Search engine optimization or SEO has been used strategically by thousands of individuals and companies all over the world to generate higher revenues. It is also one of the cheapest ways to continually advertise your website and get a lot of targeted traffic who are truly interested in your products and services. It is important that you learn more about its history first to determine the right approaches that will appeal to your target market.
How It All Started
Web site content writers and webmasters started to optimize websites for search engines during the middle part of the 1990s, since the initial search engines were still cataloguing the early Web. In the beginning, a webmaster can submit the webpage address or URL to different search engines that will send a spider to navigate and crawl the given page. The spider will gather links to other pages from the page and return the information located on the page to be indexed.
The entire process involves a search engine spider that will download a page and store it on the very own server of the search engine. The second program or indexer, will gather different information regarding the page, like words in the content and location, together with the weight for given words and all other links contained in the page, to be placed in a scheduler for later crawling.
Increased Value
Website owners understood what it means to increase the ranking of their web sites and being visible to their target market through search engine results. They can then create the opportunity for SEO practitioners using either black hat or white hat. Danny Sullivan, an analyst of the industry in the 1990s, indicated that SEO or search engine optimization may have been coined and used frequently in 1997. Early versions of the search algorithms heavily depended on information given by the webmaster like the keyword meta tag or index files in search engines such as ALIWEB. Meta tags function by giving a guide to every content of web pages. The Meta data can be used to index pages that were found to be unreliable due to the choices made by the webmaster in the given keywords. It can become an inaccurate representation of the website's true content. Inaccurate and inconsistent meta tags can change the rankings of various pages.
Keyword Density
Keyword density was incorporated very much during the early parts of SEO. Search engines would usually suffer because of ranking manipulation of overuse of given keywords. Search engines needed to adjust to make sure that results pages will only present the most useful web sites, instead of unrelated web pages that only had several keywords, but really did not mean anything. More complex ranking algorithms were created and developed by search engines to ensure that visitors only got the most useful results possible.
Modern Results
At present, rankings in search engines are very accurate and dependable. In 2004, search engines have used different factors in the algorithms of rankings to significantly minimize link manipulation. Some of the best search engines use more than 200 various signals. The algorithms are not disclosed by the biggest engines to prevent unscrupulous webmasters from manipulating the results. Some of the best SEOs have used various approaches, with different techniques and opinions posted in blogs and online forums.
26 January 2010
19 January 2010
Myths In SEO
Some people follow the book accurately when it comes to SEO. However, you have to understand that there are common myths that may only be detrimental to the growth of your company. Some of the approaches that used to be effective before may no longer be useful today, since the market and search engine crawlers are smarter. Debunk some of the basic myths and make the necessary improvements in your site to boost sales for long.
Myth 1: SEO Involves Techniques That Fool Search Engines
Fooling search engines mean that you are also fooling human users. Real SEO techniques involve more than just optimizing content, using marketing schemes and getting additional links. A number of tactics can be used depending on the persons you are dealing with.
Some of the useful strategies that can be used for SEO to last a long time include benchmarks, competitive analysis, search marketing strategy, keyword analysis, web design, user experience, creative copy writing, server side issues, ongoing link building, code optimization, information architecture, ongoing content development, web analytics, other channel marketing affecting SEO and conversion analysis.
Myth 2: Search Engines Aren't Used That Much
Based on research, around 4.9 billion searches are done every month by 133 million unique searchers. Search engines have become one of the most common tools used for people to gain information. Majority of internet users rely on search engines to get to different web sites, pages and companies. Search engines lead you to different online businesses and shops where you can instantly shop and get more updates. You have to determine how much useful and relevant content is available in the market, then aim on becoming an authority in the industry.
Myth 3: SEO Doesn't Work Because You Do Not Have Many Visitors
Keep in mind that SEO doesn't promise instant and significant results. You have to use the different marketing tools and strategies together with the approaches and SEO to make everything work together. Experts recommend that you spend about 6 months after the implementation phase to evaluate the results of SEO. You also have to ensure that your web site can back up all the methods you have incorporated. If your site is not easy to navigate, does not have sound and unique content and is not relevant to the people you are targeting, then your SEO efforts will be rendered useless.
