Search Engine Optimization
In the world of search engine optimization, we've run across quite a variety of situations. Some websites just need minor adjustments, while others need serious overhauls. Some websites have dynamic structures, while others are basic hard-coded html sites. Each website is different, each requires a different volume of work for optimization. What we've listed below are some of the very basic things we do to help get a web site listing higher on organic search engine results.
General Review of the Site
We create a list of target keywords from what we determine together is your primary audience base and their estimated activity on search engines. We run a report of the web traffic data, to include incoming traffic from Google and Yahoo!. We report on the general condition of the code on the site and placement, frequency and use of keywords within the code and content of the site. We also create a working document of the site’s file structure. This is condensed into one report for both of us to use during the course of the optimization work.
Analyze and Document Competitors
Over the course of a few days we look to see who your competition is, how they are ranking in search results using your keyword list. For those competitors that are ahead of you, we analyze why. This gives us real-time insight to search engine algorithmic behavior, as this often changes.
Site Coding
Improvements in website coding are very important in the optimization process. The site should be clean and as close to W3C standards as possible. Here are the elements we will concentrate on:
<title> Tag
We make sure the title tag contains the appropriate number and order of keywords.
<meta> Keywords and Description Attributes
We make sure meta information is populated with the appropriate content and volume.
<img> Tags and Object Elements
We will ensure appropriate attributes are populated on all graphics and multimedia elements.
<a> Hyperlinks
We make sure hyperlink text is keyword centric.
CSS
We replace bulky html code (such at table structures, internal styling, etc) with css coding wherever appropriate.
<h1, 2, 3...> Tag Usage and Content
We ensure header tags are used and populated with keywords.
Code-to-Content Ratio
We work toward reducing the volume of code that the web crawlers index. The goal is to get the code-to-content ratio as low as possible. In doing this we bring the keyword centric content closer to the top of each page.
Code Errors
All code errors must be corrected, such as: bad hyperlinks and javascript errors.
Site Map
We will implement the use Google Sitemaps which offers control over how often the site is re-indexed and we will ensure the site map is accurate.
Filenames
We make sure file names and directories contain keywords whenever possible.
Implement Directory Submissions
We ensure the site is listed in major search directories.
Content Review
We to an editorial review of the content to ensure keywords, synonyms and related words are used (and not overused). Our goal is to reach a balance between good communication and good search engine performance.
On- Going Work
Analyze Traffic Data
We analyze your search rankings, server stats, etc, to determining effectiveness and need for change.
Fresh Content
We determine where and how it would be best to post relevant and genuine new content on the site.
In-bound Links
We research the top sites that would best benefit your site with inbound links. We work to establish relationships with complementing websites in order to get inbound links.
A good web marketing plan will almost always include specific search engine considerations. But the first step is understanding the complexity of how search engines operate and what it takes to keep up with the constant changes. The task of positioning a Web site to do well on a specific search engine for specific search terms is best left in the hands of someone who has devoted their career to this discipline. Journey Internet has a professionally trained search engine specialist ready to answer your questions and to help get your web site optimized. Call today for a consultation - 719-638-9925.