SEO Concepts

Basic SEO technique.

At the basic level, Search engine optimization (SEO) is a technique that can be quite easily learned. It does require a combination of writing, web design and marketing skills, along with an understanding of how search engines work and why they exist. The technique involves far more common sense than technical skill, and, though genius helps, genius is not a requirement for search engine optimization. SEO involves creative thinking, market-driven strategy, and a knack for understanding your business, your market, your industry, your competition (both direct and indirect), and other factors - in particular what those seeking your products and services are actually searching for. Developing the right list of keywords, terms, and search phrases is the first step. Weaving these into your pages in normal sentence structure is the second step. However, even if you do all these things, you may get traffic to your Site yet still not make sales. The most important part of all of this is to provide content that is relevant to what the visitors to your Site seek - which goes back to having a thorough understanding of your customers and your market.

Common Mistakes

Multiple Domain Name Mistakes   Do not use multiple domains with the same contents. Do not use multiple domains, unless you have to. Do not use redirection (301, 302 or Meta) on multiple domains towards your main domain. Make certain that you need more than one domain name, and communicate the reason to the visitors through contents.   Large graphics   Use text where possible. With the current HTML and CSS formatting available, you can produce very nice effects with the mere use of text. Page should load in no more than 7 seconds on a 56k modem. Use JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg) or GIF(.gif) files for images when possible.   Flash   Not all browsers can view flash movies. Can increase the loading time of the page it is on. Is not yet recognized by search engines as a means of conveying contents as HTML is. Can be used in some cases with proper alternative implementations.   Frames   Avoid Frames in the site, older browsers cannot see frame pages.  Search engines do not like them and may not index your information properly.   Password protected pages   Spiders cannot enter password-protected pages. If you want them indexed, you will be out of luck. Most people with password protected pages do not want them indexed anyway. But, just in case, now you know.   Image maps   Spiders cannot read image maps. Because of this, do not place one on your home page or any other critical pages. If you must use them, make sure to include links to other pages so the spider can move on.   PDF files   Do not use them on your important pages like your home page or any other pages you want indexed. Dedicate a special page just for them, or avoid them all together.   Dynamic pages   Make sure important pages are built only of HTML - no dynamically generated content.