Your 3-Step Checklist for Image SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) works to bring your website more relevant traffic and closer to the number one slot on major search engines. Without SEO your company website is likely to drown at the bottom of a million other websites selling similar products and services. When people hear "SEO," they often think of links, content, and traffic - forgetting the critical role images play in SEO. Properly marking up your images helps Google better understand what your website is all about, so it can rank your website in Image Search results and bring you more site traffic.  

What Are The SEO Basics?

For starters, here’s a bunch of free stuff you can do to improve your website’s visibility:

• Keyword research: Discover the words people use to try to find your website and your services. Then use these words throughout your site’s content.

• Domain name: Choose a domain name that’s relevant to your business, so that you’re easier to find.

• Page URL names: Avoid the often default number system, and rename your page URLs with keywords.

• Social media marketing: Use social media to expand your website’s reach to a much larger audience on various networks.

• Local listings: Get your business contact info set up at YellowPages.com and Google My Business. (We've got a list of online local listings directories here).

• Reviews & testimonials: Positive feedback on sites like Yelp and Angie’s List will keep reeling ‘em in!

• External links or backlinks: Share your content with influencers or on places like Quora and Reddit. These backlinks (links that point back to your website) score super high in the world of SEO.

What About My Website Images?

As you can see, just about everything you post on your website can be optimized for search, but you’re not limited only to words and links. Images are a tremendous part of SEO, and one that's often forgotten, so if you can get your pics up to SEO speed, you’ll be ahead of the curve. Here’s how...  

1. Name your images using target keywords.

Use readily identifying info to name your pics as you upload them to your website. If you’re targeting a specific geo-location, include that city name in your title. Same goes for specific products and services. For example, a local bike shop might label a photo of their storefront something like Mike's Bikes - Bike Shop in Austin TX  

2. Use alternative text.

Alternative, or alt text, shows up in certain browsers when site visitors hover their mouse over an image. Alt text also makes it clear to visually impaired users what your image represents. Long tail keywords (i.e. keywords that are super specific) are best. For example: Interior design for Charleston model homes Nashville nail salon features bridal party sale Here’s what the HTML looks like: <img src="InteriorDesignCharleston.jpg" alt="Interior design for Charleston model homes">  

3. Take a look behind the curtain.

• Find a website you admire (or visit one of your competitor’s sites).
• Right-click your mouse anywhere on the page and select "View Page Source."
• A new window will open with all the html code for the page.
• Hit Control + F simultaneously on your keyboard and then type “img” in the search box.
• This will bring up all image-related code.
• Most sites will have a bunch of images, so you can see how the developer or marketer decided to set up their alt text.
• Learn from the best!

Here’s an example of what this looks like from our own cloud hosting page on HostGator. Each of these icons has a related file name and alt tag based on the keyword.   Please don’t let the code freak you out. It looks daunting, but it really is super easy to adjust once you get the hang of it. Plus most WordPress plugins and content management systems make this even more user-friendly than it looks. As long as you know that you can adjust title and alt tags to make your images work SEO for you, you’re good to go!

“Looking for a new job is SO FUN!”

- No One Ever

We get it, but as digital experts we’re here to help you discover a few clever ways to make the process easier and dare we say... fun?!

Your end goal, we presume, is to land an awesome job with great benefits and a kickass salary. While there are no guarantees, we can certainly help you on your journey.

Resumes are essential for the majority of job candidates. Why not stand out even more with a website resume?

 

Your Website = Your Digital Resume

A website or digital resume is a great way to share more of your personality and to show what you have to offer far more than a humdrum piece of resume paper and Times New Roman font.

In the online realm, you have access to color, video, GIFs, and so much more to help you stand out from the crowd of candidates. Most potential employers Google search prospective employees anyway. You may as well give them something to find that shows off your best qualities.

First, get a website. Consider locking down a domain name that is the same as or similar to your name. For example:

www.YourFirstAndLastName.com or

www.YourInitials.com or

www.YourFirstNameAndYourIndustry.com

Keep it simple and straightforward so that your site is easy to find.

Once you’ve got your site ready to go, here are some ways to put it to work for you as you hunt for a new career.

 

1. Let the people know.

Don’t keep your job-hunting a secret. Let your audience of website-viewers know that you’re searching for a job. Write up a quick blurb or blog post tell your story. Build a resume with your skills and experience, but use the visual perks of site-building. You now have access to fancy colors and fonts, videos, images, and logos -- all things that wouldn’t go (or would look weird) on a resume.

 

2. Make it interactive.

Freelance designer Robby Leonardi’s design portfolio and interactive resume went viral earlier this year. Robby takes his online viewers through a video game scenario in which users scroll their way through his designs, skills, and experience while witnessing first-hand his commitment to his craft.