Myth 4: SEO Happens Only Once
SEO takes time to develop and you need to evaluate and assess each approach to determine if it should be improved. Search engines view about 100 to 200 factors or signals to know its relevance as well as decide how to categorized search results. You have to give SEO constant attention because there are several other sites and pages that also promise unique content, entertaining media and other tools to entice the target market. Always brainstorm on how you can further improve your techniques like integrating with other offline and online marketing, creating new content, building new links and refining your optimization approaches. If you have spent some time, money and effort creating the groundwork for your SEO, you have to ensure that operations continue to function and drive the right clients into your web site. SEO is not a one-time event. It needs checks and refinements every now and then.
Myth 1: SEO Involves Techniques That Fool Search Engines
Fooling search engines mean that you are also fooling human users. Real SEO techniques involve more than just optimizing content, using marketing schemes and getting additional links. A number of tactics can be used depending on the persons you are dealing with.
Some of the useful strategies that can be used for SEO to last a long time include benchmarks, competitive analysis, search marketing strategy, keyword analysis, web design, user experience, creative copy writing, server side issues, ongoing link building, code optimization, information architecture, ongoing content development, web analytics, other channel marketing affecting SEO and conversion analysis.
Myth 2: Search Engines Aren't Used That Much
Based on research, around 4.9 billion searches are done every month by 133 million unique searchers. Search engines have become one of the most common tools used for people to gain information. Majority of internet users rely on search engines to get to different web sites, pages and companies. Search engines lead you to different online businesses and shops where you can instantly shop and get more updates. You have to determine how much useful and relevant content is available in the market, then aim on becoming an authority in the industry.
Myth 3: SEO Doesn't Work Because You Do Not Have Many Visitors
Keep in mind that SEO doesn't promise instant and significant results. You have to use the different marketing tools and strategies together with the approaches and SEO to make everything work together. Experts recommend that you spend about 6 months after the implementation phase to evaluate the results of SEO. You also have to ensure that your web site can back up all the methods you have incorporated. If your site is not easy to navigate, does not have sound and unique content and is not relevant to the people you are targeting, then your SEO efforts will be rendered useless.
Myth 4: SEO Happens Only Once
SEO takes time to develop and you need to evaluate and assess each approach to determine if it should be improved. Search engines view about 100 to 200 factors or signals to know its relevance as well as decide how to categorized search results. You have to give SEO constant attention because there are several other sites and pages that also promise unique content, entertaining media and other tools to entice the target market. Always brainstorm on how you can further improve your techniques like integrating with other offline and online marketing, creating new content, building new links and refining your optimization approaches. If you have spent some time, money and effort creating the groundwork for your SEO, you have to ensure that operations continue to function and drive the right clients into your web site. SEO is not a one-time event. It needs checks and refinements every now and then.
11 January 2010
Understanding SEO Techniques
About 65% of all web sites visited begin from a search via a search engine. Search engine optimization or SEO has become an integral part in every business owner's marketing scheme since you get to be visible to hundreds of thousands of potential buyers all over the world. You get to boost your sales by following the right methods and techniques. If you end up on the first page, you can expect higher revenues very quickly. Here's how.
Commitment to the Process
SEO needs to be consistent and requires a lot of work in your part. Search engine algorithms adjust regularly, so it is important to stay updated with the latest trends and approaches, since some of your methods may no longer work after a few months. You have to be prepared for the long term and view how your business will continue to grow through SEO. It takes a lot of discipline and patience to see results. At first, your methods may not seem to be working, but as you continue to enhance the steps and process, you can do good business and expand your client base.
