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Basic SEO Tips
SEO Tips as of 6-2-2026
SEO Best Practices (2026 Update)
Alternate URLs do not get indexed
- An alternate URL is useless unless the florist plans to market that URL to a specific area or for a specific purpose. Even then it will not be indexed in the search engines, only the main URL will be.
- Why? Google wants to make sure online users have a variety of options, not multiple URLs that lead to one option.
- If alternate URLs are used, proper canonicalization and redirects should be implemented to avoid duplicate content issues.
Do META Keywords Matter?
No, and it’s best not to use them.
Google and other major search engines no longer use the META Keywords tag as a ranking factor. Adding keywords to the META Keywords field provides no SEO benefit and may create unnecessary maintenance work.
Instead, focus on creating high-quality content, optimizing page titles and meta descriptions, and providing useful information for visitors.
If META Keywords No Longer Matter, How Does a Website Rank for Specific Search Terms?
Content, Content, Content
Search engines analyze a website's content to determine what topics, products, services, and locations it is relevant for. They look at the overall context of a page rather than simply counting keyword occurrences.
Search engines also consider:
- Quality and uniqueness of content
- Local relevance
- Customer reviews
- Website performance and mobile usability
- Internal linking
- Business authority and reputation
- Backlinks from reputable websites
Example:
A florist ranks well for searches in their hometown but wants to improve visibility in a neighboring city where they also deliver flowers.
Why might they not rank in that neighboring city?
Because the website provides little or no information demonstrating that the business actively serves that area.
How can they improve their visibility?
By creating meaningful, unique content related to that city, such as:
- Delivery information for the city
- Neighborhoods and ZIP codes served
- Local hospitals and funeral homes
- Wedding venues and event locations
- Customer testimonials from the area
- Seasonal and holiday delivery information
- Frequently asked questions about local delivery
A simple paragraph repeating a city name multiple times is no longer sufficient. Search engines are increasingly focused on useful, relevant content that demonstrates genuine service to a location.
How Important Is Keyword Usage?
Keywords are still important, but they should be used naturally.
Search engines understand related phrases and context. For example:
- Flower delivery in Springfield
- Springfield florist
- Same-day flowers in Springfield
- Sympathy flowers delivered to Springfield
All of these phrases help establish relevance for the same topic.
Focus on writing naturally for customers rather than targeting a specific keyword count.
What Factors Matter Most for Local SEO Today?
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Positive customer reviews
- Helpful, location-specific website content
- Mobile-friendly website design
- Fast page loading speeds
- Accurate business information across the web
- Structured data (Schema markup)
- Strong internal linking
- Quality backlinks and citations
- Ongoing content updates
Remember
Search engines are designed to connect users with the most helpful and relevant results. The goal should not be to "add keywords" to a page, but to provide the best possible information for customers searching for your products and services.