 

3. Show and tell.

Resumes traditionally adhere to a very specific fancy paper format, but keep in mind that technology has updated quite significantly. Most hiring managers first view your resume on a screen, so sharing links to your email address, digital portfolio, and website is the right thing to do. Tell them with your resume, but show them (and show off) your capabilities with a website. Here are some general things to include regardless of your industry:

• A professional image of yourself on your site helps to humanize your application.
• Screenshots or icons of work-related or educational awards you’ve received.
• Images or videos of you at work, giving a presentation, leading a meeting.
• Pictures from work-related events you’ve attended or helped to organize.
• Testimonials from colleagues or clients that speak to your stellar work ethic and creativity.
• Published papers, articles, or press releases that you wrote or that mention you.
• A bio of your accomplishments.
• Professional alumni groups to which you belong.
• Clients you’ve helped -- you can include their logos and website as long as you have their permission.
• Contact information -- always make it easy for an employer to get in touch with you.

We do suggest that you tailor your site to your particular industry. If you’re an artist, show your art. If you’re a product developer, show your product.

Do you have a website resume or have you hired anyone who used a website resume? Let us know what’s worked best for you!

Build your digital resume today with your very own website.

Get Started With HostGator!

Go ahead and Google yourself. We support you in your narcissistic crusade to see what dribs and drabs of your history rank high in Google’s search algorithm. But seriously, there’s a real method to this madness. There’s a wealth of information available on each and every one of us, especially for those of us who are actively engaged in social media. Here it is: Your potential employers will Google you, and you need to beat them to the chase. Here’s why:

• To understand what you’ve been publicly sharing since Al Gore invented the internet.
• So that you can edit any incorrect information, or have it removed (if it’s really bad).
• So that you can you properly defend yourself if need be.
• To check if there’s another person who has the same name as you who’s messing things up out there.

Huffington Post calls this strategy “Defensive Googling.” Be proactive by seeing what (if anything) exists about you in the first three pages of Google. And don’t forget to check Google Images as well. No potential employer needs to see a photo of you doing keg stands in college.  

Your Reputation Management Checklist

 

1. Check all of your social media settings.

Have a thorough understanding of what info you’re presenting as public, and if it’s not what you want, make it private ASAP! Social media platforms almost always have a settings and security section. Go there and check yourself before you wreck yourself. Have a thorough understanding of what info you’re presenting as public, and if it’s not what you want, make it private ASAP! Did you know?... All Facebook background pics are public and you can’t hide them. Profile pictures default to public, but you have the ability to change these settings.  

2. Fake it ‘til you make it.

Consider using a fake social media name, or having separate professional and personal accounts. If you have a public account, keep yourself in check and be mindful of your posts.  

3. Ask nicely.

If there’s something out there you’re not very fond of, contact the source, and simply ask if he or she can remove whatever is ailing you from their website. If a photo you don’t like or some unsavory comment you once said exists on someone else’s website, kindly contact them and ask them to remove it.  

4. Hire an expert.

In extreme cases it may be necessary to hire a reputation management company. There are a variety of companies who specialize in cleaning up regretful digital footprints. This can be a pricey investment, but take comfort in knowing it’s an option should you need it. Here are a few resources.  

5. Review your own website.

If your own website is more personal than professional, you may want to remove any mentions of your full name or other identifying features during your job search. If, on the other hand, your website serves as a digital portfolio, take the time to make sure it's up to date and your best work is featured prominently.  

But wait, it’s not all bad!

Keep in mind that not every online mention of you is automatically horrendous. Those 5K race results from 1993, no problem. Charity donations? Awesome! Pics of you with family and friends? Totally fine. A good rule of thumb: As long as your online presence is something you’re comfy showing your Grandma (assuming she’s of the more conservative chicken soup-making variety), you’re golden.

Want to work from home and live the dream? Of course you do! Or, are you aiming to earn some extra online cash on the side through your next brilliant idea? Sure! We live in what’s been dubbed the Gig Economy -- everybody’s got some kind of side hustle to make ends meet, and with big dreams of striking it HUGE. With instant access to powerful resources the web affords the entrepreneurial-minded with endless opportunities to earn money. There are now more than ever ways to be gainfully employed either full- or part-time through the web. If you’re motivated to earn some cash, it’s really only a matter of matching up your skills with which job suits you best. The web is your oyster! Make it count!  

If you’ve got a knack for the written word…

1. Social media manager Help business owners set up their social network profiles and use free tools like MySocialSuite to automate their posting schedules. 2. Blogger Write blog posts for time-starved business owners or marketers. Google Docs (also free) is probably your best bet for sharing and editing work. 3. eBook writer eBooks are awesome promotional and lead generation tools. If you can whip up some of these for clients, be ready to earn some mad cash! 4. Resume & cover letter writer/consultant Many people really struggle with this, so make it your job to help them get jobs. 5. Proofreader Make sure those t’s are crossed! Plenty of folks struggle with grammar and punctuation to keep you busy. Resources: Freelance Writing Gigs, Upwork, MediaBistro  

