For many people understanding and mastering search engine optimization (seo) can be one of the most time consuming aspects of their marketing business. However, it is something that you do need to get to grips with if you want to run a successful online business.
Whilst the topic of SEO would fill several books and is much too in depth to be covered here, there are however a few techniques that can give you a head start toward getting impressive and professional results.
1. Finding the best keywords
Finding keywords can be a positive minefield if you don't know what you are doing. Some keywords have millions of searches and competitors, whilst others only have a few of each. Your ultimate goal is to find keywords that have reasonable traffic but not a lot of competition.
There are many keyword tools on the market ranging at varying prices, but there are also a few free ones around and Google's keyword tool is a good starting point and costs nothing.
When you are new to search engine optimization a good rule of thumb is to look for keywords with less than 50,000 competitors and at least 100 searches per day. Once you have found your primary keyword you can start digging down in to your niche for additional long tailed keywords.
These secondary long tailed keywords should contain your primary keyword plus additional words that your intended audience is searching for.
Once you find your keywords you will need to write articles that focus on each one of these keywords and link them together within your website. By doing this, your site will be properly focused, correctly linked, and contains the keywords your target audience is searching for.
2. Choosing a domain name
Your domain name should where possible contain at least your primary keyword. For example if you are selling “weight loss” products then weightlossreviews.com, or weightlossguide.com would be relevant.
Try to keep your name simple and not too many words or the search engines will perceive it to be “spammy”, also when possible try and stick with .com or .net if you can get them.
Choosing a good domain name is critical as not only does it help your ranking by having your keyword in it, but also means when you start getting backlinks your keyword is also included in that link, more search engine juice for you.
3. Keyword density
Keyword density doesn't have quite the same value it used to, but it is still important to use it properly. There are no exact numbers as to how many times you should include your keywords, but do not be drawn into keyword “stuffing” of your website content. You will get far more acknowledgement of your efforts when you write good quality content that mentions your keywords three or four times and results in a readable and informative article instead of a garbled mess of keywords.
4. Tags and titles
Make sure you include your keywords in your titles, page headers and meta tags.
5. Good Internal Linking
When you put links in your articles try to avoid over using the generic “click here”, instead opt to use your keywords, making them specific, as this will keep the searches engines focused on what your site is about. Get into the habit of using text links rather than using images.
6. Back linking
Once you have your site set up its important to start building backlinks from related blogs or sites. You can do this through article and directory submissions, forum posting, and press releases, just make sure you include your main keyword in the backlinks to your site. The more links you can obtain from quality sites, the better to improve your ranking.
These search engine optimization techniques are sufficient to get your site acknowledged and you should continue to build quality links to improve your ranking.
Further reading:
Similar topics: Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engines, Successful Online Business, Domain Name, Googles Keyword Tool
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