Search Engine Optimization Strategies 101
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the single most important key to building wealth through the internet without sizable upfront capital.
Wikipedia defines SEO as:
"The process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. Typically, the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search engine results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine. "
If you have a large budget to experiment with well placed advertisements then you won't have to rely solely on SEO.
In fact if the previous description fits you or you just hope that it one day does take a look at the article related specifically to choosing those well placed advertisements to get the most value for your dollar. Article is linked here.
If you're planning to bulk up your financial statement with minimal up front cash then SEO is without a doubt a field you must understand.
Generating traffic is the fail safe way to make money online.
If you can organically generate a lot of traffic to a website or product you'll inevitably make money, even if it's just through trial and error.
Many people get caught up with all the unique bells and whistles that are the tools to monetizing online traffic and focus their entire business plans around these concepts when in reality the often neglected traffic part of the equation is the absolute key to success.
It's a numbers game. X number of visitors will convert Y sales making Z amount of money.
X * Y = Z
Visitors (X) * Sales (Y) = Z (Revenue)
Visitors (X) * Sales (Y) = Z (Revenue)
To maximize Z (revenue) increase X or Y or both.
Quickly increasing Y (sales) is a direct result of your sales approach and the quality/need/desire for the product you're promoting as it relates to your target market. For more information on increasing the Y (sales) in this equation visit this related post that deals specifically with this topic: Increasing Sales Conversions.
Fortunately, X (visitors) is just as controllable as Y (sales) and even more important.
Now that we've clearly defined and explained the importance of SEO the question that should be at the front of mind is:
How do I effectively utilize SEO to put money in my pocket?
SEO 101
Below are eight simple steps that anyone regardless of experience or technical knowledge can use to immediately improve the SEO of their websites.
1) Decide what keyword or phrase to target and use that word/phrase as often as appropriate.
Don't overuse the key term but be mindful that using it appropriately can help search engines correctly identify the focus of your webpage.
NOTE: Remember that content is king. As Google puts it, "focus on creating useful, information-rich content that uses keywords appropriately and in context."
Always concentrate on content first and never flirt with "keyword stuffing." Keyword stuffing isn't permitted by search engines because of it's often deceptive or inappropriate nature, like hidden text links (defined here).
Below this paragraph is an example of a niche phrase that when Googled returns the top search result for the targeted phrase: "racehorse handicapping." The example website illustrates how effectively and appropriately using the key phrase (i.e. Googled phrase) throughout the website earns the top spot in the search results.
RaceHorseHandicapping.net should be the first Google result when you Google it here: You can Google through this link.
If you're wondering how to decide which keyword or phrase to target then you've stumbled upon the million dollar question.
Take a look at this very important related article on how to use Google's free keyword system to determine historical trends in search engine traffic. The article on using Google's Keyword Tool is linked here.
2) Choose a URL that is the same as your keyword or key phrase.
Notice that the racehorse handicapping site referenced above uses the key phrase as the URL.
A common question is whether search engines favor sites that end in .com more than sites that end in .net, .org, .info, .biz, etc.
The short (albeit confusing) answer is yes and no.
For all intents and purposes search engines look for key terms and for that reason you're theoretically just as well off from a search engine perspective with a site that ends in .info as one that ends in .com.
However, we should all understand that when given the choice .com is preferable to the others if for no other reasons than branding, name recognition, and a general heightened level of trust by people surfing the web - .com adds a level of credibility that's often hard to quantify.
Basically, from a pure search engine perspective the ending characters are technically irrelevant, but depending on your market a URL that appears more credible (usually one that ends in .com) may drive more traffic which will effectively improve your search engine positions.
If you're purely concerned about search engine optimization for a unique topic don't be overly concerned about what characters your web address ends in.
If you intend on building a recognizable brand name use a .com address to improve your brand image.
3) Incorporate your keyword or phrase into your heading and post titles.
Although this point is along the same lines as the first two it's surprisingly overlooked.
Whether you're just starting out with a Blogger or WordPress site or have a sophisticated established site this quick implementation can often improve your SEO literally overnight.
NOTE: Before moving onto to the following five steps which are much different than the first three I'd like to say one more thing regarding appropriately using keywords vs. keyword stuffing (defined above).
The appropriate use of keywords is not only allowed by search engines but it's encouraged.
