Plus you can do many things with a simple free sign-up account such as perform keyword research and competitor analysis, run a technical analysis of your site, track keyword rankings and audit your local listings among others.

Though for business owners and SEO or Integrated Marketing agencies (who for some strange reason are not already using this tool) I recommend to trial the Pro or Guru plans for 7 days to unlock all of its power and capabilities.

Please note that some of the recommended tools in this article contain affiliate links, which means that I get a teeny tiny commission if you purchase any of them via my link. Nevertheless, these are tools I use or have used and which I sought to affiliate with. If you´re a peer professional or have an integral marketing agency you already know these recommendations are golden.

So, without any further blah blah blah, here´s your SEO checklist to steadily go to the top and remain on top.


Best SEO Tactics Checklist


1. Conduct keyword research to use relevant keywords in your content.

I know, everybody and their cousin are aware of this by now but you would be surprised by how often it´s overlooked in favour of a more easily flowing text. This is the part where, reminded of this fact, I must include some relevant keywords. Some of the best tools for keyword research to keep content optimised and outrank competitors (see what I did there in bold?) are Ahrefs´.

They are:

Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
This tool helps find low-hanging keywords, which are keywords that have low competition but high search volume.

Ahrefs SERP Checker
This nifty feature analyses your chosen keywords’ traffic potential.

Ahrefs Keyword Difficulty
Here´s where you find out a keyword’s ranking difficulty and, most importantly, what would you need to have or do to overcome it, such as the amount of backlinks you´d have to acquire.

Avoid stuffing your content with keywords, though, as this is not only a sign of poor quality content but Google´s algorithm also detects and penalises this as a black-hat practice, thus producing the opposite results you were after.

2. Optimise your website’s meta-titles and descriptions with relevant keywords.

If your business or employer is using the WordPress CMS for the company´s website, the best WordPress plugin for SEO to aid you with this work, without a doubt, is:

AIOSEO – All In One SEO

In my opinion AIOSEO is better than Yoast. Easy to use yet and with advanced AI features such as ChatGPT integration, it is perfect for both a WordPress site and a Woocommerce store as well as both global and local SEO. It has a free plan through which you can test some its features but the Basic plan is also extremely economical and unlocks most of its potential.

3. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and has a responsive design.

We call responsive design that which fluidly adapts to a variety of devices and screen sizes. Remember to always check that your site is fully and easily navigable on all the main browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Opera GX, Safari, Microsoft Edge) as well as on different mobile devices and OS.

4. Improve your website’s loading speed.

Some tactics to achieve this include compressing files (images, CSS, HTML, Javascript) and embedding video links from YouTube, Vimeo or other video platforms – if possible – instead of embedding uploaded videos to your site. Trimming down code and not overloading the site with plugins or extensions are also good practices.

5. Use internal linking to connect pages within your website.

If your website has a blog, use a Related Posts feature or link to related posts within your posts. If you have an online store, link related products. Same goes for services.

6. Build high-quality backlinks from reputable sources.

Google´s search algorithm favours distance, prominence and relevance. One way to achieve prominence is by getting established websites to link to your site. Some of the best tactics to create quality backlinks include collaborating with experts related to your business as well as complementary big brands and influencers, reaching out to journalists in HARO, guest posting for high-traffic blogs relevant to your products and/or services or writing on platforms such as Medium.

7. Create high-quality, original content that provides value to your audience.

The greatest way to attract traffic and build earned prominence is by creating shareable original visual content such as infographics, conducting and publishing valuable research, providing a free tool or providing information that can be helpful to others.

8. Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content.

Your website platform should include a way to use these tags easily when you´re writing your content. Use H1 for the main title / page name, H2 to head the main blocks of your organised text, H3 for subtitles, and so on and so forth till the end of blogging.

9. Optimise your images by using descriptive file names and alt text.

And if you use related keywords for those names and alt text, all the better.

10. Ensure that your website has a clear and easy-to-use navigation.

Also, provide clear CTAs (calls to action) but, at the same time, do not overload every page with CTAs competing for attention. I know, it is a fine delicate balance.

11. Use social media to promote your content and engage with your audience.

This is also an obvious one but what is not so obvious is that it´s best to focus on just the social media channels your target audiences use and avoid the temptation to be everywhere, dissipating energy, efforts and money on channels that won´t deliver you actual customers.

12. Optimise your website for local search by including your business address and phone number.

Plus make sure to add keywords in your content that includes the cities where you operate where it makes sense to do so.

13. Monitor and respond to customer reviews and feedback.

There are several paid online and social media listening tools that will alert you of any mentions, which are very useful if you get to a point where these are of considerable volume. One tool you can use for free in the meantime is Google Alerts. Set an alert with the name of your business or employer´s brand as your keyword and an email account you check daily and if someone mentions it, you will receive an alert there.

