Do you feel lost when it comes to the topic of SEO? Are you looking for a SEO 101 guide? Then you have come to the right spot. This blog was created for people just like you who are interested on this subject but tend to need to know the very basics of SEO.
Let’s start with some simple FAQ’s:
What does SEO mean? – SEO stands for search engine optimization. This term means a web page that’s been modified so that search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, or a host of other ones, will pick what they think is the best website to match a users’ search words.
What is the purpose of SEO? – To market your website on the first page of search engine results, but also:
1. The user will click on your website.
2. The user likes your website and returns!
3. The user supports your site (this could be multiple ways, but ultimately it’s financially supportive)
4. The user shares his/her enthusiasm about your service or product to others. Many times this happens on social networking websites like Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.
Why does SEO cost so much? – That’s a very good question. As anything, you must compare and contrast what is being offered and make sure to get good optimization. Cost can vary, but SEO can cost a lot because: SEO gurus need to research the terms people are using in your field and research which keywords have the least amount of competition online. For better SEO results, ongoing maintenance is needed since search engines are always looking for new web pages and people tend to change what they are searching for.
How do I start SEO? – My question back to you would be, do you already own a website or are you just in the thinking stages of creating a site? This has a great deal of importance of what to do next. Email me with the detail.
Can I do SEO myself? – If you are beginning to comprehend search engine optimization, you also need to know that Google has over 200 variables that determines what results they choose. This means that are a lot of small (and big) issues which need to be looked at if you really want to do well in search engines. Why waste time trying when after six months you give up and choose a professional who knows the ins and outs. I’m not trying to be mean, but it’s like comparing your need for surgery. I’d never suggest you have your spouse or neighbor try repairing your broken arm or worse yet, giving you gall bladder surgery. Get my point?
So what do I do next? – After reading this post, if you want to read more of my posts, click on Basic SEO category written for the beginner. If you read these and are still thirsty for more, click on our SEO RSS and get notified when I add new posts! Also, learning the terms will help as you read. Click on the SEO glossary and get familiar with the terms that we have put together.
Any by all means, if you have a question or comment, email us or create a comment and we’ll help guide you with any SEO 101 information! No question is ever a dumb question. Just smart people learning to be smarter. 🙂
There are 5 main things that control where your site ranks in Google for a given search phrase (keyword). Read more below about the main search engine optimization concepts that control where a site ranks in search engines.
- On page optimization (Organic)
- Backlinks
- Directories
- Social Media
- Competition
If these parts of the puzzle work well all together you have a better chance of your website ranking well in a Search Engine. Here is a SEO webinar I did with Molly from Make it as a Dog Trainer
On page optimization has to do with the changes and work you do to each page of the website.
Here are some important parts of the on page optimization process (in order of importance):
- Having the Keyword phrase in the meta title and meta description tag
- Having the Keyword phrase using the <h> tags on the page
- Having the Keyword phrase throughout the page
- Having as little html code as possible – use external css control
Another part of on page optimization is what should be on the homepage. Many people are told by their web designer to put their personal or “about us” information on the home page. The issue isn’t so much that your info shouldn’t be on the home page it is WHERE on the homepage. Above the fold should be what you can do for your client, not anything about you. No one cares about you, your credentials or resume. They only care about what you can do for them. So above the fold should no be about you. I wouldn’t have your info on your about page. Once a visitor is hooked, (thinks you can help them) they can click on the about page to learn about you. I hope that explains it. PM me for more info.