Even if this is your first time learning about these concepts they're actually not secrets and in fact common knowledge in many circles.
When keywords are used properly everyone wins.
The search engines are able to accurately identify and categorize the focus of websites thereby allowing web surfers to find the specific information they're looking for and ultimately the creator of the content (website) is able to get their message in front of the intended audience.
4) Tell search engines that you want to be listed.
This seems obvious right?
A lot of people assume that the new websites they create are listed with search engines automatically and they're actually correct. What they often don't realize is that it can take a very long time before particular search engines notice their websites.
The sooner your website is listed the sooner it will start getting traction and the sooner you can grow a following of interested visitors.
Listing your website with all of the major search engines can be done yourself. I'm providing some links below to help you get started:
There are actually established companies out there that for a fee will provide fast search engine listing to an expansive list of search engines and directories (see #6 for directory explanation) as well as additional premium features like targeted business leads, top 10 Google rankings, and various other search engine marketing services.
I've posted a coupon below for a company called I Need Hits that's been performing the services I just described since the mid 90's. Even though the expiration date has lapsed I believe they'll still honor the discount.
5) Get backlinks to your website.
Search engines love backlinks.
Backlinks are defined as instances when another website links to your site (click here for Wikipedia's expanded definition). This is a priority for search engines because the thought is that the more backlinks there are directing people to a particular website the more important that website must be.
The most powerful (and subsequently time consuming) way to generate backlinks is to house very useful and unique content on your site. As an example just think about how often people link to Wikipedia.
You're always free to ask bloggers or site managers if they'd be interested in linking to your site but if you want to start generating backlinks as quickly as possible so that you can get your content noticed and begin to establish yourself as an authority on a particular subject the next two steps are the fastest ways to start building these all important backlinks.
6) List your site in directories.
Many people don't even realize that website directories exist but it's a good way to catalog your site for people searching for particular subjects within directories to find your website and in turn what they're looking for.
Having your website listed in appropriate directories provides immediate backlinks (described above), which are an important component in maximizing your search engine positioning.
Most directories are very inclusive although some are more selective. For a closer examination of directory choices take a look at this article specifically tailored to this topic: How To Improve Search Engine Rankings - Directories.
7) Comment on related sites
Many websites, particularly blogs, allow for comments on posts. Often times as someone leaving a comment you can sign in with your name and a hyperlinked (URL built into the text) web address that can be directed back to your main website or any individual website that you choose.
Taking the time to comment on websites related to your subject matter is beneficial for two main reasons:
1) Commenting creates additional backlinks (explained above) on "do follow blogs" because the sites that you comment on are now linked back to your website through the hyperlink in the signature that you left after your comment.
2) If your comments are particularly insightful they'll draw attention from future visitors of the site who are interested in learning more about you and your insights. Readers interested in learning more about you and what information you have available can effortlessly click through to your homepage for more information. I personally do this all the time when I come across intelligent comments.
The click through site visits help your SEO position while achieving your ultimate goal of exposing your website to more people interested in your subject matter.
Your comments sprinkled throughout cyberspace on related websites effectively serve as discrete little billboards that advertise what you have to offer.
NOTE: Knowledgeable genuine comments on related sites are key because:
(A) Related sites carry more weight for backlinks and attract readers who are interested in what you have to say.
(B) Insincere and/or purely promotional comments are spam, which means that they're frowned upon by the online community and often quickly removed by the website's moderator or administrator - effectively wasting everyone's time and energy. Don't do this. Genuine, sincere, insightful comments are always welcome and are far more effective than spam. Practice good online karma.
8) Produce quality content.
This is the last item on the list but probably the most important and although possibly the most obvious it's arguable the least practiced.
A famous quote from the 1989 movie Field of Dreams said, "if you build it they will com."
I'm not suggesting that you run your family farm business into the ground by building a baseball field over a cornfield (per the events that transpired in the aforementioned movie) but build content people are looking for and they'll come to your website.
The first seven steps listed prior to this will get you attention but this final step will sustain your traffic and in doing so solidify your success.
The racehorse handicapping site used as an example in the first step is not on the top of the Google search results list solely because it adheres to the first seven steps. In fact it has just as much to do with the fact that the racehorse handicapping site explains what web surfers are looking for in an easy to understand format that teaches something new and helpful.
