7 Search Experience Optimization (SXO) Tips

If you are looking to obtain high search engine rankings, stop thinking Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and start thinking Search Experience Optimization (SXO).

Google and other search engines are now looking differently at pages they index. Yes, they are still looking for content, but there are new elements that they want to see on the pages and with the overall website structure. In general, search engines are looking for pages that are created for the best user experience.


These elements mostly center on what the page is providing the reader. Does the page provide the reader with the information that they are looking for in respect to the search phrase searched on? Will the provider find the answers to the question they have?

Here are 7 tips to help you improve your chances to obtain better search rankings:

1. Look at the content on your pages. Is the content written for the reader or are you just trying to sell them? Most readers are looking for information first; not to be sold. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer. If you are not getting the information you are looking for would you stay on that website? Give the reader what they are looking for not what you want to sell them.

2. Are you using lots of internal links on a web page? If so, consider reducing the amount and just use links to the most important related pages for the topic.

3. If you are using text linking on your pages for a Call To Action function consider changing them to buttons. This will greatly help with the user experience rating. Again, only link to the most important related pages.

4. Believe it or not, search engines are giving higher page rankings to websites that have Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Get the certificate now!

5. This should be a no brainer; many websites are still not optimized for mobile devices. If your site is one that is not, correct it now. This will not only give your site a chance for a better ranking, but you will get more traffic to your site.

6. How fast does your page load? If you have a slow loading website the search engine will not give you very high rankings, or maybe no ranking at all.

7. If you are using a keyword/phrase more than two or three times on a page, don't. You should know this by now, but here is the good news: You can have that page rank high for more than one keyword/phrase. You should include related keywords and keyword/phrases in the page content. If your primary keyword/phrase is "sugar free candy"; also use phrases like diabetic candy, no sugar sweets, etc.