If you’re the visual/techie creative type…

6. Graphic designer For the artistically gifted who also dig tech, there’s tons of available online work. 7. Web designer Not many have an eye for creating sleek websites that grab attention and encourage customers to make a purchase. If you’ve got those skills, get started now!   8. Logo designer Most marketers or business owners don’t have the time nor the inclination to create a clever logo for their brand. Rescue them with your artistic prowess. 9. Memes, online ads, infographics, social media images Sell yourself as a well-rounded digital artist and you’ll finds all sorts of work! Use free image creators like Canva or Pixlr to dazzle your clients. Resources: 99Designs, Behance  

If you’ve got a sense for fashion…

10. Clothing designer Have a great catchphrase that belongs on a t-shirt/cap/mug you swear everyone will buy? Design it yourself! 11. Fashion blogger/Instagrammer Share your #OutfitoftheDay. Build a big enough following and you'll attract sponsors. Resources: CafePress, HostGator Blog Hosting  

If you’re crafty and dig fine arts…

12. Online shop owner Create awesome homemade stuff and sell it! Jewelry, clothing, paintings, plus all of the crafts. Resources: Etsy, HostGator Business Hosting  

If you’ve got some extra offline time…

13. Household helper Do laundry, help people pack and move, drive ‘em around, go grocery shopping, pick up dry cleaning, and more. 14. Virtual assistant Be a professional Jack or Jill of all trades and help individuals or companies manage administrative tasks.  15. Online nerd consultant Are you a brilliant business guru? Advise companies and set them up for success. Resources: TaskRabbit, Lyft, Uber, Zirtual, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, HourlyNerd  

If you know how to ABC (always be closing)...

16. Affiliate marketer Partner up with some quality affiliate programs (pssst...HostGator has one) and get a percentage of what you sell. This can work great if you’re already using the products you’re selling. Then you can readily speak to how great they are. Resources:  WordPress plugins, Affiliorama, Smart Affiliate Marketing Strategies  

If you’re a natural born teacher…

17. Online tutor or SAT prep master Help individual students in various subjects, or help many at once by preparing them for nerve-wracking standardized tests. Resources: Tutor.com, Get Educated   So, please think fondly of us when one of these online gigs makes you rich and famous, or at least rich.    Have you claimed your piece of the gig economy? Share your experience and what you do in the comments!

As a working person at any stage of your career (recent grad, business owner, professional), it’s a good idea to have a personal LinkedIn page. You can use it as an online resume to strut your skills, make professional connections with former and present colleagues, and search for jobs. Good news: a LinkedIn Company page is another free piece of online real estate to tell the world about your business, services, and products. You just need a company email address to verify that your business is legit and that you’re the official representative. Need help? Watch this walkthrough video from LinkedIn to help you get started: As of mid-2016, there are over 450 million users on LinkedIn, so it’s definitely worth getting your piece of the action. And since it’s free, there are plenty of opportunities for small shop owners to compete with the big boys. Here’s how to make the most of your investment:  

1. Be pretty.

Get your company profile pic and cover photo setup stat! Logos work great here because they’re a consistent reminder of your brand. Here’s ours -- obviously we’ve got Snappy front and center.   And here’s a beauty of a page recommended by Hubspot. Notice here that the Nature Conservancy (like HostGator) includes their company logo in both their profile and cover pics.   Use images that grab people’s attention and paint a picture about what your business represents.  

2. Use your words.

LinkedIn gives everyone an opportunity to write up a little ditty about their business. Win by keeping it simple, succinct, and authoritative. If you have some proven keywords you know work, pepper them in where you can. Every little bit helps on the SEO battleground.  

3. Remember the details.

LinkedIn encourages Company Page owners to present details like company size, website, year founded, and company specialties. Don’t keep this info a secret! Let people know what your company is all about.  

4. Get followers!

Start by getting colleagues, employees, consultants and anyone you work with on board. Encourage friends and family to support your business by following you on LinkedIn. For added views and follows, consider embedding your LinkedIn Company Page into your email signature.  

5. Know your audience.

LinkedIn gives Company Page users access to a nifty analytics tool where a demographic breakdown of the people who are following your page can be seen. This not only helps you discover more about your audience, but gives you insight into what type of content they might be interested in reading and engaging with. Here’s a LinkedIn Company Page analytics example: This shows us that this company’s followers are primarily senior-level professionals, but then there are also a good number of entry-level folks as well. In this case a mix of articles or blog posts about leadership, hiring, and productivity hacks might be a good place to start. Use this demographic info to make intelligent guesses and see what works.  

6. Post great content.

LinkedIn functions as another social media outlet where you can publish company blog posts, thought-leadership, case studies, and more. Once you get a firm handle on who your audience is, cater your content to them while staying true to your company’s messaging. On LinkedIn, you may want to skew your content toward hiring and employee success, particularly as your first followers will likely be your own employees or people you know who can help introduce you to the right people. For more ideas, take a look at our post How to Publish Engaging Content on LinkedIn.