Shrikant Portfolio

Tag: SEO tips UK

  • Wildest Dreams of Rankings? Avoid These 5 SEO Mistakes

    Wildest Dreams of Rankings? Avoid These 5 SEO Mistakes

    Introduction: Keeping Rankings From Slipping Away

    Taylor sang in Wildest Dreams, “Say you’ll remember me, standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset.” That feeling of wanting to be remembered is the same dream every business has for its website — to stand tall on Google’s first page, shining in front of the right audience.

    But here is the truth: those wildest dreams of rankings can vanish if you make avoidable SEO mistakes. I have seen businesses invest in design, ads, and content, only to lose visibility because of small but critical errors.

    I am Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and SEO-driven marketer with six years of experience working with businesses in India and the UK. In this blog, I will walk you through the five most common SEO mistakes in 2025 and how to fix them so your rankings don’t fade like a forgotten chorus.

    Mistake 1: Ignoring Voice Search and Conversational Queries

    With voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant becoming part of daily life, voice search is reshaping how people find information. Yet many businesses still optimize only for short, typed keywords.

    👉 Example: A typed query might be “SEO consultant UK.” A voice query could be “Who is the best SEO consultant near me?”

    How to fix it:

    • Add FAQs to your site with conversational queries.
    • Write content that answers natural questions.
    • Optimize for local searches so you appear in “near me” results.

    For a deeper dive, read my blog Speak Now: Voice Search SEO and the Future of Digital Marketing.

    Mistake 2: Slow Websites That Push Visitors Away

    A slow site can ruin the user experience and hurt your rankings. Most people will not wait longer than three seconds for a page to load. Google also rewards faster sites through Core Web Vitals.

    How to fix it:

    • Compress and optimize images.
    • Use caching and a CDN.
    • Minify CSS and JavaScript.
    • Invest in good hosting.

    👉 To learn practical steps, check out Why Web Performance Matters and How to Make Your Site Faster (Swift-ly!).

    Mistake 3: Publishing Content Without User Intent

    Content that looks good but does not match user intent will not rank or convert. Many businesses make the mistake of publishing for keywords instead of people.

    How to fix it:

    • Focus on solving problems your audience actually cares about.
    • Create long-form blogs that go deep into a topic.
    • Balance evergreen content with trend-driven topics.

    👉 For guidance, see my blogs From Blank Space to Page One: Crafting SEO-Friendly Blogs and The Archer’s Guide to Content Marketing: Aim Your Words to Convert.

    Mistake 4: Forgetting About Reputation

    Google is not only checking your keywords and site speed. It also looks at your reputation. Negative reviews, weak branding, or lack of trust signals can pull down your rankings.

    How to fix it:

    • Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews.
    • Respond to negative feedback professionally.
    • Build authority with thought leadership and personal branding.

    👉 My blog Reputation and Rankings: Managing Your Online Presence Like a Pop Star explains how reputation directly ties into SEO.

    Mistake 5: Neglecting Mobile and Responsive Design

    Most users in India and the UK search on mobile devices. If your site is not responsive, you lose both users and rankings.

    How to fix it:

    • Test your site on multiple devices.
    • Use CSS grid and subgrid for modern responsive layouts.
    • Keep navigation simple and mobile-friendly.

    👉 For more, read Master Responsive Design in 2025 with CSS Subgrid & Fluid Containers.

    Bonus Mistake: Ignoring Technical SEO

    Technical SEO issues are often hidden but deadly. Broken links, missing schema, poor site architecture, and unoptimized meta tags silently harm rankings.

    How to fix it:

    • Run regular audits with Ahrefs or SEMrush.
    • Fix redirects and broken links.
    • Use schema markup on blogs and services.
    • Keep your XML sitemap updated.

    Real-World Example: Fixing Mistakes for Growth

    I once worked with a business in India that had a beautiful website but very little traffic. An audit revealed slow load times, no mobile optimization, and thin content. After fixing performance issues, optimizing for conversational keywords, and adding structured blogs, traffic increased by 65 percent in three months.

    In the UK, a client struggled with poor reviews and weak local SEO. By updating their Google My Business profile, encouraging positive reviews, and targeting location-specific searches, their inquiries doubled.

    Conclusion: Achieving Your Wildest Dreams of Rankings

    Ranking high on Google should not just be a wild dream. It can be your reality if you avoid these mistakes. Focus on voice search, speed, intent-driven content, reputation, and mobile design. Keep technical SEO in check, and you will see steady growth.

    Taylor’s Wildest Dreams reminds us that moments can be fleeting. Do not let your SEO rankings slip away the same way. Act now, avoid mistakes, and keep your business shining in search results.

    Ready to turn your wildest dreams of rankings into reality?

    I help businesses in India and the UK avoid SEO mistakes, strengthen their strategies, and build websites that rank and convert. Check out my SEO and digital marketing services and let us create a plan that keeps your site shining on Google.

  • From Blank Space to Page One: Crafting SEO-Friendly Blogs

     

    Taylor once sang, “I’ll write your name.” For many businesses, the challenge is not writing itself but writing in a way that Google actually notices. You can spend hours filling up a blank page, but unless your content is optimized for search, it may never reach your audience.

    That is where SEO-friendly blogging comes in. Blogs are more than words on a page. They are powerful tools that bring consistent traffic, establish your expertise, and convert readers into clients.

    For context, I am Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and digital marketer with six years of experience helping brands in India and the UK climb Google rankings. I have worked on small business websites as well as enterprise SEO strategies, and one thing has always been clear: blogging done right is still one of the most reliable ways to rank on Google.

    Let us explore how you can take your blog from a blank space to page one.

    Why Blogs Still Matter in 2025

    Some people believe blogs are outdated in the age of reels, shorts, and AI-generated content. The truth is, blogs remain a central part of search. Here is why:

    • Blogs target long-tail keywords that people actually search for.
    • They position you as a trusted voice in your niche.
    • They create opportunities for internal linking across your site.
    • Blogs add a steady flow of content, which Google rewards.
    • They provide material you can repurpose for social media, newsletters, or videos.

    I have seen this play out in real projects. On one client site, we started publishing two long-form blogs every week. Within three months, traffic doubled. Even now, those same blogs bring in leads because they were built to last.

    If you want to understand how blogs connect to the bigger SEO picture, I recommend reading my post on building long-lasting Google rankings.

    And since AI is reshaping how we create, tools like ChatGPT are making it faster to brainstorm, outline, and draft. I wrote about this in AI in Web Development: Saving Time and Helping Us Focus on What Matters, where I explained how automation can free us to focus on strategy instead of repetitive tasks.

    Start With Keyword Research

    Strong blogs start with strong keywords. Do not just chase what looks popular. Go after what your audience is actually searching for.

    Here is a simple process:

    1. Brainstorm seed topics based on the problems your audience faces. For example, “Why is my site not ranking?” or “How do I make my WordPress site faster?”
    2. Use SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to expand those ideas with search volume and competition data.
    3. Focus on search intent. If someone types “SEO blog examples”, they want to learn. If they type “hire SEO blog writer India”, they are ready to buy.
    4. Balance difficulty with opportunity. Competing with giants like HubSpot on generic keywords will not work. Focus on long-tail searches where you can stand out.

    📌 Example: Instead of only writing for content writing services, aim for best SEO blog writing services in India or how to optimize blogs for UK audiences.

    Craft Titles That Rank and Engage

    A blog title is your first impression. It determines if readers click or scroll past.

    • Place the primary keyword early in the title.
    • Keep it clear and direct.
    • Add a hook or benefit to make it stand out.

    Compare:
    ❌ “Writing That Shines”
    ✅ “How to Write SEO-Friendly Blogs That Rank on Google”

    Taylor’s song titles are short, simple, and memorable. Think of Love Story, Style, or Enchanted. That is exactly how your titles should feel.

    Structure Your Blog Like a Journey

    Nobody enjoys reading an unbroken wall of text. Both Google and readers prefer structured writing.

    Here is an effective blog format:

    • Introduction: Hook, context, and promise.
    • Body: Organized into clear H2s and H3s. Each section should answer one question.
    • Examples: Real-world cases or insights.
    • Conclusion: Wrap-up and call to action.

    Formatting tips:

    • Use short paragraphs.
    • Add bullet points and lists.
    • Include images with proper alt text.

    For more insights, visit Google Search Central’s guide on creating helpful content.

    Write for People First and Then Optimize for Google

    Write naturally first, then optimize after. Over-optimizing makes content unreadable and hurts trust.

    Best practices:

    • Place the main keyword within the first 100 words.
    • Use natural variations of the keyword throughout.
    • Add internal links to related posts like SEO and content writing services.
    • Reference trusted sources such as Search Engine Journal.
    • End with a clear call to action.

    👉 Example CTA: “Need help optimizing your blogs? Explore my content writing services and let us create content that ranks.”

    Why Long-Form Content Wins

    Short blogs can work for quick updates, but when it comes to ranking, long-form content almost always performs better.

    Reasons include:

    • They allow in-depth coverage of a topic.
    • Google sees them as more authoritative.
    • They naturally cover a wider range of related terms.
    • They earn backlinks because they are seen as valuable resources.

    Aim for 1200 to 1500 words for most blogs. For in-depth guides, going over 2000 words is fine.

    I have seen this in practice. When we expanded client blogs to over 1200 words, the bounce rate went down and time on page went up. Google noticed, and rankings improved.

    If you are interested in how AI is making it easier to create long-form content without losing quality, check out How AI Tools Are Transforming Software Development. While that article focuses on developers, the same lessons apply to content creators.

    Build Authority With Internal Links

    Internal linking is one of the simplest but most powerful SEO tactics. It connects content and spreads authority across your site.

    For example:

    Promote Your Blog After Publishing

    Publishing is just the beginning. Promotion is what brings readers in.

    Ways to promote:

    • Share on LinkedIn with key takeaways.
    • Post highlights on Instagram or Twitter.
    • Send the blog to your email subscribers.
    • Repurpose sections into videos or carousels.
    • Pitch it for backlinks on related sites.

