Useful Ink

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Is Not Rocket Science....But...

Many SEO (search engine optimization) firms would like to have you believe that SEO is a form of rocket science. 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 it really is so simple, and, those in the business often want to make you think it is complicated. Even though the technology has changed for high level SEO, the principles and basics are the same as they always were in laying a decent foundation to turn your site into a very popular entity.

I will say since returning to college a few years ago as a non-traditional adult student, much has changed in the way SEO is performed.  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 just a little and get the information free on the web? Of course not. 

Here are a few important tips that have helped me (and many others) along the way.  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 SEO. It depends on what you are purveying. 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 Ford dealer that specializes in 1969 Mustang convertibles. The novice on the web might use “Ford” or “Mustang” as a keyword.  Not good choices, as they are not targeted enough. The proper keyword phrase might be “Where to buy a 1969 Mustang convertible” or “1969 Mustang convertible” or “purchase 1969 Mustang convertible” or all of them, or those and even more. Use your imagination.  Keyword phrases usually work better and are more targeted than individual keywords

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.

Meta tags have been around a long time and even 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 describes your site well. 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 include them (and if you are thinking clearly, you probably do, have more than one). 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. Again, there are plenty of articles and resources.