Studies show that over 90% of all online users use online search engine to find what they are looking for, whether products/services, or just plain old information.
The following twelve points will, I hope, sum up an approach, method and methodology to the SEO question which is both noise and reliable, along with offering some useful insight into the market itself.
1. Content. Material. Content.
Efficient, expert, optimized Copywriting is the single, most important factor in any SEO project. Online search engine index websites based on the content found on each page of the website. With a comprehensive understanding of the language and grammatical conventions integrated with extensive research study, to find and exploit the marketplace focus, one can move a site to the upper echelon of the “SERP’s” (Search Engine Outcomes Page) in a systematic in addition to ethical manner.
2. Analyze Web Logs.
While I would be the first to say that numerous of the treatments that make up website optimization are more art than science, one needs to take an extremely scientific technique to the results of the effort. There are a number of specialized software application which make the task much easier however at the bare minimum, one requires to keep a close eye on the website visitors and their activity while on the website.
3. No one can ensure a # 1 ranking on Google, or any other search engine.
Those who guarantee such tasks will either optimize for such vague search term expressions (such as, “green stunted widgets with purple Polka-dots and icing”) that no one will ever likely try to find, or they are making a false claim, which they have no intent of keeping, or they have a within edge at Google, something which they will loose, rapidly, when the honest folks at Google learn about it. The other alternative, that they will take the money and run, deserves mentioning here but I’ll be polite.
4. Some things are simply plain silly.
85% of the search results on the Internet come from one search engine, which, if you have one link from a recognized website, or much better yet, a directory site, will discover your website just fine, on it’s own. As for any supposed benefit which might accrue from being noted in an unknown search engine in Botswana which specializes in safaris to the Kalahari Desert and receives 7 hits per day; well, you figure it out.
5. SEO is not Pay-per-Click.
While no one would argue the effectiveness of getting increased traffic and sales, through a well planned, pay-per-click campaign, the truth remains that the conversion rates are generally low and they stop the moment the “pay” stops. With a well planned and executed SEO project, while results may take a bit longer, they continue to produce, and in fact grow, long after the work is done and paid for. Quite often we have discovered that after a thorough optimization of a site, only small adjustments are required on a continuous basis, mostly related to new material and/or new items of sale or service.
6. SEO is not witchcraft, Druidism, shamanism.
Neither does it require any special chants, ritualistic fires, or vestments, though some of us do like to wail at the moon, on occasion. There are no “Supersecret” practices which a reputable SEO can not tell a customer, a judge, or his mother, for that matter. The very nature of the Internet has always been cooperative and there is nothing about SEO that can’t be learned, with a heavy dose of time and cash. A trustworthy SEO firm will provide you an item per item breakdown of just where the cash goes. Be wary if you sense a deceptive environment or any hesitation to address questions. While there are technical points which might take some background to completely understand, if one has a strong overview of the entire situation, a basic explanation must be easy adequate to come up with.
7. Diy SEO.
Yes, you can perform your own SEO project and find a reputable SEO firm to assist plan and arrange it for you. About one half of my own clients do some part of the real work themselves, or have their internal dedicated personnel do it, after conversation of the objectives and aims of the business/website, a comprehensive website analysis, thorough search phrase research study, and focused guideline on the methods and methods of achieving high SERPs.
8. Phased Application.
While lots of companies spend thousands of dollars per month on Browse Engine Optimization, an alternative is readily available which will pay dividends to you in increased sales and leads without the high preliminary financial investment. After studying the plan and developing a practical budget plan you may implement the plan as finances enable.
9. Remember the old stating, “If it sounds too good to be real, it probably is.”
Never ever was this more true than in the world of SEO. While concrete and quantifiable gains will always originate from a well considered and executed optimization method, the Web is a competitive media and we all want to be primary. Accept that a steady upward motion, gradually, will position you worlds ahead of a flash followed by a crash.
10. A believed to consider.
At stake, in the race for the top, is the extremely existence of your site, your organisation, and quite perhaps your credibility. When it’s all stated and done it is you, the organisation owner, who bears the obligation for any company or person you work with. In this case, not just is Lack of knowledge not bliss, it could very well be the beginning of the end for your company.
11. All inbound links are not produced equal.
Both the significance to your line of organisation and site subject matter and the PR value of the inbound link determine how valuable they are to your own PR ranking. Connect farms, free-for-all link plans, automated link accumulation software, or any other fad that does not thoroughly screen the links and websites they are coming from will, in the long run, do more harm than great.
12. It’s more than just facts and figures.
The relationship between an online company and SEO is, possibly, among the closest of company relationships. In order to be effective, a SEO must understand not just the realities and figures referring to the endeavor, however s/he should understand something of the dreams and aspirations of business principals. Things which don’t generally come out in a prospectus are frequently vital info when looking for the “right fit” into the complex world of the Web.
My own customers in some cases ask, due to the frequency of my calls and e-mail in the early phases, “Am I your only customer?” I usually laugh and state something to the impact that until I understand your organisation almost along with you do, yes, you are the only one that counts.
With a well planned and performed SEO campaign, while outcomes might take a bit longer, they continue to produce, and in fact grow, long after the work is done and paid for. A trustworthy SEO company will give you a product per product breakdown of simply where the money goes. Yes, you can perform your own SEO campaign and discover a reliable SEO firm to help plan and organize it for you. The relationship between an online organisation and SEO is, possibly, one of the closest of company relationships. In order to be reliable, a SEO needs to know not just the realities and figures relating to the venture, however s/he needs to know something of the dreams and aspirations of the business principals.