What is Search Engine Optimization?

Search Engine Optimization is about making your website search engine friendly. In order to do that, it's important to understand that search engines need a site architecture that allows them to move freely through the pages of your site to easily access your information. They need to be able to interpret what your site is about through your site's content and a ranking system to determine the quality of your information.

Site Architecture - The Foundation Of SEO

The first thing search engines need is a design/layout that organizes your site information and a navigation system to easily access it. Because search engines ONLY read text, not java script or flash, the navigation system needs to have text links to enable them to move freely through the pages of your site. Your site architecture is the foundation of good SEO.

Content - What Your Site Is About

In order for your website to be seen on the Web, it needs to be indexed by a search engine. Search engines are programmed to look in specific areas of your site's content such as: Your page titles, headers, meta description tags, etc. for important key phrases to help determine what your site is about. Be sure to use industry keywords in these areas, such as "furniture" for a furniture store, so the search engines can index your pages properly.

Blogs - What Search Engines Feed On

Search engines LOVE fresh content. Blogs are a great way to add fresh content to your site regularly, creating interest and reasons for search engines and people alike, to come back. Blogs are also link magnets. When someone leaves a comment on your blog, they usually leave a link back to their site. Why are links so important?

Links = Higher Rankings

Search engines can figure out what your site is about, but they can't determine which information is better. Google figures that if a site with relevant information links to another site of similar information, it must be trustworthy. Google considers this a popularity vote, and rewards you with higher rankings.