A search engine is essentially just an algorithm that literally searches through websites all over the internet in order to find sites that answer a question or match what you search for on sites such as Google and Bing. The search engine looks for words and phrases being searched for, known in the SEO world, as keywords.
Search engine optimization, referred to as SEO, means that you take steps to insure that your website delivers those keywords effectively. As the little spiders fly through the Internet searching for the most likely matches, the keywords picked up are instantaneously transferred to the search results and – voila – your site is provided to the searcher as a likely place to find the information. While there are a ton of factors that impact your website’s ranking. The ones that you are in direct control of, and can have a profound impact with, are referred to as “on-page SEO”. On-page SEO is essentially all of the SEO that you can take care of “on-page”, in other words, we’re not talking about link building, blog outreach, etc.
Take a few simple steps to build SEO into your website seamlessly:
List Keywords Long Before You Go Live
You’ll want to have a thorough list of the keywords that consist of two, three or four-word phrases before you even begin creating your site. In addition to putting the keywords in all the copy you place on the site, you’ll want to include them in the meta-tags you use to label your pictures and graphics. You even could incorporate keywords in your business name if you’re still at that point in your business development. One thing to keep in mind is the use of “long tail keywords”.
Include Keywords in Titles and Headings
Provide your writers with a list of keywords so they can be included in all copy you produce for the site. An effective web writer can incorporate keywords seamlessly because search engines don’t like it when copy is “stuffed” with keywords. In other words, don’t post copy that is just a string of keywords that don’t make sense. Writers should use keywords in headings as well as blog post titles and subtitles.
Update with Fresh Content Regularly
You’ll get even better traction from search engines when you upload fresh, original content to your site. Every time you put up a new blog or change the wording on your homepage, search engines move you up in the rankings. When that new content contains pertinent keywords, you get even more traction from the work. Review your keywords to make sure they are current and provide your writer with updated lists for every assignment.
Develop High-Ranking Features
Build features into your site that search engines like because they give your site authority. Features such as reviews and ads instantly upgrade your search ranking. Providing information that you can attribute to other expert sites increases your visibility on a search engine. Since search engines don’t see pictures and graphics, describe each with full sentences that incorporate keywords. Tag videos with complete descriptions because while a video snippet increases your rankings, the words describing the video tap into Local SEO keywords for placement.
Join the Ranks
On a final note, the more you support your search engine’s economy, the better rankings you’ll get. So if you want Google to like you, join up as a Google+ user and keep your profile there updated. If you want to make nice with BING, sign up for BING rewards and provide the MSN affiliate with rich content. Buy ads with the big search engines if you’re looking for a bump in their rankings.
Article by Jeff Carterson from Dallas Web Design Agency: SevenCube