Do-It-Yourself SEO

So you've found a killer niche market. You've built a great web site. Now it's time to optimize! Lots of folks opt to hire an SEO company to get their site ranked high among search engines. Truth is, with a little time and effort, you can achieve the same (and even BETTER) results on your own!

STEP 1 Keyword Research

Think about the keywords someone might use when searching for your products or services. Do a quick brainstorming session and WRITE THEM DOWN! Consider using geographical phrases if you think your customers will (real estate Pittsburgh, for example), and don't forget to add alternate words (real estate, housing, home). It's also a good idea to check on your competition's keywords via their web site. A good keyword list usually ranges from 20 to 30 words.

Keep in mind that popular keywords are also very competitive, so it will be harder to achieve a high ranking with those. The key is to find an often-searched keyword that doesn't have as much competition.

STEP 2 - Site Text

You've heard it a million times..CONTENT IS KING. Search engines absolutely love unique content! Your keywords should be placed within the content of your site so that search engines understand their relevance. Use your keywords in your site title, headings, and at the tops of your web pages. Bold or italicize them. Use them as link text to other pages of your site, or to link to other relevant sites. Always make sure that your copy reads well and doesn't sound like a bunch of keywords strung together!

STEP 3 Build Links!

Every link from an outside site to your site can improve your search engine rankings. The key is to make sure that these are QUALITY links!

The most valuable links are from sites that are relevant to your niche, and those that are highly regarded within your niche. In this case, quality is much important than quantity. Consider exchanging links with other relevant websites in your niche (organizations, non-competing companies or products). Make a list of the sites that interest you. Send each organization an e-mail introducing your company. Explain how your websites could benefit each other, and ask them if they would be willing to exchange links!

STEP 4 Track Your Results!

Be sure to track your search engine rankings! Search the major engines for your keywords to see where you rank. You should also monitor where your visitors are coming from by keeping a daily eye on your web site hosting reports.

STEP 5 Stay On It!

SEO is an ongoing effort! Keep adding fresh content and valuable links to your site. Monitor your marketing successes and failures to determine what works and what doesn't. This is a trial-and-error process, and the more you work on it, the more it will work for you!

Learn more about this author, Angela Brown.
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