With the recent drops in Google’s PageRank and other algorithmic adjustments, many companies are in a frenzy to dramatically readjust their SEO strategies. These same businesses exert the same ferocity, again and again, every time the industry shifts. What many people are failing to notice is that the evolution of SEO is a fluid, ongoing process, that is ultimately meant, on the part of the engines, to provide users with the most relevant and highest quality search engine results.
Tips to Avoid SEO Tunnel Vision:
Don’t forget about the user.

While SEO results are important, your primary motivation shouldn’t consist of being “#1 in Google” or having a PageRank of 10. Instead, realign your goals to reach users, provide a quality experience, and enhance your business. With good content and a quality user experience, SEO relevance will follow.

Create a well-balanced site by following SEO best practices.
Websites experiencing long-term success have created environments for the users and made them easily accessible (and understandable) to the search engines.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Focusing too much on one or two aspects of SEO can lead to disastrous results when algorithms change. SEO is a comprehensive strategy with dynamic elements and should be treated as such.
Additionally, steer clear of SEO methods that offer results based on one or two “quick tricks.” These usually signify non-Best Practices, and sometimes even “black-hat,” techniques that can get you banned from the search engines.
Algorithm modifications are, by nature, designed to benefit well-conceived websites.

As more corporate and big-business sites are optimized nationally, many smaller localized companies are left asking… but what about me? It is just as important for small businesses to optimize their web sites as it is for any company. With more potential customers searching online for services, local companies with an online presence have more of a chance to benefit from this client base.

Many local businesses operate under the false presumption that prospective clients are only searching for their contact information. They are forgetting to address why someone would seek their local services in the first place! In addition to your company background and the products and services you provide, supply your visitors with as much helpful information possible. Local sites that offer relevant resources gain credibility with potential customers and that can lead to an increase in business.

However, great content is unique within each industry and business model. Many service-industry sites use common questions from their clients as FAQ pages - and it certainly makes sense to do so! If you can offer answers to their questions before clients even ask, it will help to boost the value of your services. Other resourceful content can include client testimonials, ask-the-expert pages, and links to services complementary to yours.

Remember, your client base is turning to the search engines more than ever to find local services. Company contact information should not be the crux of your site… More beneficial is a site containing both relevant and helpful resources. It is the presence of this useful content on a site that will encourage prospective clients to choose you for their service needs over your competitors.

As more corporate and big-business sites are optimized nationally, many smaller localized companies are left asking… but what about me? It is just as important for small businesses to optimize their web sites as it is for any company. With more potential customers searching online for services, local companies with an online presence have more of a chance to benefit from this client base.

Many local businesses operate under the false presumption that prospective clients are only searching for their contact information. They are forgetting to address why someone would seek their local services in the first place! In addition to your company background and the products and services you provide, supply your visitors with as much helpful information possible. Local sites that offer relevant resources gain credibility with potential customers and that can lead to an increase in business.

However, great content is unique within each industry and business model. Many service-industry sites use common questions from their clients as FAQ pages - and it certainly makes sense to do so! If you can offer answers to their questions before clients even ask, it will help to boost the value of your services. Other resourceful content can include client testimonials, ask-the-expert pages, and links to services complementary to yours.

Remember, your client base is turning to the search engines more than ever to find local services. Company contact information should not be the crux of your site… More beneficial is a site containing both relevant and helpful resources. It is the presence of this useful content on a site that will encourage prospective clients to choose you for their service needs over your competitors.