Getting Information
You have to know how to ask the right questions from the right people. Ask for the specific details of your business, and learn more about the industry by talking to experts and other successful businessmen. Find out how SEO can be used to the fullest and how you can better get in touch with your target customers. One of the most effective methods is to ensure that your web site is easy to navigate. You need to always have good and fresh content. Update your blog and articles regularly.
Join online forums and discussion boards and talk to your target customers. You can place links in your signature and copy the same articles you have from your web site to boost credibility and reputation. Read other articles and visit other successful web sites. Find out which keywords will most likely be used by your target customers and use these wisely throughout your articles. You may hire ghost writers to help you make relevant and useful articles in a shorter span of time.
Stay Visible
Include a site map page. Spiders cannot index your pages if these cannot be crawled. You can use a site map and the right HTML and other codes that will keep you visible to spiders. The spider will easily understand the hierarchy of your site. Make sure you have an easy-to-crawl navigation menu. You may discuss the details with a webmaster to help you improve visibility. If you have a big web site, create many site map pages. Each one should have less than 100 links. All your SEO moves should have an objective. Make use of web analytics software and other online experts to track the right methods and get rid of irrelevant and time-consuming efforts.The URLs and file names should be friendly to SEOs. Use 2 to 3 hyphens at most to keep your file from appearing like a spam. Use hyphens, not underscores, in your URLs and filenames. Hyphens are considered as "space", unlike underscores.
Relevance Matters
Always ensure that you have a relevant title and Meta description on each web page. The page title is the most vital factor of on-page SEO. It is unlikely to rank very high for a primary term without the word being included in the page title. Ignore the keywords Meta completely if you find that these are not relevant and only confuses visitors. Always write for visitors and users. The content of your site and articles should always be rela
Commitment to the Process
SEO needs to be consistent and requires a lot of work in your part. Search engine algorithms adjust regularly, so it is important to stay updated with the latest trends and approaches, since some of your methods may no longer work after a few months. You have to be prepared for the long term and view how your business will continue to grow through SEO. It takes a lot of discipline and patience to see results. At first, your methods may not seem to be working, but as you continue to enhance the steps and process, you can do good business and expand your client base.
Getting Information
You have to know how to ask the right questions from the right people. Ask for the specific details of your business, and learn more about the industry by talking to experts and other successful businessmen. Find out how SEO can be used to the fullest and how you can better get in touch with your target customers. One of the most effective methods is to ensure that your web site is easy to navigate. You need to always have good and fresh content. Update your blog and articles regularly.
Join online forums and discussion boards and talk to your target customers. You can place links in your signature and copy the same articles you have from your web site to boost credibility and reputation. Read other articles and visit other successful web sites. Find out which keywords will most likely be used by your target customers and use these wisely throughout your articles. You may hire ghost writers to help you make relevant and useful articles in a shorter span of time.
Stay Visible
Include a site map page. Spiders cannot index your pages if these cannot be crawled. You can use a site map and the right HTML and other codes that will keep you visible to spiders. The spider will easily understand the hierarchy of your site. Make sure you have an easy-to-crawl navigation menu. You may discuss the details with a webmaster to help you improve visibility. If you have a big web site, create many site map pages. Each one should have less than 100 links. All your SEO moves should have an objective. Make use of web analytics software and other online experts to track the right methods and get rid of irrelevant and time-consuming efforts.The URLs and file names should be friendly to SEOs. Use 2 to 3 hyphens at most to keep your file from appearing like a spam. Use hyphens, not underscores, in your URLs and filenames. Hyphens are considered as "space", unlike underscores.
Relevance Matters
Always ensure that you have a relevant title and Meta description on each web page. The page title is the most vital factor of on-page SEO. It is unlikely to rank very high for a primary term without the word being included in the page title. Ignore the keywords Meta completely if you find that these are not relevant and only confuses visitors. Always write for visitors and users. The content of your site and articles should always be rela
04 January 2010
SEO Techniques For Beginners
If you are not quite familiar with the processes and tools of SEO or search engine optimization, you can rely on different programs and individuals available online. As a beginner, you will find that everything is relatively easy to understand, provided that you have the right background and know your customer, products and services very well. Your company can benefit more through the heightened visibility and improved search rankings.
