6 March 2009
When it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) there is a TON of information and every place and everyone has their own swing on things. Of course you have Wikipedia and Google at the top of the list, and the definition by Wikipedia is a great one...

When it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) there is a TON of information and every place and everyone has their own swing on things. Of course you have Wikipedia and Google at the top of the list, and the definition by Wikipedia is a great one:

‘Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via “natural” (”organic” or “algorithmic”) search engines.’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization

Some of my past experiences include working as Production Director for a Canadian Online Pharmacy, where SEO was just about everything to do with my teams and of course my job. Being at the top of the rank, or at the very least on the first page, in this very competitive industry where timing is everything to capture consumers and make the dollar, SEO was crucial. I worked in this position about 5 years ago and aside from the many companies that have popped up and are making a very good living from offering a ton of options the logic of SEO remains the exact sam

#1: Content is everything, Fresh content is even better:

Lots of content, relative content, and updating this content as much as possible has always been the key and will continue to be this no matter what Google changes in their algorithm.

#2: Logic and Architecture are a second best, but necessary or the content won’t make much sense:

Back when the same colored text under a colored block or banner that you could not see right away worked to throw you to the top of ranking worked has sure changed today. (By the way if you try that today you will likely not even receive a ranking because spiders are much smarter.)

Having your content mapped closely to titles, meta data, links and wording of each is essential. Of course HTML with integrated Flash animated pieces that will enhance your design is always best, it is not the only choice.

If your content makes sense to users, then they come back. This is the same for search engine spiders.

#3: Tracking and Reporting Analytics is a key component, but they won’t increase your rank but will add another level of logic to follow:

Knowing your traffic, where they come from, what they like on your site and how long they stay is essential to know in order to learn, improve and grow.

Remember this does not automatically increase your site or page rank what so ever. This does add to the work and time needed to put back into the site, however you can’t move forward with your eyes open with out it.

#4: Key descriptive words are what get you to the top of your rank, it should take more then 10 minutes to configure this plan and it will change all the time:

Keywords are a combination of what your selling or promoting, what people search for, what you would be writing about and what your meta data and links should reflect. This should take you time to figure out and research what you need to put in, and this needs to be updated just like your content is.

#5:Networking both Socially and Linking Keywords will push the importance of redundancy and help your ranking dramatically:

My site is currently all Flash driven, so for the most part it will not reach any sort of great ranking because the content is not readable in Flash but I can use META data to improve this situation. This is not horrible, I have a ton of other links out there like my blog, linkedin, twitter etc that all point directly back to my website.

Overall it is better to have an HTML site, which is in the works of course, but for the most part I am out there updating content on the web to tie to my website. This is what matters and makes a huge difference.

SEO is simple really, as long as you implement and look at it as part of the business model with your sales strategies so that your website is always kept in the forefront of your business.

So before you buy that expensive monthly software to submit your site to search engines, hire someone full-time to head up your businesses SEO contact someone like me, an expert in interactive well versed through experience with SEO. Learn what is best to implement for what your needs are for growth and allow someone to help cater the best solution to you. There is so much out there, starting slow and moving up is the best-proven way to help you and your business succeed.

*Need or want additional help on this? Contact me, Coree Francisco @ interactive@girlone.com and let’s connect!