Search Engine Optimization sounds boring until you want to be on the front page of a Google search. Once that is a priority, it’s like reading poetry to your sweetheart in front of a fire.

Search Engine Optimization, more commonly known as SEO, is one piece of the confusing puzzle most event organizers need to know. Since you are using one of our software platforms these tips are going to be slightly different than what you are used to seeing. They may seem basic but they pack a punch.

Let's walk through some simple steps to demystify the SEO game.

1. Buy a vanity URL and redirect your Webconnex page.

The URL and subdomain are only going to be up for a short while. In the SEO game, it’s not long enough to gain traction the way a website would when it’s active for years. A vanity URL can fix this. For example, if you own Awesome Company, and the city's newest 5K is in your control, the likely URL for Red Podium is going to be www.awesomecompany.redpodium.com/citysnewest5k

Yep. That’s an eyeful.

But if Awesome Company buys a vanity URL like www.awesomecompany.com, you have a landing page with a click through link to redirect your registrants to the Red Podium 5K URL. Having this single link his highly useful for marketing on posters, radio and TV.

2. Submit your URL to Google directly.

Yep, this one is so simple you may want to bang your head on a desk. Submit your URL to Google directly. Google will eventually find your form but it queries tens-of-thousands of URLs a day. Google is busy and you don’t have to wait for them to make the first move. So go ahead and get on their radar today.

3. Search: “Add Keywords to my website”.

There are more posts dedicated to this phrase so I don’t feel the need to write up any more information. My advice is, read a few articles on this, know what Website provider you are using: Wordpress, WIX, Squarespace and follow the best practices.

4. Create social media pages for your business.

This will be useful to share your event, it will make your business more professional to Google and your future registrants. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest are all great places to start and your business model will lead you down the right social media path.

If you've ever tried any of these tips let us know how it's worked for you connect with us in chat.