Boosting Page Ranking
The title is one of the most important parts of your web site or content. This is the name which you find at the top of the window of the web browser, or Title Bar. The title has to be descriptive but brief and short. It should also contain the targeted keywords that are highly related to your web site. The search engines also present the title in the search engine results. The title should therefore describe the site's content so that users can be more interested in entering your site time and again.
Keyword Use
The keywords are also important when using SEO techniques. Several web masters overdo keywords though, which you should avoid. You can rank high if you use keywords wisely, but your site can also suffer or lose credibility if you overstuff. You can find a lot of support in using and adding keywords, like ALT tags, other areas and anchors. These are generally used to help boost the keywords. These should also be relevant to the image or place where you plan to link. Most individuals try to stuff keywords in a lot of different areas in the site or article. As a general precaution, you should try to optimize a single page with no more than 3 keywords or keyphrases. You can safely use secondary keywords or terms by using keyword generating tools online. Start with one or two keywords and avoid overusing these. Tertiary keywords can also be used which are related or similar but not the same as the main terms. Using alternative keywords help drive other potential visitors that come from different areas and use different related terms.
Understanding Meta Tags
Meta-tags have two parts namely the description and the keywords. The description should generally be short, but it should also be both descriptive and logical to the reader. Several times, it will be the text that is found under the title during the search. You should aim for the reader to have a minor overview of the page. Include content that will help them understand what they need to expect when viewing the page or site and drive them more into clicking on your web site. The keywords should be the very same ones you used while running SEO research. These should also be used in the page text.
Using Links
The search engine spider can easily locate your site as other sites create web links leading back to your site. These links will be counted as a vote of support. More quality pages on the page link will eventually lead to higher search engine ranking. Submit your link to popular directories and use more links in your signature when joining online discussion boards and forums.
Always have informative and new content on your web page to keep your target market interested and keep linking back to your site. They will also refer other potentially interested individuals to your page over time.
Boosting Page Ranking
The title is one of the most important parts of your web site or content. This is the name which you find at the top of the window of the web browser, or Title Bar. The title has to be descriptive but brief and short. It should also contain the targeted keywords that are highly related to your web site. The search engines also present the title in the search engine results. The title should therefore describe the site's content so that users can be more interested in entering your site time and again.
Keyword Use
The keywords are also important when using SEO techniques. Several web masters overdo keywords though, which you should avoid. You can rank high if you use keywords wisely, but your site can also suffer or lose credibility if you overstuff. You can find a lot of support in using and adding keywords, like ALT tags, other areas and anchors. These are generally used to help boost the keywords. These should also be relevant to the image or place where you plan to link. Most individuals try to stuff keywords in a lot of different areas in the site or article. As a general precaution, you should try to optimize a single page with no more than 3 keywords or keyphrases. You can safely use secondary keywords or terms by using keyword generating tools online. Start with one or two keywords and avoid overusing these. Tertiary keywords can also be used which are related or similar but not the same as the main terms. Using alternative keywords help drive other potential visitors that come from different areas and use different related terms.
Understanding Meta Tags
Meta-tags have two parts namely the description and the keywords. The description should generally be short, but it should also be both descriptive and logical to the reader. Several times, it will be the text that is found under the title during the search. You should aim for the reader to have a minor overview of the page. Include content that will help them understand what they need to expect when viewing the page or site and drive them more into clicking on your web site. The keywords should be the very same ones you used while running SEO research. These should also be used in the page text.
Using Links
The search engine spider can easily locate your site as other sites create web links leading back to your site. These links will be counted as a vote of support. More quality pages on the page link will eventually lead to higher search engine ranking. Submit your link to popular directories and use more links in your signature when joining online discussion boards and forums.
Always have informative and new content on your web page to keep your target market interested and keep linking back to your site. They will also refer other potentially interested individuals to your page over time.
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