|
Ten Tips to improve Search Engine ranking
Having a Web site that gets found in Google
and the other engines isn't hard to do, but it can be difficult to know where to
begin. Here are ten tips to get you started:
1. Start out slowly. If possible, begin with a new site that has never been
submitted to the search engines or directories. Choose a domain name that best
fits your brand, and start out by optimizing just the home page. (Many SEOs
recommend purchasing a keyword-rich domain name; however, I've been optimizing
sites successfully since 1995 without using them.)
2. Learn basic HTML. A lot of search engine optimization techniques involve
editing the behind-the-scenes HTML code. Your high rankings can depend on
knowing which codes are necessary, and which aren't. Minimally, you should be
able to view the source code of any page and understand what it all means, as
well as be able to slightly edit it as necessary.
3. Choose keyword phrases wisely. The phrases you think might be perfect for
your site may not be what people are actually searching for. To find the optimal
words for your site, use a research tool such as Wordtracker. Decide on two or
three highly targeted phrases for each page of your site. Never shoot for
general keywords such as "travel" or "vacation" as they are rarely (if ever)
indicative of what your site is really about.
4. Write at least 200-250 words of visible text copy based on your chosen
keywords. This is a crucial component to high rankings and a successful Web
site. The search engines need to "read" keyword-rich copy on your pages so they
can understand how to classify your site. Write the copy based on your keyword
phrases, and not the other way around. Don't be afraid to use your phrases as
many times as it makes sense to do so. The optimal number of instances will vary
by search engine, the number of words on your page, and also by how well the
copy actually reads to a person. Simply sticking keyword phrases at the top of
the page or only in headlines probably won't cut it. (Purchase and read my
"Nitty-gritty of Writing for the Search Engines" handbook for exact tips on how
to do this.)
5. Create a killer Title tag. Title tags are critical because they're given a
lot of weight with all of the search engines. You must put your keyword phrases
into this tag and not waste space with extra words. Do not use the Title tag to
display only your company name, or to simply say "Home Page." Think of this tag
more as a "Title Keyword Tag" and create it accordingly. It should reflect
exactly what your page is about, using the keyword phrases people might be using
at a search engine to find your company.
6. Make sure your site is "link-worthy". Other sites linking to yours is a
critical component of a successful search engine optimization campaign, as all
of the major search engines place a good deal of emphasis on your site's overall
link popularity. You can go out and request hundreds or thousands of links, but
if your site sucks, why would anyone want to link to it? On the other hand, if
your site is full of wonderful, useful information -- other sites will naturally
link to it without your even asking. It's fine to trade links; just make sure
you are providing your site visitors with only the highest quality of related
sites. When you link to lousy sites, keep in mind what this says to your site
visitors as well as to theÐ-HÔ) |