How to Use the SEO Center from Version 13.3 on

Introduction

Welcome to the enhanced SEO Center, a significant update introduced in eDirectory starting with version 13.3. This newly structured area empowers site administrators with greater command over their website's search engine optimization (SEO) configurations. The reformulated interface allows for more streamlined and effective management of various SEO features, ultimately contributing to improved online visibility and performance. This guide will walk you through the key components and functionalities of this updated SEO hub.

Navigating to the SEO Center:

Accessing the robust tools within the SEO Center is a straightforward process. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Locate and click on the Promote tab within your eDirectory site manager interface.

  1. Within the Promote dropdown menu, select the SEO Center option.

Once you've entered the SEO Center, you'll notice a clear and organized layout, featuring the following primary sections designed for ease of use:

  • Redirect Manager
  • Robots.txt Editor
  • Webmaster Tools
  • General SEO Settings

Let's delve into the capabilities of each of these sections.

Redirect Manager:

The Redirect Manager provides you with the tools necessary to effectively manage your website's URL structure and security protocols. Within this section, you gain the ability to:

  • Define your preferred domain: Specify whether your website should be primarily accessed using the www prefix or the non-www version. Consistent domain preference is crucial for SEO.
  • Implement secure pages (HTTPS): Enable HTTPS to ensure secure communication between your website and its visitors. This is not only a security best practice but also a ranking factor for search engines.
  • Create and administer redirects: Set up URL redirects, such as 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary) redirects. This is essential for guiding users and search engines when content has moved or URLs have changed, preserving link equity and user experience.

For more comprehensive information on utilizing these features, please consult the following instructional resources:

Robots.txt Editor:

The Robots.txt Editor offers direct control over your site's robots.txt file. This vital file acts as a set of instructions for search engine crawlers, like Googlebot, specifying which URLs on your website they are allowed or disallowed to access. Properly configuring your robots.txt file is crucial for managing crawl efficiency and preventing your server from being overwhelmed with unnecessary requests.

Important Note: While the <small>robots.txt</small> file manages crawler access, it does not inherently prevent a web page from appearing in search results if it is linked to from other locations on the web. To prevent page indexing, you should utilize meta robots tags or HTTP headers.

To deepen your understanding of how to effectively use the robots.txt file, please refer to these informative articles:

Webmaster Tools:

The Webmaster Tools section streamlines the process of verifying your eDirectory website with major search platforms and business management tools, unlocking valuable insights into your site's performance and potential issues. Within this section, you can:

  • Verify your site on Google, Bing, and Facebook Business Manager: Confirm ownership of your website with these platforms to gain access to their respective webmaster or business analytics and management features.
  • Add TXT records: Manage DNS TXT records, which are often required for domain verification purposes or for implementing other online services.
  • Access your site's sitemap: Easily navigate to your website's sitemap index file by clicking the "Click here to go to sitemap index" button. Your sitemap acts as a roadmap for search engine crawlers, helping them discover and index all the important pages on your site efficiently.

Note: The sitemap functionality becomes active and accessible only after your eDirectory site has a live domain name associated with it. Attempting to access the sitemap before your domain is live will result in a 404 error. To initiate a change of your site's domain, please send an email to support@edirectory.com outlining your request, and our support team will provide you with the necessary steps.

For detailed guidance on verifying your site and managing TXT records, please consult the following helpful articles:

General SEO Settings:

The General SEO Settings section provides you with fundamental controls over your website's visibility in search engine results and its appearance when shared on social media platforms. Here, you can:

  • Manage search engine indexing: Easily configure whether you want your entire eDirectory website to be indexed and appear in search engine results, such as Google. You can enable or disable this option according to your specific needs and website lifecycle.
  • Set the OG (Open Graph) image: Upload a designated image that will be used as your site's visual representation (often your logo or a branding image) when your content is shared on social media platforms. This enhances brand recognition and the visual appeal of your shared links.

For more detailed information on configuring these essential settings, please refer to these articles:

Conclusion

By diligently following the steps outlined in this guide and effectively utilizing the various tools within the redesigned SEO Center, you are well-equipped to significantly optimize your eDirectory website's visibility and performance in search engine results. This enhanced control empowers you to manage crucial SEO aspects, contributing to increased organic traffic, improved user engagement, and ultimately, the success of your online presence. Remember to consult the linked articles for more in-depth guidance on each specific feature.

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