|
Author: Michael Murray Article source: http://www.macosx.com/. Used with author's permission.
If you want to develop a successful search engine optimization (SEO) strategy, go out of your way to avoid blunders that limit rankings.
Here are 10 to keep in mind:
1. Don't use frames.
Why would you want to use frames if SEO is important? Don't risk confusing the search engine spiders. Sure, you might write some scripts or adjust the content to work with frames, but you have better things to do with that energy.
2. Don't use Flash.
Flash looks awesome, but is slows down the user experience and it makes it tough to get ranked. The Flash future is bright for search engines ability to read some keywords, but what good will that do if pages lack visible text?
3. Don't skimp on titles.
Why would you possibly call a page About Us in the title since it's prime SEO real estate? Include search phrases that reflect the content.
4. Don't overstuff titles.
Limit titles to 70 characters with commas between phrases on EVERY page; use fewer characters on pages with limited content.
5. Don't bury text.
Design often gets in the way of text. Make sure your visible text appears high on the page.
6. Don't use graphics as page headers.
Graphic headers are a waste of time. Use text page headers and support them with strategic keywords - in the header, after the header or below the header.
7. Don't use the wrong words.
Website owners love one-word search terms because they seem to get a lot of traffic. The reality is that only a fraction of Internet users entering a broad search word want what you offer. Go for search terms with two, three or four words that help visitors qualify their interests.
8. Don't ignore link building.
Hunt down links from other websites that have content and categories that relate to what you offer. If you sell sweaters, find a specialty guide about sweaters or a portal about clothing.
9. Don't overwhelm your pages with keywords.
You might not write the same keyword in succession 10 times, but you can make the mistake of too much repetition. Mention your strategic search term several times throughout the page; promise yourself not to force it in too much.
10. Don't use long URLs.
If you use a database to maintain the website, you may end up with long URLs with several session IDs and parameters that produce many question marks and equal signs. They can hinder search engines from properly indexing pages. Work with your developer to limit them or remove them as much as possible.
Any questions?
Michael Murray
Fathom SEO
216.861.5951 ext. 111 Michael Murray is vice president of Fathom SEO, an Ohio-based SEO firm. A member of Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO), he also authored the white paper, "Search Engine Marketing: Get in the Game."
The Modern Geek - Changing the Stereotype
Welcome to the day of the modern geek where the technically savvy not only embody intelligence but display an elegant blend of style and personality. They are l...
After the Driving School
So, what does a parent think while sitting in the passenger seat and their teen is driving with a permit license? A "bump" in the parking lot with another car? ...
The Life Insurance Policy and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Buying a life insurance policy can be challenging. There are so many types of term life insurance and whole life insurance. This article provides information ...
8 Procedures to Take Control of Sales and Marketing
Improve your sales cycle efficiency. Reduce your marketing expenses. Tie it closer to your customer's buying cycles. And take control of your sales and marke...
What Content to Publish on Your Website
Many businesses venture into the world of Internet Marketing without putting much thought into what they are publishing on their website; either because they're...
Learn To Speed Read -- Read Faster and Read Better
You Can Learn to Read Faster and Read Better. One of the most highly regarded manuscripts dedicated to teaching speed reading is now available as an inexpensi...
Microsofts New Search Engine
I tried out Microsoft's new search engine (beta version) the other day. They have been working on it quite secretly now for almost a year. It has been rumored t...
Great Christening and Baptism Keepsake Ideas
A baby's christening or baptism is a very special occasion. It is the very first step in their spiritual life so there should be as many keepsakes of the day a...
The Positve Benefits of Dog Day Care
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who have busy lives and are not able to socialize and exercise their dogs. Owners benefit from a guilt free da...
Let It Fly Over Your Head
Resentment at unfair treatment or criticism can destroy our concentration so much that we fail to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. This article has ...
The Misconception about Online Dating
Are you one of those who believe a dating web site is a place you go to get a date without lifting a finger?
Have You Appreciated Someone Today?
Learn how to motivate others with appreciation.
Homes For Sell By Owner – FSBOs and Buyer Brokers
You're selling your home as a FSBO (for sale by owner) and you get annoyed when real estate brokers call you, right? However, when a "buyer broker" calls, you m...
Attraction Tools for Success: Manifesting Your Intentions
Discover the tools to manifest your intentions into reality.
Landscaping Business; Employee Relations
There are few industries or service type businesses, which are more labor intensive then that of the Landscaping Profession. Whether it is the installation of n...
Making Memories with Flower Gardening
Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can be about the past as well. Although this article is ostensibly about flower gardens, it is really more ...
What Do You Do When Your Child is Smarter than You?
Clint was our first child, adopted at the age of three months. We soon learned that in many ways he was far more intelligent than either of us. Raising him has...
A Word or Three About Delegation
One of the hardest things for a small business owner to do is to delegate. Properly identifying tasks that can be delegated is easy with this 3 step process.
Become a Babe Magnet Without Surgery or Drugs!
"I'd like to find a partner who dances. Do you?" my profile on Match.com asked. My now-husband Drew emailed that he was willing to take lessons, and that was en...
11 Great Ways to Be Positive About Change
Change, as they say, is all around us. And if implemented badly, creates ill-will and a whole raft of negative beliefs about what it means to us. It can fill ...
Five Reasons To Journal
Learn five basic ways that journaling can positively change your life.
Duplicity
Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 26, 2004 We've been married 20 years. In order to spice up our sex life we would occasionally share fantasies, ...
Back-Planning For Success
Sometimes trying to plan out your next step can be a challenge, especially if you're moving into unfamiliar territory. But if you know your destination, it can ...
Are You Ready To Go International?
Although North Americans were the dominant population on the Internet, that has now changed, and the rest of the world has caught up rapidly. And while English ...
|
Print this page