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Optimization - Make Your Site Relevant
When you do a web search, say on Google, the system provides you with a list of web sites that match what you are looking for. For popular topics there can be thousands and even millions of results. You can be sure that most people simply won't look through page after page after page of site listings - they will naturally pick from the first few listings they come across. In order to get your product in front of your potential customers, you need your site to show up as close to the top of that list as possible.
Optimization is all about making your site attractive to the search engine system in order to have it show up near the top of the results. The idea is to ensure that the same searchable keywords you use to attract customers in advertising also show up in the content of your site. If you're selling tricycles you don't want your web page to be filled with lots of references to ice cream. The search engines compare the page titles, the keywords you use and the content to determine whether the site is relevant. After all, they are providing a search service and need to ensure they are providing value to their own users. Not many people would use Google to look for tricycle stores if they were offered ice cream vendors instead. Therefore, your site must give the search engine a good reason to list your site based on the search criteria you indicate.
How Do You Get Started with Relevant Content?
Once you have developed your site, go through each page and check the text. Find ways to work in as many of your keywords on each individual page as possible. Use keywords in both the published title of the page and the page's file name. Try to use keywords in subtitles and use them in naming any images you have on your page. All of these elements are used by the search engines to match your keywords with your content to determine how relevant your site is. The more relevant, the higher it will rank in the search results.
Luckily, there are some great services out there that are set up specifically to help optimize your site. Try doing a search for SEO - which stands for Search Engine Optimization and look for a product or service that meets your needs. You can find a few of my favorites listed on my web site at http://themoneytreeguide.com
Some of the better web site development software has optimization functions built in to help guide you through the process. This feature should be a key item to look for when purchasing your product. But if you don't have it built in, there are a number of products available that will help you review and correct your site to get the most out of it. And, if you're a little more daring, there are even programs that will help you "mask" your site with lots of high value search keywords that (they claim) will improve your search engine ranking and results, no matter how little content you have or how relevant it is. This kind of program is valuable if all you need to do is drive lots of traffic through your site, but be careful how and where you use it as it isn't a "polite" way of doing business - sort of the used car salesman of web promotion. Remember, though that many used car dealers make huge incomes, so if it's right for your particular business model, then don't hesitate to use all the tools you can.
About The Author
Brian is the owner/operator of several successful online business web sites. He also has a popular blog at http://themoneytreeguide.blogspot.com about the trial and tribulations of running a online business for both beginners and pros. He offers extensive advice and lessons at http://themoneytreeguide.com
Previously on SearchEngineChannel
- The Ultimate SEO Plan For Internet Marketers
- 5 Best Ways To Make Your Website Visible To Search Engines
- Optimizing Your Website For Local Searchers
- How to Make your URLs SEO Friendly
- Major differences in Google, Yahoo and MSN optimization
- What is unethical search engine optimization?
- Web Design for Search Engine Optimisation
- Search Engine Optimization: Keyword Analysis
- Avoiding SEO Underperformers
- Your Competition Now Works for Google
