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The basic principles of search engine optimization (SEO)

by AJL

What Is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optomization which is a subset of search enging marketing, and deals with improving the number of quality visitors to a website. The term SEO can aslo refer to "Search Engine Optomizers", Which I'll discuss later.

10 SEO TIPS

Tip #1

Avoid hidden text or hidden links.

Tip #2

Don't employ cloaking or sneaky redirects.

Tip #3

Don't send automatic queries to Google.

Tip #4

Don't load pages with irrelevant words.

Tip #5

Don't create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content. Keep it freash.

Tip #6

Don't create pages that install viruses, trojans, or other badware.

Tip #7

Research Your Online Competition.

Tip #8

If your site participates in an affiliate program, make sure that your site adds value.

Tip #9

Keyword Reserach Tools.

Tip #10



Avoid "doorway" pages created just for search engines, or other "cookie cutter" approaches such as affiliate programs with little or no content. Always use fresh content and keep it changing. Try out RSS Feeds.

Search Engine Optomizers

Many Search Engine Optomizers provide useful services for website owners, from writing copy to giving advice on site architecture and helping to find relevant directories to which a site can be submitted. However, a few unethical SEOs have given the industry a black eye through their overly aggressive marketing efforts and their attempts to unfairly manipulate search engine results.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind before handing money over to any Search Engine Optomizers.

Tip #1

Be wary of SEO firms that send you email out of the blue.

Tip #2

No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google. Beware of SEOs that claim to guarantee rankings, allege a "special relationship" with Google, or advertise a "priority submit" to Google. There is no priority submit for Google. These companies are hacks STAY AWAY!

Tip #3

Be careful if a company is secretive or won't clearly explain what they intend to do.

Tip #2

You should never have to link to an SEO. Avoid SEOs that talk about the power of "free-for-all" links, link popularity schemes, or submitting your site to thousands of search engines.

Tip #5

Choose wisely. Sounds simple right? well you would not believe the amount of people that overlook this very simple tip.

Tip #6

Be sure to understand where the money goes.

Tip #7

Make sure you're protected legally.

Tip #8

Talk to many SEOs, and ask other SEOs if they'd recommend the firm you're considering.

Tip #9

What are some other things to look out for? There are a few warning signs that you may be dealing with a rogue SEO. It's far from a comprehensive list, so if you have any doubts, you should trust your instincts. By all means, feel free to walk away if the SEO:

1. Owns shadow domains.
2. Puts links to their other clients on doorway pages.
3. Offers to sell keywords in the address bar.
4. Doesn't distinguish between actual search results and ads that appear in search results.
5. Guarantees ranking, but only on obscure, long keyword phrases you would get anyway.
6. Operates with multiple aliases or falsified WHOIS info.
7. Gets traffic from "fake" search engines, spyware, or scumware.
8. Has had domains removed from Google's index or is not itself listed in Google.

Learn more about this author, AJL.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


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