Customer comments 'can boost SEO'

Including customer comments on a website through the use of graphics and icons is an effective way of boosting SEO, it has been suggested.Using positive comments from existing customers is an ideal way for companies to improve the search engine optimisation (SEO) of their landing pages, an expert has argued.

Writing for SEOmoz.org, Sam Niccolls explained that adding assurances to the homepage of a firm's website can help to draw in visitors, something that may benefit organisations who are using their online presence to improve lead generation.

"Two things that can be tremendously effective are graphics and icons," Mr Niccolls remarked, adding that companies should not "bury" these comments at the bottom of their webpage.

He also encouraged businesses to research which pages of their website are causing visitors to leave rather than continue browsing, as, once this has been done, companies can focus on introducing improvements to ensure web users remain engaged for longer.

However, Mr Niccolls added that firms must make sure they "don't get too far ahead of yourself with site changes before you first identify your highest volume SEO entry pages".

Another tactic that could be used to improve lead generation is introducing widgets.

ClickZ recently suggested that these are playing an increasingly important role in SEO, as they can help launch a new online marketing campaign.

Written by Julian Poulter and Copyright "Selling People 2009"