Basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tips
If you are new to SEO you can find all the information you need to
successfully optimize your site elsewhere on the internet. We will not address
in detail every method that seo consultants use to gain ground in the battle for the top
positions in search engines results.
Below you will find starting points. Learn about the bolded terms more fully.
Implement changes to your site accordingly - using ethical (white hat) methods - and you
should see a jump in your rankings.
These are some key points to keep in mind:
- Start the optimization process at the very beginning - use keyword phrases in file names, structure a sensible and clear navigation path
- to help both your audience and search engines find your content. Good copy writing is crucial
to your relevance. Being able to write decent ad copy is a good start. Combine it with a knowledge of keyword density
and you're on your way.
- Know your keywords. Do the research to see what (and how often) someone looking for your product/service
is currently typing in the search bar. Check your competition. Try optimizing for a few key phrases. If you
see it works optimize for more phrases.
- Use the keywords strategically - in page titles, headings and anchor text but don't go overboard. Again, if you do the
research and can write cogently for your audience, the search engines should reward your efforts.
- Generate fresh content. Easier said than done but crucial in competitive markets. Blogs, forums, and the like can
be great assets.
- Use your site statistics (usually provided by your hosting company) to analyze how people use your site. Google has a great free program - Google Analytics - that does
the same thing.
- Keep your code light and clean and use standards compliant html and css whenever possible. Your audience
may not see the difference but the search engines do.
- Get links from relevant sites.
- Submit your site URL to Google, Yahoo, and DMOZ.
If you need help getting your web site started or want more in-depth seo help give us a call
at 413.320.8487. We can optimize your site for you or show you how to do it.
Online Search Engine Optimization Resources
Here are a few places where you'll find expert, ethical advice, quality seo tools and helpful forums to start with: