Search Engine Optimization: Unmasking The Mystique

Search Engine Management firms would like you to believe that SEO is “a science of complexity”. When you talk to them, they are keen on throwing in technical jargon to show you how very very smart they are. SEO is not rocket science. In fact, if done properly, it is hardly an elementary school science fair. That is why it is so difficult for many people; because they “make it so”. and, those in the business often want to make you think it is complicated. Sure, there are some complexities that exist, simply because the definition of “effective seo changes as does the Internet daily” and a good SEM (search engine manager) must make it his or her job to keep up with the trends (if not make them). Even though the technology has changed for high level SEO, the principles are the same; to turn your beautifully-designed website from a desert island into a tropical well-visited paradise where people just love to spend money on what you are offering.

Going back to college several years back as a non-traditional adult student, I quickly noticed much has changed in the way SEO is facilitated, and, what is considered “valuable content” and what is not. There are some trade secrets that cannot be given away. However, there are plenty that can be given away, for free, and sure, I could write an e-book easily and sell it to you, but am I really helping you if you can research and find the same info for free? I don’t think so.

Included in this article are a few ideas that have helped me (and many others) through the SEO maze. If you Google phrases like “How to find the best keywords for my website?” there are plenty of articles out there. Keywords are not a one-size-fits-all element of search engine optimization. It depends on what you are selling or saying. To get started make a list of the best, most targeted keywords or keyword phrases. These keywords tell the search engines what your page is about. They must be words or phrases that you discover or know from instinct or experience that are typed into Google and other engines often. For instance, let’s say you are a Olds dealer that specializes in 1972 Olds Delta 88s. The novice on the web might use “Oldsmobile” or “Delta 88″ as keywords. They are not good choices, as they are much too broad and untargeted. The proper keyword phrase might be “Where to buy a “where to buy a 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88″ or “Where to purchase a ’72 Olds Delta 88″ or “purchase 1972 Delta 88″ or all of them, or those and even more Be imaginative. Keyword phrases usually bring in more ROI (return on investment) than broader keywords (one word), as you may find yourself on Google page 1000, or not even at all.

Use a page title. At least one or two of your keywords or phrases should be included. It not only informs your visitors, but shows up on search engines. Write a title tag. Without one, there is no title. This can greatly affect amount of web visitors. A keyword-rich description tag is pertinent but it is a tight-wire act. You don’t want to overload it with keywords or phrases, but you don’t want to leave out the most important ones. One sentence is ideal; two is okay, but best in one if possible. This will show up in searches on Google, etc. It should give just enough information to make it compelling enough to click on, when someone sees it on an engine.

It has been so long that I cannot even remember the first time I heard the term “meta-tag”, much less learn how to use them. Sadly some of the most veteran web designers and article marketers do not have a clue as to how to use them. They are the words in “the guts” of your website, which the visitors do not see, but the web engine spiders not only see but rely upon them. It should be a line inside your website which is easy for the web engine robots to notice. Make sure it tells about your site “the way it is”; no embellishment. Engines will often send web traffic your way depending on how well it is written. If you have more than one keyword or phrase Meta tags are the best place to for them to be placed, (and if you are thinking clearly, you probably do, have more than one or even several). This again is a tight-wire act. Use them wisely, not too many, not too few. Read up on “How To Write Meta Tags” by Googling it. If this is confusing, as so many tekkie articles can be, keep researching and/or find a decent SEO or full service web design company who can give you the answers (with a good reputation that do not charge an arm or a leg). Caution; do not choose the first web company you find. Ask around. Look at samples of their work. Read their client’s testimonials. Check their prices.

When writing, think of useful information that helped you as you were learning. Many have not yet learned this info, and, will probably do business with you for sharing something important to them. This is true of both your search engines and articles that you will market with back-links to the site. They should have high density and always be keyword-rich. Again, more engines will notice and click. The web is worldwide, you know, and people are rushed everywhere. Make it easy for them. Though keyword rich, be careful not just to write a story or description loaded with keywords, the search engines will punish you. They will reward you if the information has density and you use the keywords or keyword phrases properly. The information must make sense, even to the search engine robots. Keep the information clean and simple. Most people can get very confused on the net; especially when you are describing a web-related service or product. Please do not have hidden fees. You may make a one-time sell, but you certainly have not made a friend or client for life, and, most likely one that will tell your story to others. Don’t you want to click once on the search engine that takes you to a site that gives you the information or products they need? Of course, and so do they. Think it through, make a plan, work the plan, and people will visit your website more often than your competitor. In fact, just following these simple rules, or having a professional SEO service help, can solve any issue, and leave your competitor wondering what in the world happened and how did they do that and do it so fast and effectively.