There are many components and aspects to consider when implementing an SEO strategy for you dealership’s website. Here are some good rules to follow:
Top 10 DOs for Auto Dealers & SEO
- Thou shalt perform extensive keyword research before implementing or adjusting any strategy.
- Thou shalt add your dealership’s address (in HTML) to every page of your site.
- Thou shalt install and make use of a blog on your website.
- Thou shalt routinely create / add content to your website.
- Thou shalt install and use Google Analytics.
- Thou shalt link out to other websites.
- Thou shalt use keywords in all anchor text.
- Thou shalt use real data to make SEO decisions.
- Thou shalt use your own domain to host images and photo-galleries.
- Thou shalt encourage local businesses to link to your website.
Top 10 DON’Ts for Auto Dealers & SEO
- Thou shalt not have duplicate titles on your site’s pages.
- Thou shalt not ever, ever use splash pages.
- Thou shalt not target every city in your state for your homepage.
- Thou shalt not be proud of your 100 keyword filled meta-keyword tag.
- Thou shalt not be hell bent on ranking for “car dealer”, “auto dealer”, “truck dealer”, etc.
- Thou shalt not hide text on any page of your website.
- Thou shalt not be afraid of targeting competitor’s name. Just do it tactfully.
- Thou shalt not use anchor text such as “home page” and “click here”.
- Thou shalt not use “your gut” to make SEO strategy changes.
- Thou shalt not need to use the services of a third-party SEO provider.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Pretty good list here. I will still argue about the photo and video stuff but I get your theory. #6 on the do’s is a sticking point for me. I have heard the more you link off of your site to other sites the more Google trusts those sites you link to and gives you less credit. Google thinks by you telling people to go elsewhere for content you arent the authority, the other person is. Thoughts?
Chris Theisen
Director of Digital Communications
Hare Chevrolet
Chris, I strongly disagree. Linking out to “supporting information” is a good thing. Think back to writing reports in school. Your report is much more credible when you can quote authoritative sources. It’s no different on the web. I hope this helps.
Ryan