SEO 202
The first eight steps although hopefully helpful are just the tip of the iceberg in an exceedingly complex field that is adapting everyday as a result of scores of engineers designing complex algorithms to corner the market on the multi-billion dollar search engine game (think Microsoft's Bing going up against Google).
As a result of the ever evolving marketplace it's suggested that anyone who understands the money making potential behind SEO refer to a genuine expert (alas I'm still a novice in this increasingly sophisticated field).
I'm currently reviewing programs with the intention of making an informed recommendation that would be helpful for anyone who wants a professional's SEO expertise on their team.
Please check back soon for these forthcoming recommendations.
Quickly increasing Y (sales) is a direct result of your sales approach and the quality/need/desire for the product you're promoting as it relates to your target market. For more information on increasing the Y (sales) in this equation visit this related post that deals specifically with this topic: Increasing Sales Conversions.
Fortunately, X (visitors) is just as controllable as Y (sales) and even more important.
Now that we've clearly defined and explained the importance of SEO the question that should be at the front of mind is:
How do I effectively utilize SEO to put money in my pocket?
SEO 101
Below are eight simple steps that anyone regardless of experience or technical knowledge can use to immediately improve the SEO of their websites.
1) Decide what keyword or phrase to target and use that word/phrase as often as appropriate.
Don't overuse the key term but be mindful that using it appropriately can help search engines correctly identify the focus of your webpage.
NOTE: Remember that content is king. As Google puts it, "focus on creating useful, information-rich content that uses keywords appropriately and in context."
Always concentrate on content first and never flirt with "keyword stuffing." Keyword stuffing isn't permitted by search engines because of it's often deceptive or inappropriate nature, like hidden text links (defined here).
Below this paragraph is an example of a niche phrase that when Googled returns the top search result for the targeted phrase: "racehorse handicapping." The example website illustrates how effectively and appropriately using the key phrase (i.e. Googled phrase) throughout the website earns the top spot in the search results.
RaceHorseHandicapping.net should be the first Google result when you Google it here: You can Google through this link.
If you're wondering how to decide which keyword or phrase to target then you've stumbled upon the million dollar question.
Take a look at this very important related article on how to use Google's free keyword system to determine historical trends in search engine traffic. The article on using Google's Keyword Tool is linked here.
2) Choose a URL that is the same as your keyword or key phrase.
Notice that the racehorse handicapping site referenced above uses the key phrase as the URL.
A common question is whether search engines favor sites that end in .com more than sites that end in .net, .org, .info, .biz, etc.
The short (albeit confusing) answer is yes and no.
For all intents and purposes search engines look for key terms and for that reason you're theoretically just as well off from a search engine perspective with a site that ends in .info as one that ends in .com.
However, we should all understand that when given the choice .com is preferable to the others if for no other reasons than branding, name recognition, and a general heightened level of trust by people surfing the web - .com adds a level of credibility that's often hard to quantify.
Basically, from a pure search engine perspective the ending characters are technically irrelevant, but depending on your market a URL that appears more credible (usually one that ends in .com) may drive more traffic which will effectively improve your search engine positions.
If you're purely concerned about search engine optimization for a unique topic don't be overly concerned about what characters your web address ends in.
If you intend on building a recognizable brand name use a .com address to improve your brand image.
3) Incorporate your keyword or phrase into your heading and post titles.
Although this point is along the same lines as the first two it's surprisingly overlooked.
Whether you're just starting out with a Blogger or WordPress site or have a sophisticated established site this quick implementation can often improve your SEO literally overnight.
NOTE: Before moving onto to the following five steps which are much different than the first three I'd like to say one more thing regarding appropriately using keywords vs. keyword stuffing (defined above).
The appropriate use of keywords is not only allowed by search engines but it's encouraged.
Even if this is your first time learning about these concepts they're actually not secrets and in fact common knowledge in many circles.
When keywords are used properly everyone wins.
The search engines are able to accurately identify and categorize the focus of websites thereby allowing web surfers to find the specific information they're looking for and ultimately the creator of the content (website) is able to get their message in front of the intended audience.
4) Tell search engines that you want to be listed.
This seems obvious right?
A lot of people assume that the new websites they create are listed with search engines automatically and they're actually correct. What they often don't realize is that it can take a very long time before particular search engines notice their websites.
The sooner your website is listed the sooner it will start getting traction and the sooner you can grow a following of interested visitors.
