Simon will be happy I finally have this up! In my attempt to break through my endless back log of posts, I now finally get around to uploading videos from the Eat Drink Blog 2011 Australian Food Blogger conference.
So presenting….Michael Gall of My Aching Head on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
Even though a lot of food bloggers (myself included) are writing for self-satisfaction and self-expression, I can say from my own experience, it’s wonderful to know that others out there are reading and appreciating your site. So whether you’re looking to monetise your blog (stay tuned for that video with Jen, Jules and Michael) or just want the little boost of esteem that will motivate you to pen your next post, SEO is important.
I definitely agree with everything Michael has to say and would also add to it a few of my own basic tips including:
- SEO works on the premise that the importance of your webpage is directly correlated to the number of links that lead to it. Therefore, link internally: if you’ve posted about something in the past and refer to it in a current post, hyperlink away!
- Images are just as important as the text and make sure to give each image “alt” text- this tagging will help make your salivary food pics another path for readers to take to your site.
- Interact with your community. Most food bloggers are aware of Urbanspoon and already use it to share their content but posting to Pinterest, FoodGawker, Tastespotting and other sites that track back to your own will also drive an interested and loyal audience. They’ll come back again and again and again to see what’s new for them to drool over.
Participating on photo-sharing apps will likewise garner you a small following and updating on sites like Foodspotting and Instagram will keep you fresh and relevant. More than that, it’s also a great way to connect with like-minded people who will not only love to eat with you but won’t roll their eyes when you obsessively take photos!
Hmm…I think my Online Media lecturer would be proud I learnt something.