14. Use Google Business Profile to manage your online presence and appear in local search results.

One way to get customer reviews and feedback and generally improve your local SEO is to sign up for a Google Business Profile. Fill it with your products / services, events and offers and keep it regularly updated.

15. Implement schema markup to provide search engines with additional information about your website.

Schema markup is a special HTML code that helps search engine crawlers determine what your content is about so it can be indexed accurately. If your website is built with WordPress, again AIOSEO – All In One SEO is your tool for this purpose. Otherwise, if you are comfortable with HTML and altering your website´s source code, you can use Schema.org, a tool created by Google, Bing and Yahoo.

16. Use Google Analytics to track and analyse your website’s performance.

It will help you discover what sources are directing the most traffic to your website, what content is performing poorly and which is performing best, among many other things. Unless you have the knowledge, you will need specialist certified in Google Analytics to set the appropriate tags for advance and granular tracking plus easy at-a-glance monitoring and reporting on Looker Studio.

17. Use Google Search Console to monitor and optimise your website’s presence in search results.

Google Search console is a free tool that will tell you what search terms people used to arrive at your website and what page / content they consumed plus how well your site is performing on mobile, among other things.

18. Optimise your website’s URL structure to make it more user-friendly and easier for search engines to crawl.

A good practice is to plan your website hierarchy structure beforehand, especially if it will be served in different languages for markets in multiple locations.

Also, get rid of the www and always use an HTTPS protocol (acquired with an SSL certificate which your hosting provider may offer). Use permalinks that use the page or post / product name, use keywords and keep the name as short as possible and use hyphens to separate words.

19. Use long-tail keywords to target specific, niche audiences.

Gen-Z  users particularly love long-tail keywords. They have grown using Google so they know how to obtain the best results for a particular search. For example, instead of typing on the search engine “SEO tips” they are more likely to type “top SEO tactics to increase traffic and sales”, “best SEO tools to improve your website´s organic traffic”, “how to improve your website´s SEO” or “top tactics to improve a (business niche) SEO”.

20. Regularly update your website with fresh, relevant content to keep it current and engaging.

One way to produce content that is relevant and current is answering the questions your target audience is actually asking. A great tool to use in this instance is AnswerThePublic.

End of Checklist

Best UI and UX techniques to increase sales

How to Use UI & UX to Increase Sales plus Best Tools and Tactics

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and marketers are continuously looking for new ways to engage our audience, create enduring connections, and promote business success in this fast-changing digital landscape.

Understanding the critical function of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design is the key.

Your online properties, whether they be a website, an app, or any other digital platform, can be completely transformed by a captivating UI and perfect UX. In this article, I describe how to utilise UI and UX  to attract, keep, and please your customers —factors that ultimately determine a company’s success – and give you a checklist that includes the best UI / UX tactics and the tools for implementing them as cheaply as possible.

Last, but not least, I also reveal to you one of my favourite platforms for digital experience insights and behaviour analytics.

Ready to rock? Well, let´s dance!

How to Use the Full Power of UI / UX to Increase Your Sales

1. A first impression that captivates.

The User Interface (UI) is the visual entrance to your digital world, delivering the first impression that can make or break a user’s engagement. Users are drawn in, given a sense of trust, and encouraged to explore further by an attractive design with an easy-to-follow layout. By putting an emphasis on UI design, you produce an engaging experience that instantly distinguishes your business from your competition.

2. Easy Navigation and Intuitive Interactions.

After capturing consumers’ attention, UX takes control to make sure their journey is simple and easy. An intuitive and user-friendly interface that leads people through the digital experience is the main goal of UX design. Customers find it easier to locate what they’re looking for, which decreases frustration and boosts pleasure. This is made possible by well-structured navigation, unambiguous calls-to-action, and logical interactions. Favourable experiences are encouraged by smooth interactions, which encourage users to remain longer, explore more deeply, and ultimately become devoted customers – improving customer loyalty.

3. Personalised experiences that delight.

Beyond aesthetics and utility, UI and UX design can provide individualised experiences that connect with users on a deeper level. You can modify your digital properties to accommodate unique preferences, wants, and expectations by using data-driven insights and adding personalisation components. These considerate touches – whether they be tailored interfaces, targeted information, or personalised recommendations – are proven to increase client pleasure and, in return, their loyalty.

4. Improving brand perception and trust.

A well-designed UI and UX design enhances user experiences and influences how your brand is viewed. Colour schemes, font, and other branding components that are used consistently create a powerful visual identity that appeals to your target market. Users are more likely to engage with your business, make purchases, and refer people to your goods or services when they have a seamless and intuitive user experience.