Listing your website with all of the major search engines can be done yourself. I'm providing some links below to help you get started:
There are actually established companies out there that for a fee will provide fast search engine listing to an expansive list of search engines and directories (see #6 for directory explanation) as well as additional premium features like targeted business leads, top 10 Google rankings, and various other search engine marketing services.
I've posted a coupon below for a company called I Need Hits that's been performing the services I just described since the mid 90's. Even though the expiration date has lapsed I believe they'll still honor the discount.
5) Get backlinks to your website.
Search engines love backlinks.
Backlinks are defined as instances when another website links to your site (click here for Wikipedia's expanded definition). This is a priority for search engines because the thought is that the more backlinks there are directing people to a particular website the more important that website must be.
The most powerful (and subsequently time consuming) way to generate backlinks is to house very useful and unique content on your site. As an example just think about how often people link to Wikipedia.
You're always free to ask bloggers or site managers if they'd be interested in linking to your site but if you want to start generating backlinks as quickly as possible so that you can get your content noticed and begin to establish yourself as an authority on a particular subject the next two steps are the fastest ways to start building these all important backlinks.
6) List your site in directories.
Many people don't even realize that website directories exist but it's a good way to catalog your site for people searching for particular subjects within directories to find your website and in turn what they're looking for.
Having your website listed in appropriate directories provides immediate backlinks (described above), which are an important component in maximizing your search engine positioning.
Most directories are very inclusive although some are more selective. For a closer examination of directory choices take a look at this article specifically tailored to this topic: How To Improve Search Engine Rankings - Directories.
7) Comment on related sites
Many websites, particularly blogs, allow for comments on posts. Often times as someone leaving a comment you can sign in with your name and a hyperlinked (URL built into the text) web address that can be directed back to your main website or any individual website that you choose.
Taking the time to comment on websites related to your subject matter is beneficial for two main reasons:
1) Commenting creates additional backlinks (explained above) on "do follow blogs" because the sites that you comment on are now linked back to your website through the hyperlink in the signature that you left after your comment.
2) If your comments are particularly insightful they'll draw attention from future visitors of the site who are interested in learning more about you and your insights. Readers interested in learning more about you and what information you have available can effortlessly click through to your homepage for more information. I personally do this all the time when I come across intelligent comments.
The click through site visits help your SEO position while achieving your ultimate goal of exposing your website to more people interested in your subject matter.
Your comments sprinkled throughout cyberspace on related websites effectively serve as discrete little billboards that advertise what you have to offer.
NOTE: Knowledgeable genuine comments on related sites are key because:
(A) Related sites carry more weight for backlinks and attract readers who are interested in what you have to say.
(B) Insincere and/or purely promotional comments are spam, which means that they're frowned upon by the online community and often quickly removed by the website's moderator or administrator - effectively wasting everyone's time and energy. Don't do this. Genuine, sincere, insightful comments are always welcome and are far more effective than spam. Practice good online karma.
8) Produce quality content.
This is the last item on the list but probably the most important and although possibly the most obvious it's arguable the least practiced.
A famous quote from the 1989 movie Field of Dreams said, "if you build it they will com."
I'm not suggesting that you run your family farm business into the ground by building a baseball field over a cornfield (per the events that transpired in the aforementioned movie) but build content people are looking for and they'll come to your website.
The first seven steps listed prior to this will get you attention but this final step will sustain your traffic and in doing so solidify your success.
The racehorse handicapping site used as an example in the first step is not on the top of the Google search results list solely because it adheres to the first seven steps. In fact it has just as much to do with the fact that the racehorse handicapping site explains what web surfers are looking for in an easy to understand format that teaches something new and helpful.
SEO 202
The first eight steps although hopefully helpful are just the tip of the iceberg in an exceedingly complex field that is adapting everyday as a result of scores of engineers designing complex algorithms to corner the market on the multi-billion dollar search engine game (think Microsoft's Bing going up against Google).
As a result of the ever evolving marketplace it's suggested that anyone who understands the money making potential behind SEO refer to a genuine expert (alas I'm still a novice in this increasingly sophisticated field).
I'm currently reviewing programs with the intention of making an informed recommendation that would be helpful for anyone who wants a professional's SEO expertise on their team.
Please check back soon for these forthcoming recommendations.
