by Janet Krenn

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 04, 2010

A website without search engine optimization is like a fish without water. Good luck surviving without it!

Regardless of what you sell, your ultimate 2009 SEO goal should be to get your website on page one of Google. Why page one? More than 75% of web searchers will try a different search term rather than go to page two more or less rummage through pages of results.

Follow these resolutions for search engine optimization and start making your way toward your goal - page one of Google.

SEO Resolution 1: Update your keyword research.

SEO marketing campaigns begin with updated keyword research. Luckily this fundamental of search engine optimization is simple and costs essentially nothing.

1. Identify keywords. Using a keyword tracker tool, type in search terms your prospects might use. A good keyword tracking tool will not only tell you how popular key words are, it will also give you an indication of the competition for these words. For example, Google Adwords has a free keyword tracking tool that gives you information on number of monthly searches and pay-per-click ad rates.

2. From this information, make a list of search terms and keywords you can "own" on the internet. Using pay-per-click information, for example, you can figure out which keywords and search terms are most competitive the higher the PPC rate, the more competitive the term. Avoid the highly competitive search terms. Focus on keywords that are relevant and frequently used but less competitive.

SEO Resolution 2: Work Your On-Page SEO.

Search engine optimization begins on your own web page. In fact, on page SEO accounts for about 25% of your Google PageRank.

Work your keywords throughout your website's content. To get the most out of your SEO, use these search terms in these places:

1. page titles

2. URLs of each page

3. section headers, especially between the <H1>, <H2>, and <H3> tags

4. bold keywords in your content

5. image descriptions in <alt> tags

6. metatags

SEO Resolution 3: Social Network It, Baby!

The remaining 75% of your Google PageRank score depends on off page SEO marketing. Meaning you need other people to link to your website.

1. All inbound links begin with quality content on your website. Quality content might be articles or web gadgets.

2. Identify bloggers that publish content related to your industry. Technorati a good example of a blog indexer.

3. Leave constructive comments on blogs to develop a report with the administrator.

4. Send web press releases

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