SEO: Back to the Basics

SEO, or search engine optimization, is a flashy techno-term for getting noticed on the internet. When anyone accesses the web in search of something specific, they likely use a search engine to help them in their quest for information.

• Search engine. The search engines chug along through the internet at ultrasonic speeds, reading whatever information exists relating to specific searches typed into their search boxes. Search engines are looking for specific words relating to similar topics and ranking their returns based on relevance to the topic searched.
• Optimization. To optimize yourself with the search engines you want to create web site content that will return the best possible results with the search engines. By including multiple (without "stuffing") instances of specific "keywords" in your site content as well as in your site descriptions, you can improve your chances and your ranking in search engine results.
• Keywords. Keywords are the main words that relate to the content of your site. Something as simple as strategic keyword selection and placement of keywords can help increase web traffic to your site. Here are some suggestions regarding keywords and keyword placement:
  • Domain name. Avoid using keywords in domain extensions. Focus on the domain name itself (e.g. www.keyworddomainname.com).
  • Title tags. The title of your site should contain keywords that appear when the page is searched for and reached.
  • Meta tags. Both your meta description and your meta tags should include your keywords to improve your chances of directing visitors to your site. Avoid "stuffing" (overusing) your meta tags with keywords. They will trigger a red flag with the search engines and leave you flailing in a virtual black hole.

Search engine optimization techniques are designed to make your web site appealing to visitors and increase web traffic. By following some basic search engine marketing practices, you should see a steady stream of both first-time and return visitors to your site.

Search engine indexing is another term for the techno-savvy. Indexing refers to the way that web information is gathered, categorized, and cataloged in relative databases for quick retrieval in the future. These specific points should help you with your web site indexing:

• Omission. It is crucial to your being indexed by reputable search engines like Google®, Yahoo!® and MSN® that your web content supports your keywords. Not only are search engines crawling the web for keywords but also for relevant content. Mismatched keywords and web content will cause the spiders to search for a sturdier web.
• Submission. In order to be indexed by search engines, your site must be submitted. Here are the top search engines to which you would want to submit:
  • Google. By following this link you can submit your site to the top search engine on the web: http://www.google.com/addurl/?continue=/addurl
    Be aware that a mere submission does not lead to automatic indexing.
  • Yahoo!. This site http://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com/submit will lead you to Yahoo!s submission page for websites and webpages. Registration is required.
  • MSN. Submissions to MSN's search engine Live Search can be made through this link: http://search.live.com/docs/submit.aspx
• Permission. Being indexed is basically being granted permission by the search engines to appear in their results. If you have been indexed, you have included not only keywords but relevant keywords and worthwhile content.

Search engine optimization cannot occur without the indexing of your site. If you are not indexed with search engines, you are all but invisible. By following the basic rules of behavior for creating keywords, defining content, and submitting to search engine directories, you will be amongst the billions in no time.

A web directory differs from a search engine in that it does not use keywords for its listings. Rather, a web directory categorizes web sites based on its content. Here are a few points of note regarding web directories that my help with your search engine marketing:

• Broad. Web directories use broad categories for listing web sites (e.g. travel and tourism, health and beauty, etc.). Beyond the initial categories are subcategories that may help to narrow the search for a particular site or information.
• Geographic. Some web directories create geographic regions or language categories to help those searching for information in a foreign language or country.
• Help. More popular web directories, such as Google Directory, offer a help page for using their web directory: http://www.google.com/dirhelp.html

In order to fulfill your search engine marketing goals, it is imperative you first understand the basic terms of search engine optimization. With a solid foundation in SEO terminology and techniques, you are ready to start receiving guests at an astronomical rate.


*Image credits to Danard Vincente