Archive for category Search Engine Optimization
How to Choose Keyword Phrases
Posted by sracano83 in Search Engine Optimization on February 5th, 2010
How do I choose keyword phrases? I get this question from about every client that I work with it so I will answer it here, so no long conversation will ever be needed again. Whether you are choosing keywords for a brand new site or a one that has been around for a long time, not much is different about the process.
The first step, even before doing keyword research is to determine your target audience. Does your business cater only to individuals in a certain geographic area or are you looking for international traffic? The second thing that needs to be determined is exactly what your company is about, really think about what differentiates it and gives you a competitive advantage. This is one of the biggest keys in all forms of advertising and something I rarely seeing business owners thinking about. Got a good idea of what you are all about and who you want to target? Great! Let’s move on to step 2: keyword research.
I do most of my keyword research using Google tools. The reason is because that is where most people are searching, and I trust that their statistics will be the most accurate. Keyword research is about finding out what terms that are related to your business get high volumes of traffic. It’s that simple! If your site had a high PR then focusing on short term phrases will probably send the most traffic in your direction. If your site is brand new, the answer is simple; choose more long-tail phrases that include the high volume phrases. This way, your page structure and inbound linking strategies are always building upon those short high volume keyword phrases.
There is one other element that I haven’t discussed and that is competition. Competitive phrases are often difficult to rank with on a brand new site that has a low volume of traffic. Sometimes choosing a few keywords that are more descriptive and not as competitive may be a good option to gain additional traffic while you are working on the more competitive phrases. Having the supplemental traffic from these lower volume terms plus the long-tail phrases will increase your site’s traffic and in the long run put you in a good position for focusing more on the best phrases.
Interactive Business Systems
Posted by sracano83 in Search Engine Optimization on August 2nd, 2009
As information become easier to obtain, the perspective on current business models is rapidly changing. In the past companies have adopted to changes in the media trends and developing technology using combinations of Vertical and Horizontal business models. As the amount of services that one particular company can provide expands we have to use a new business model that covers a broader spectrum.
I call this model an Interactive Business System. Visually, it can be interpreted as a circle, rather than a path with two ends. Media companies should pride themselves in being the center of a network that helps both businesses and the communities in which they lie. By creating an interactive relationship between all parties consumers can be attracted through valuable promotions, incentives and information that will further the success of the business. In hard economic times an interactive business system provides solutions to all that participate in the social network. This is referred to as Hybrid Economics. Realizing the importance of these relationships and staying in constant contact with clients so they can effectively reach their consumers with everything they seek in return completing the system circle.
SEMMs for Local Business
Posted by sracano83 in Search Engine Optimization on July 25th, 2009
I frequently get asked about how to make local businesses visible in search engines. Many owners make the move online, do no research on online marketing, and then get no results from their endeavors. This article covers the “search engine marketing musts” (SEMMs) for local business owners including detailed descriptions for the least savvy internet user.
As you may already know search engine crawlers use a mix of page content, tags, links and open directory information to assist in ranking a website. Even though the internet is worldwide, there are easy ways to let search engines know about local business like restaurants, home improvement contractors, and medical and professional services.
Start with submitting your business to local directory listings. There are 4 musts in regard to local listings but feel free to submit to as many as you would like:
For Google and Yahoo it may be easiest to do a search for your business within their local listing sections to see if you are already listed. (or search Business name, Town State) If your business is already listed, this does not mean the listing is complete and the option to claim ownership should be chosen rather than creating a new listing from scratch.
- Google: Visit http://www.google.com/local. Google local listings will require verification before showing a new listing. The fastest method of verification is by phone. It is as easy as receiving an automated phone call, and inputting the 5 digit verification code into a text box in your account. There are additional benefits of using Google local listings including placing coupons and other relevant information about your business.
- Yahoo! Search Marketing: Visit http://listings.local.yahoo.com/. There are both free and enhanced listing options but I recommend setting up at least the basic listing option. Once creating an account select create new listing. For the free listing option please use the find out more button under the basic listing option. Next, click the sign up button which will bring you to an information form. Fill out all relevant information including the URL for your website. Most sites take 7-10 days for approval.
- DMOZ.org: Getting admitted to the DMOZ open directory project can be difficult because of the large number of sites in review. The best way to get a listing is to follow the business category down as close to the region in which your business resides. Once in this category choose to suggest URL and input your business information. No confirmation will be sent so check back after 3-4 weeks to see if your listing has been accepted. If your listing is not accepted on the first submission attempt, wait a couple months and re-submit.
- Your local town business directory: .gov links hold a high value with search engines and should not be overlooked. Most towns have local business directories. These listings may take longer than most other directories being accepted.
Other search engine marketing musts may be a little more complicated for less tech savvy business owners. Please view my other articles that describe how to set up a verified sitemap file and prepare meta tags and page content for web crawlers.
Design Coding – SEO Rapper
Posted by sracano83 in Search Engine Optimization on July 17th, 2009
This definitely makes search engine optimization a much more interesting topic…plus he knows his stuff.
Using SEO Graders
Posted by sracano83 in Search Engine Optimization on July 10th, 2009
I am familiar with a couple websites that show how search engines crawl and view your page. These website search engine graders can be useful tools in determining where improvements can be made both internally and externally. Using a combinations of these tools with Google Webmaster tools and Analytics could show the areas in which your site could use the most help to gain exposure on search engines. When using these tools, please keep in mind that they are developed to show all aspects of how a search engine crawls the internet and not all sites need to have the exact functions and structure as suggested.
The first site I like to check which will remove the CSS from your sites coding and break down both internal and external optimization efforts is http://www.seo-browser.com.
Another great resource I use is courtesy of Hubspot and can be found at http://www.websitegrader.com/.
Please use both resources with an open mind and only as suggestions on how to improve your websites long-term traffic. Remember, that in most competitive industries, optimizing a site is not an overnight process.
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