Essential Plugins for SEOs

Every SEO needs to utilise their browser in every way possible. This includes installing useful add-ons (or plugins) to your browser. The most popular browser amongst SEOs is Mozilla Firefox, because it has such a wide array of plugins available, including ones that will allow you to add overlays to the SERPs and ones that will be able to tell you whether or not a link is nofollow without ever having to look at the source code.

At first you might be a little intimidated by the number of options that certain plugins give you, but after time you’ll learn to ignore the ones you don’t use and become a master of the ones that you do. If you have any concerns about the plugins, most of the time you’ll be able to find the developers on Twitter or in the Add-on section of the Firefox website.

Why should I use plugins?

Some people don’t see the need for plugins, but who wouldn’t want to streamline their working day by automating parts of the essential process? They will not only help you become more efficient, it’s like that they’ll also give you other valuable insight. Many people have found out new things just by using simple plugins that are available free-of-charge.

The essential plugins for SEOs

This list is not exclusive, nor is it saying that you should only use these few plugins. These are just very useful and are definitely essential to your SEO arsenal.

1. SearchStatus by Quirk

A really easy-to-use plugin. It’s adds a few icons to the bottom right-hand-side of your browser in the status bar and with a simple right-click gives you a lot of options. The most useful being “Highlight Nofollow Links”, “Link Report…” and “Highlight Keyword…” To download this plugin, visit the SearchStatus Add-on page.

2. mozBar by SEOmoz

The mozBar is SEOmoz’s toolbar built for Firefox, combined with SearchStatus, you’re going to have one powerful browser. With far too many features to list, you’re better off heading to the mozBar landing page to read everything and download the plugin.

3. Firebug

This is an add-on made for web developers rather than SEOs, but any SEO will tell you that to be effective, you need to have some knowledge. This will allow you to navigate the code of websites easily, turn features on or off and much more. Download the Firebug add-on.

Conclusion

If you’re not using your browser to it’s full potential then you need to open your eyes and start using these fantastic tools. If you have any tips or tricks you want to share, please post a comment.