Search Engine Optimization Basics by Google

As mentioned in my previous post, IdeaStar has found the best way to rank well for your keywords -- and that is to follow the guidelines provided by the search engines. Google posts them clearly on their site (http://www.google.com/webmasters/guidelines.html).

Referencing Google’s guidelines, here are some very simple things you can do (or ask your SEO firm to do) to improve your rankings:

• Utilize text links on your web site versus graphic images. Search engines can’t see an image. IdeaStar understands the importance of a graphically pleasing web site and incorporates text as well as image navigation into search engine optimized web sites.
• Make sure you have a sitemap. Not only is it helpful for your site visitors, it provides easy access to all of your pages for the search engine
• Make sure your pages include “Keyword rich” and relevant content! TMW Systems has done a great job optimizing their site for the phrase -- trucking software. They are very clear about who they are and what they do. This has led to their high rankings for many of their keyword terms like dispatch software, logistics software etc.
• Make sure that your TITLE and ALT tags are descriptive and accurate – don’t try to stuff all your keywords into these tags. Have them make sense so when someone finds your listing in the search engine results pages (SERPS), they are clear on where they are going and why.
• Check for broken links and correct HTML. Your web site is part of your company image. Sometimes it is the first impression – make sure it’s a good one.
• Contrary to popular belief, Google WILL index dynamic pages (i.e., the URL contains a "?" character), but keep the parameters short and sweet.
• Don’t overdo the number of links on a page, not only is it confusing for your site visitors, spiders don’t like it.

I won’t get into the technical guidelines but make sure your programmers are familiar with them.

When you are ready to go live, tell your partners, affiliates and customers to link to you using your keyword phrase. For example, Search Engine Optimization by IdeaStar, Inc.
If you have a large site, consider submission to Google Sitemaps. Although still in beta, it increases opportunities for Google to index more of your pages.
DO NOT participate in the “we will submit your site to a billion web site for $9.95 but do submit to relevant directories like ODP and Yahoo!

If there is nothing else you take away from this remember the basic principles and there is hope for your improved rankings.

• Create your web site for your users, not for search engines.
• Don’t trick anyone – users or engines
• Don’t participate in link schemes designed to increase your “Page Rank”
• Avoid hidden text an links
• And don’t be afraid to tell! If you believe that another site is abusing Google's quality guidelines, please report that site at http://www.google.com/contact/spamreport.html.

Until next time....