Getting Started with SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Many of my client often ask, what is the best way to help with my search engine rankings?  This is often something that really relates to each individuals website but there are some simple things you can do to help any websites SEO (search engine optimization).  If you need more advanced help, please contact us for a SEO quote.

First of all, you should be paying attention to the following search engines (the top three at the very least) and where you are currently ranked.

1. Google
2. Yahoo
3. MSN
4. AOL
5. AltaVista
6. Lycos
7. HotBot
8. AllTheWeb

If you do not find your listing, make sure you have done the following;

• Register your domain name with a domain registrar such as GoDaddy.com or NetworkSolutions.com
• Use good, quality key words.
• Incorporate your keywords and related text into your sites content.
• DO NOT use sneaky "tricks" to improve your rankings, this will often backfire.
• Go to each major search engine and request they list your website.

Once you have a listing, here are some ways to improve your ranking;

• Include ALT text in all your graphics, using your keywords if possible.
• Get incoming links to your site from other reputable sites.
• Get outgoing links from your site to other reputable sites.
• Use clean, up to date website code.
• Use text, instead of graphics wherever possible.
• Refresh your website quarterly to ensure content is up to date.
• DO NOT become a link farm.
• Be patient, search engine results do not improve overnight.