4 Advanced SEO Tactics

OK, so you know how valuable search engine optimization (SEO) is and you've worked some of it into your website. Now that you've taken the baby steps, you're ready to run. Below are four advanced SEO tactics that can immediately boost your site's exposure and page ranking.

1. Deep Linking

   A deep link is a hyperlink that directs the user to a specific page within a site, rather than the site's homepage. Deep linking to your older content offers substantial benefits for both your visitors and your SEO.
   
   Put simply, you will have happier users. A deep link will lead them right to the information they're looking for without the frustration of performing a search, which also reduces your bounce rates. Happy users are also more likely to share your content and link back to your site, strengthening your SEO. And finally, it makes your older content more accessible and generates more page views per visitor.

2. Guest Blog for Other Sites

   It may seem counter-intuitive to write for other websites in order to strengthen your own, but there are many great reasons why you should. Guest blogging is a chance to get your name out there and gain exposure beyond your regular readership.
   
   It's also a chance to backlink to your main site, provided that you're guest blogging for a site that is both relevant and credible. Finally, it opens up opportunities for other bloggers to return the favor and add value to your blog in the future.

3. Distribution Channels

   You already know that quality content will boost your site's SEO. That's certainly still true, but it isn't the whole truth; without diversifying distribution channels, few readers will be able to find that content.
   
   The way web users find information is changing. Google now delivers results in multiple mediums such as blogs, news articles, and videos, YouTube has become second most popular search engine on the net, and Facebook now handles over one billion queries per day. If you aren't using multiple distribution channels, you could be missing huge opportunities.
   
   You aren't limited to Facebook and Youtube, either. Here's a short list of other networks and channels that can expand your audience:
   
   
   • Twitter
   • Pinterest
   • Kickstarter
   • Soundcloud
   • StumbleUpon
   • Tumblr
   • Delicious
   • And many many More

4. Measuring Your SEO

   Of course, all of this advice is somewhat meaningless if you can't measure its effectiveness. You need data to understand why people visit your website, how successful your current SEO is, and which areas need improvement. With that said, here are some excellent tools for measuring your SEO:
   
   Google Analytics
   The web's most used analytics tool, available from Google in both basic (free) and premium (annual fee) packages.
   
   Bing Webmaster Tools
   Microsoft's analytics service is very similar to Google's, but provides insight for the Bing search engine.
   
   SEO On-Page Analyzer
   A basic online tool that breaks down your website's SEO elements, making it a great starting place.