    Taylor does not just release an album and stay quiet. She promotes across channels, builds anticipation, and engages her audience. That is exactly how you should treat your blogs.

    Conclusion: From Blank Space to Page One

    Turning a blank page into a blog that ranks requires effort, but the payoff is worth it. With the right keywords, engaging titles, thoughtful structure, and long-form depth, you can write blogs that both Google and your readers value.

    If you ever wonder whether blogging still matters, remember this: Google’s index is like Taylor’s discography. It grows every day, but only the work that resonates truly stands out.

    Your goal is to make sure your blog belongs in that playlist and that readers keep hitting replay.

  • You Belong With SEO: How to Build Long-Lasting Google Rankings

    Taylor once sang, “You belong with me.” Every business owner wants the same from Google’s first page. The hard truth is, not every site earns that spot, and even fewer manage to stay there.

    SEO is about creating a bond with Google where your site doesn’t just appear once but continues to stay relevant and trusted. Whether you’re a local business in India or a brand targeting the UK market, the approach is the same: build a strong SEO foundation that delivers long-lasting rankings.

    This blog breaks down how to make that happen in a way that’s simple, practical, and built for results.

    Before we dive in, let me quickly introduce myself. I’m Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and SEO-focused digital marketer with over six years of experience helping businesses in India and the UK grow online. Over the years, I’ve built SEO-driven websites, optimized content strategies, and turned struggling sites into steady traffic machines. Everything I share here comes from real-world practice, not just theory.

    Build the Right Foundations

    Think of SEO like building a home. If the foundation is weak, the structure won’t last. Here are the core pillars that keep your rankings stable:

    • Technical SEO: Your site must load quickly, work smoothly on mobile, and stay error-free.
    • Content: It should be useful, keyword-focused, and written for people first, search engines second.
    • Links: Internal links connect your pages together, while external backlinks act as trust signals.
    • User Experience: Google looks at how visitors interact with your site. If they leave too quickly, rankings suffer.

    👉 If even one of these elements is ignored, your SEO results won’t stand the test of time.

    Keyword Research: Where the Love Story Begins

    Every SEO journey starts with the right keywords. The mistake many make is chasing only high-volume search terms.

    Here’s a better way:

    • Combine broad keywords like SEO tips with specific long-tail ones like SEO tips for small businesses in India.
    • Localize for better reach. Example: best SEO services in London or SEO consultant in Mumbai.
    • Use tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to measure difficulty and intent.

    📌 Example: If you’re a digital marketing consultant in India, don’t just target SEO services India. Also aim for search queries like how to rank my small business in Mumbai.

    Content is Queen (Beyond 1989)

    Google rewards websites that publish fresh and relevant content. If you want rankings that stick:

    • Stay consistent. Publishing 2–3 blogs a week can transform traffic.
    • Always solve a real problem or tell them how you can solve the problems with your services or answer a question your audience is asking.
    • Refresh older blogs with updated data and improved keywords.

    Just like Taylor re-recorded her albums to keep them alive in everyone’s heart, you should revisit your top-performing posts, refresh them, and give them a new lease of life.

    Internal Linking: The Invisible Strings

    Internal linking helps both users and Google navigate your site. Imagine it like a Taylor album where each song connects to the next.

    • Link smaller posts back to cornerstone content.
    • Link blogs to service pages to drive leads.
    • Use descriptive anchor text like SEO services in the UK instead of generic terms like “click here.”

    👉 Example: In this blog, we can link to Why Web Performance Matters and How to Make Your Site Faster to give readers a path to technical SEO insights.

    Backlinks: The Right Collaborations

    Backlinks are like collaborations in music. When an authoritative site links to you, it’s like a Taylor x Ed Sheeran track both sides win.

    Ways to earn them:

    Technical SEO: Don’t Let Google Down

    Content and links won’t matter if your site is technically broken.

    • Speed: Check with Google PageSpeed Insights.
    • Mobile-first: Over 70% of traffic in both India and the UK comes from mobile devices.
    • Core Web Vitals: Prioritize fast loading, smooth interaction, and stable layouts.

    Also, run a scan with tools like Screaming Frog to spot errors before they hurt rankings.

    Continuous Tracking and Improvement

    SEO is not a one-time project. It’s more like a tour you have to keep performing.

    • Use Google Analytics 4 to measure what’s working.
    • Track your keywords in Google Search Console.
    • If a keyword is climbing, strengthen it by adding more related content.

    Local SEO for Your Website

    If you’re targeting specific regions, don’t miss out on local SEO.

    • Use Google My Business, add Hindi or Marathi keywords where relevant, and list in local directories.
    • Focus on city-specific keywords like SEO services in Manchester and maintain profiles on platforms like Yell.com.

    Conclusion: Staying on Google’s Stage

    Reaching page one of Google is a huge win, but staying there is the real achievement. With the right mix of technical SEO, quality content, smart linking, and ongoing improvements, you can keep your rankings secure.

    So next time you look at your website, remember: Google’s first page is whispering “you belong with me”. Build a strong SEO strategy, and you’ll stay on that stage.