|
Author: Michael Murray Article source: http://www.online-net-business.com/. Used with author's permission.
Even the best of intentions can go awry without careful attention to details and expectations. We've tested these methods out and they work.
1. Get it in writing.
Define the service scope in detail (i.e. we'll research keywords and optimize these pages with approved search phrases for this long).
2. Return phone calls.
That goes both ways. If the consultant needs some feedback, don't wait three days. If the client calls, don't wait three hours. It doesn't sound fair, but it makes sense. Consultants need help, but clients deserve more attention (prompt responses).
3. Don't overwrite changes.
SEO consultants can easily overwrite source code if they're not careful. Web site owners sometimes overwrite the very optimization steps a consultant put in place. Talk to each other and work out protocols to avoid these problems.
4. Return e-mail messages.
Like phone calls, e-mail messages deserve a quick response. Hitting "reply" is easier than picking up a phone and dialing a bunch of numbers. Clients and consultants shouldn't let a day go by without a response.
5. Own up to mistakes.
Painful and embarrassing as it is, admit mistakes. They can include failing to return a phone call and poor communication in a written report. If you mess up - whether it's getting some data columns in the wrong place or placing the SEO consultants META data in the wrong spot, just acknowledge the mistake and move on. We're human. Things happen.
6. Don't switch domain names.
If you sign up with an SEO consultant, don't start with one domain and then get a notion about introducing a new one. It throws the whole program off track.
7. Don't change your page names.
If you have a page called newproducts.asp, don't change it to new-products.html after the SEO program begins. The change will just confuse search engine spiders and hinder or delay high rankings.
8. Don't insert "alt" tags after the SEO program begins.
"Alt" tags with images are for search engine consultants to manage. They're in the best position to know when "alt" tags might be appropriate. If you add them on your own, you may ruin the delicate balancing act SEO consultants perform with many page factors.
9. Avoid altering page title tags.
If an SEO consultant has a title tag strategy you approve, don't go back in a week and change it. Some pages can work with a company name in the title tag, others won't.
10. Keep an open mind.
Clients and consultants both need an open mind as creative ideas and approaches are expressed. A client may suggest something unethical, but the consultant should gently steer them away from the tactic. If a consultant finds a useful way of introducing a links directory on the Web site, give it some thought. Just because your Web site lacks a directory doesn't mean it can't support one. How can you have reciprocal links without one? Michael Murray is vice president of Fathom SEO, an Ohio-based search engine optimization firm. We are members of SEMPO, SEO Consultants and SEOPros. Visit our site for our SEO white papers and recent SEO studies on the manufacturing and health care industries.
michael@fathomseo.com
Selecting a Web Content Management Product
So you want to take a look at a real Web Content Management (WCM) product. How do you go about evaluating all the different products and vendors? What should yo...
Disciplining the Wild Child
One key to disciplining a wild child is to see whether you are too lenient and then you overcompensate for it.
Pacing and Leading Your Copywriting Assigments
Yes, a good copywriter "paces and leads" the reader in the copy that she writes for her clients. But did you know? She must also pace and lead as part of succes...
Solve Problems Permanently - Ask WHY
Someone once said that the real issue behind a problem, is one or more levels below the problem. So, solving problems by fire-fighting when they arise, is firs...
The Not-So-Hidden Persuaders: The Power of The Media Upon Us All
Why do some people buy a red car? Why do others ask for kleenex when they really need just a tissue? Find the answers below, whether you like to shop or not...
Property Investment - Researching The Location
It's always wise to have an idea of what type of property you're looking for when considering an investment and this article outlines 8 of the different factors...
Is it Possible to Download Music Legally Anymore?
With many people being sued in the past couple years for
downloading music, is it really possible to download music
legally anymore? If so, at what price will ...
Tax Time Tune Up
Whether you are filing by paper from just one W-2 or running multiple enterprises, streamlining now will payoff this year and in future.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the color of teeth. It involves a bleaching process that reduces the discoloration of the enamel and dentin caused d...
Wasters and Energy Suckers
Stop wasting your time and having your energy sucked dry! What do I mean by this statement? You're all over the internet trying to find out where to promote t...
Bi-Location
Pythagoras and Pdre Pio are not your average fakirs - I think.
Acoustic Transducers and Material Memory in Pipelines to Create Flow Up Hill
For the better part of human history mechanical pumps and suction techniques have been used to bring water uphill. By using dynamic pressure, downhill kinetic e...
Guarding Your Computer from Silent Spy Ware Bots
Learn how spyware records your internet usage.
Is Cosmetic Surgery Right For You?
Find out if Cosmetic surgery is right for you by asking yourself a few questions...
Unlock The Key To Your Success By Learning More About Yourself
Finding balance is deciding to notice what goes on in your life. To make conscious choices and to experience life, not just let it happen to you. Learning more...
Japanese Weight Loss Secret
Recently, I read an article from Japanese magazine that by consuming agar-agar (dried-kanten) with our favorite teas, we can lose weight, and yet still maintain...
Stop Chasing Away Customers! Bad Copy is Your Worst Enemy
Learn why bad writing can hurt your sales, and how to improve your sales copy for great results.
5 Surefire Tips to Beat Depression Now
Suffering from depression can be more than just plain loneliness and sadness, it can render life-long consequences that can ruin your self-esteem, health and we...
5 Key Ingredients of Business Success
What are the key ingredients of business success? If you know what they are, you'll save time and effort and achieve results faster.
The Truth About Acne
"The Truth About Acne" by Michael Raetford is a well written article on Acne. This article contains lots of facts and useful information on the myths and realit...
How to Prepare the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mached Potatoes are a lot of peoples favorite. Try these two recipes and succes is almost guaranteed...
The Mysterious Moon
The Moon passes over our head every day but most people are
totally unaware of its effect upon their lives.
Effective Editing: It Spells the Difference!
If you think proofreading equals editing, then you're wrong! Editing is a lot more than just scrutinizing your manuscript for misspelled words or missing punctu...
Getting the Power to Control
One of the advantages of using machines to control processes for you is that you can harness tremendous amounts of power and energy which humans do not possess....
|
Print this page