Below you will find 31 useful techniques on how to create a successful website within 1 year:
1- Prep
To create a new website, you need to prepare a list of topics and content for at least 20 pages to start out with.
2- Domain name
The name you choose should be brandable, memorable, short and easy. Easy to say, easy to type.
3- Web design
The simpler, the better. Let’s learn from Google: Simplicity is retro cool. Avoid using Flash and large files. Also whatever you do, the site should be responsive and show properly on all devices and screens.
4- Page Size
Make the page size small. It may be a bit difficult but try to reduce it as much as possible. Its good for the users as well as search engines. Speed is one of the most important factors. If your pages are too big, you will lose a percentage of your customers. This small percentage can either make or break you.
5- Content Calendar
The day and time you publish content, is important. Different social channels as well as websites themselves, have different amount and even different kind of traffic during different hours and days, therefore, you need to schedule and plan appropriately.
6- Keyword Density
Use the targeted keyword, once in the Title, once in the Header, once in the URL, and once in the Meta tag, meta description. Make one bold, make one italic, put one above the page, one below the page, and caption one under an image. Remember, that the keyword density on average should be anywhere between 5-10%.
7- Inbound and Outbound Linking
Google still values links a lot. Inbound links or backlinks are links where other sites link to you. Outbound Links are links that your site links to. Google uses and values both in their algorithm. From Googles perspective: Backlinks are links that other sites use to tell Google who you are. Outbound links are links that you’re telling google who you are. So pay attention who you link to, making sure to link to only related and authoritative websites.
8- Internal Linking
The structure of links within your site is crucial. Every page on your site should be, easily accessible within 2 or 3 clicks.
9- Going Live
Before going live with your site, make sure to edit and thoroughly do quality control. Low quality sites may have a negative impact.
10- Directory Submission
Once the site is ready and online, submit the site once to Google, once to Yahoo and once to Bing.
11- Analyzing Sites
Use appropriate software to analyze your own site, as well as your competitors. You can use sites like Buzzsumo, ahref, Semrush, or Moz.
12- Robots and Spiders
Make sure your site is easily crawlable via search engine spiders and robots.
13- Backlinks
Ask other high-ranking and high-quality, related websites for backlinks.
14- Content
Content has to be readable, simple, quick and easily accessible. Content has to be informative, attractive, funny, interesting, or controversial. Content has to be minimum 500 words. Pay attention to: Proper spacing between sentences and paragraphs, use short phrases and short sentences. Use titles and sub-titles to separate different sections on every page. Use spaces and dashes to make reading, easier for your customers. Use large font titles, this will help users go through your content quicker. Remember Most visitors, don’t read all your content, they will quickly glimpse through it therefore you need to relay your message effectively. And remember. Without good content, long term success is absolutely impossible!
15- Shortcut to success
Avoid any shortcuts, tricks, and black-hat techniques.
16- Giving backlinks
When anyone requests a link from you, please analyze the site properly. You only want to link out to sites, that benefit your users.
17- Social Icons
Use Social and Sharing Icons on your site. Google uses the social sharing, as a ranking signal.
18- Advertising Syndrome
Make sure you don’t overuse your advertising slots. Don’t waste your visitors time with unrelated banners and unprofessional ads such as pop-ups.
19- Update Frequently
Update your content frequently and consistently, but never sacrifice quality over quantity.
20- Reports
Analyze your site and your customers behavior. Also analyze competitor’s sites. You may find golden hints and hidden rules.
21- Timing
One of the most important factors for website success is “proper timing”. Because even the best ideas and suggestions can’t be effective if the timing isn’t right.
22- Networking
Networking, Networking – enough said. It’s all about networking.
23- Documentation
Proper documentation will help making changes and improvements to your website easier.
24- Site Review
After a few months, check your ranking. Make tweaks to your old posts to enhance its ranking. Change the Title to improve it’s CTR, add/modify content to improve its SEO.
25- Quality Content
Once again, put a lot of energy into creating quality content. Good content will always be shared.
26- Synergy
Your different marketing channels should create synergy. They should also look related.
27- First Impression
You never get a second chance for a first impression. The name of the site, design, color and other attractions should attract your user’s attention. The content, will then determine whether the user stays or not. You need to work on both simultaneously.
28- Be the customer
Put yourself in the customers shoes. Would you recommend and share your sites content? Would you purchase any of your own product or services? Why, or why not? Be honest to yourself.
29- SEO companies
No SEO company can guarantee your ranking on Google, because: First of all: Google has over 200 ranking factors in their algorithm. Secondly, Google updates their algorithm frequently. And finally, nobody can predict your current or future competitors or their tactics. So, don’t believe anyone if they guarantee you number 1 ranking for any keyword.
30- Blog
Create a “blog section” or “latest news section” where you can easily update your website frequently.
31- Brand
Your brand, is your asset. It’s the price and quality of your service and product you promise to your customer. Be careful, not to damage your customer experience and your brand.