Do you want to increase your business website traffic, but don’t know where to start? In this case, it is essential to optimize the website – for search engines, but also for the user experience. Thus, you will help the business to be in a higher position in the search results on Google and at the same time you will improve the overall quality of the site. If in the previous article we presented ten simple methods of optimization, this time we will address ten other points, but slightly more advanced.

Create the XML website map and don’t forget to upload it to the website!

An XML map is a file that displays all the pages of the website. Through it, search engines can read the content of the website in a structured way. After making sure that the map has been well structured, don’t forget to upload it to Google Search Console.

Look for sitemap errors in Google Search Console!

Once the map is loaded into the search console, you’ll be able to see if indexing errors occur along the way. Constantly check the indexing errors section, because you might get some surprises when you least expect it.

Add structured data to the main page of the website!

With the help of structured data, you can radically improve the way your website is displayed in Google search results. Since the main page is one of the most important pages in the website, don’t forget to add the structured data.

Defines the following schemas: organization, local business (applicable to businesses with a physical store), person (in the case of blogs).

Test the structured data implemented!

With the help of the Google Structured Data Testing Tool, you will be able to check the correctness of the implementation of structured data from the main page, as well as from the rest of the pages.

Don’t forget the breadcrumbs!

A menu that uses breadcrumbs shows the user’s location in a website. Fun fact: loosely translated, breadcrumbs mean crumbs. The term comes from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, in which the two children marked their path with crumbs, in order to find the way back.

This type of menu is extremely useful in the user experience, so it is also good for search engine optimization. If the website is built in WordPress, you can implement breadcrumbs with the Yoast plugin.

Set pages with canonical URLs!

Canonical URLs are incredibly useful in the case of duplicate content, as they protect information when other websites try to reproduce the content. By applying canonical addresses, you will specify to the search engines that the website uses authentic information and must be placed in a higher position than other websites that have the same content.

Multilingual site? Call the hreflang attribute!

If the website has different language versions, it is recommended to use the hreflang attribute to notify search engines about the multiple versions of the pages.

Don’t neglect 404 pages!

404 is an HTTP code that indicates that the browser could not communicate with the server, so the user cannot access the information because it was not found on the website. Most often, this happens when users misspell certain terms in the search bar or if a page has been deleted in the past.

To ensure that users stay on the website even after displaying this code, you will need to offer alternatives. Create a memorable, funny or useful design.

It offers the best upload speed!

One of the most important ranking factors that Google takes into account is the loading speed of the website. Constantly check this criteria and make sure you are giving your users the best experience. After all, nobody likes a website that moves in slow motion!

Compress website images!

A common practice for improving website speed and implicitly for search engine optimization is to compress images, where possible. There are hundreds of online tools that make this process easier. You just have to look and you will surely find it.

Your website plays a vital role in generating leads for your business. Make sure you always provide high-quality content and a pleasant user experience. Optimize your website using the above steps and your organic traffic will surely benefit from a radical increase.