5. Mobile responsiveness for ubiquitous engagement.

In today’s mobile-centric environment, smartphones and tablets account for a sizable share of online engagements. It is crucial to make sure your UI and UX are mobile device-friendly. Your digital properties should adjust to various screen sizes and resolutions with ease, giving users a consistent and satisfying experience on all devices. Prioritising mobile responsiveness can help you reach a larger audience, improve accessibility, and maintain an advantage in the cutthroat digital environment.

The Best UI / UX Tactics and Tools – Checklist

  1. Implement a Clear and Intuitive Navigation Menu – Tools: Figma or Adobe XD (both offer a free trial).
  2. Use Consistent Branding Elements – Tools: Canva (has a free plan) or Sketch (offers a free 30-day trial).
  3. Optimise Website Loading Speed – Tools: Google PageSpeed Insights (free).
  4. Ensure Mobile Responsiveness – Tools: Responsively App (free and open-source).
  5. Utilise White Space for Visual Clarity – Tools: Sketch or Figma.
  6. Apply High-Quality and Relevant Images – Tools: Unsplash or Pexels (free high-resolution images).
  7. Use Contrast and Colour Psychology – Tool: Coolors (free).
  8. Implement Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Tools: Sketch or Figma.
  9. Prioritize Readability with Clear Typography – Tool: Google Fonts (free library).
  10. Incorporate Microinteractions for Engagement – Tools: Proto.io or Framer (both offer a free trial).
  11. Optimise Form Fields for Easy Data Input – Tools: Typeform (free plan available) or Google Forms (free tool)
  12. Apply Visual Hierarchy to Highlight Important Elements – Tools: Sketch or Figma.
  13. Use Consistent and Intuitive Iconography – Tools: Font Awesome or Material Design Icons (both offer free icons).
  14. Implement Responsive Grid Systems – Tools: Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS (both are free frameworks).
  15. Ensure Compatibility Across Multiple Browsers Tools: BrowserStack or LambdaTest (both have free trials available).
  16. Optimise Image and Media Compression – Tool: TinyPNG (free image compression tool)
  17. Use Visual Feedback on User Actions – Tools: Hotjar or Crazy Egg (both offer free trials)
  18. Implement Sticky Headers for Easy Navigation.
  19. Enable Social Media Sharing and Integration – Tools: ShareThis or AddThis (both offer a free trial)
  20. Conduct A/B Testing for UI Iterations – Tool: Optimizely (free content plan available), Zoho Pagesense (it can be quite economical for start ups and basic projects) or VWO Testing (offers a free limited plan).

The Best Tool for UX Insights & Behaviour Analytics: Hotjar

I have affiliated with Hotjar because it is a versatile tool that offers several features to gather user experience insights, obtain behaviour analytics, optimise user flows and task completions, and more. I love it and I know that you will love it, too. Here are some of the key features Hotjar provides to improve UI and UX:

Heatmaps: Hotjar provides heatmaps that visually represent user behaviour on your website or app. Heatmaps show you where users click, move their cursor, and scroll, allowing you to identify popular areas and potential usability issues. This information helps in understanding how users interact with your UI, identifying areas of interest, and optimising the placement of important elements.

Session Recordings: Hotjar records and replays user sessions on your website or app enabling you to watch how users navigate, interact, and engage with your interface in real-time. Session recordings help identify pain points, usability issues, and areas where users may encounter difficulties, allowing you to improve the overall UX.

Surveys and Feedback: To learn more about your users, Hotjar provides you with focused surveys and feedback quizzes. You can strategically arrange these surveys on your website or mobile app to get user feedback on particular UI elements, the overall user experience, or particular activities. You will improve your sales by using this input, as it endows you with a better understanding of user preferences, identify problem areas, and make data-driven decisions.

Incoming Feedback: Users can give comments immediately on your website or app by using Hotjar’s Incoming Feedback functionality. They can score their experience, comment, and highlight particular components. This real-time feedback offers invaluable information about users’ opinions, problems, and ideas for UI improvements.

Form Analysis: You will learn how users interact with your forms with the Hotjar’s Form Analysis feature. It offers graphic reports on form participation, field drop-off rates, and conversion rates. You can use this information to improve your forms’ completion rates, spot fields that users may find challenging, and speed up the form-filling procedure.

Recruit User Testers: Hotjar enables you to find and interview prospective user testers for usability testing. With the aid of this tool, you can acquire honest feedback from your intended market, allowing you to assess the UI and UX from their point of view, pinpointing areas for improvement.

Use the button, below, to access Hotjar via my Partner link which gives you:

  • An Extended Business Trial.
  • The Inside Scoop.
  • Priority Support.
  • Business Promotion.

Conclusion

Armed with this knowledge, you are several steps closer to the digital mastery of your business. Use these insights to gauge the expertise of your hired digital strategists and use the above checklist to stay on top of all the UI & UX tasks your team must carry out.

End of Article