Maximising SEO

What is SEO?

SEO - Search Engine Optimisation

SEO are the methods you can use to increase your results in Search Engines.

Lets look at two simple effective SEO methods

Method 1: Keywords
Method 2: Link Exchanges

To compete against the millions of other websites on the Internet effectively, the design of a Web page (Yes, each individual page) must be designed around a keyword or more effectively, a keyword phrase.

The keyword(s) must be included in the:

Page's title;
META tag (for keywords) - usually done by your webmaster;
First heading (H1 HTML tag);
Throughout the body of the page, and
Within the last 25 words on the page.

These few basic SEO on-page options, although not guaranteeing a first page listing, are definitely essential in the starting point for effective Internet marketing strategies.

For Example:
If you have a website that is all about selling clothing you would have on, atleast, one of your pages the word "clothing".
BUT
Hang on, what is it that your customers would be searching for?
Probably the type of clothing. childrens clothing?
Therefore, one of your prominent keywords would be "childrens clothing"
So, throughout your web page, you would refer to "childrens clothing". Something like:
We sell high quality childrens clothing ranging from sizes 5 - 14. Our childrens clothing is all Australian and produced with ... The handmade childrens clothing section caters for... We are a family owned business and have been operating in the childrens clothing industry for over 25 years.
Our stock is changed consistantly with the seasons and therefore all the childrens clothing is the latest fashion...

So as you can tell, from the above the website is about... you guessed it, childrens clothing.

The keyword of "clothing" is too general and you'd be competing with millions of other websites that deal in adult clothing, mens clothing, womens clothing and the list goes on and on for the types of clothing that are out there.

Method 2 : Link Exchanges
Completing the "on-page" optimisations, the keywords, the "off-page" optimisation options need to be addressed. Link exchanges are one of the best off-page SEO techniques available.

There are a number of ways to get a reciprocal link to your site.

Email a request to the webmaster

Suggest a reciprocal agreement - giving your web address

Purchase a link - usually a monthly fee (around $120 p/m)

to quickly get your site listed by Google and the major search engines, then paying for a PR8 (PageRank - the higher the number the better the Page Rank (10 is max)) back link for a month or two might be well worth the investment in the long run

Current discussions suggest the utilisation of low PR reciprocal linking to be detrimental to a website.

DISCLAIMER The information has been developed by Online Creations' Web Designers as a guide only. SEO techniques are constantly being enhanced, developed and implemented throughout our websites and it is important that users realise this information is developed as a very broad overview for the purpose of a general understanding to the wide-ranging development of individual websites. While due care has been exercised by Online Creations to ensure the accuracy and currency of the material contained in this publication, we strongly recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use and seek professional advice where appropriate.