Organic is always the best choice.

And it doesn’t have to cost more.

The Search Engine. It’s where 85% of all consumers begin their research – whether shopping for a smart phone, a refrigerator or a vacation. Consumers are out there asking questions and through smart search engine optimization, we as marketers help them find answers.

In recent memory, SEO was often left to developers; it barely registered as a valuable tool in the online marketer’s toolbox. Today that has all changed, mainly because our search engines are constantly changing.

Three years ago, Microsoft launched Bing and positioned it as a ‘decision engine’ and launched a new and innovative presentation for travel related searches. In a rare instance, Google adapted its search algorithm shortly thereafter. The result? Our top position for keyword ‘New Orleans’ dropped from its long-standing number one position to number three.

After we picked our jaws up from the floor, we took a hard look at our work processes related to SEO and set a goal to reclaim our number one spot. Our internal audits showed numerous opportunities for on-site improvements – this was ‘low hanging fruit’ – but it wasn’t enough. We needed to remind Google that we were the single most trusted source for New Orleans travel information. What we needed was a commitment to a structured link-building program for keyword “New Orleans.”

I identified a mix of sixteen (and only sixteen) travel, news, government, media, and educational sites with a high page rank and through partner programs, placed strategic links to NewOrleansOnline.com. The result? Mission accomplished. We are enjoying our number one ranking once more. Combined with server-side optimizations and diligent on-site improvements we have grown our organic traffic by 71% YOY.

Learn More:

The 60% Open Rate

The 150% Conversion Rate