| ||
| ||
|
SEO Information | |
|
|
Googles Next Big Move
November 2003 might go down in history as the month that Google shook a lot of smug webmasters and search engine optimization (SEO) specialists from the apple tree. But more than likely, it was just a precursor of the BIG shakeup to come. Google touts highly its secret PageRank algorithm. Although PageRank is just one factor in choosing what sites appear on a specific search, it is the main way that Google determines the "importance" of a website. In recent months, SEO specialists have become expert at manipulating PageRank, particularly through link exchanges. There is nothing wrong with links. They make the Web a web rather than a series of isolated islands. However, PageRank relies on the naturally "democratic" nature of the web, whereby webmasters link to sites they feel are important for their visitors. Google rightly sees link exchanges designed to boost PageRank as stuffing the ballot box. I was not surprised to see Google try to counter all the SEO efforts. In fact, I have been arguing the case with many non-believing SEO specialists over the past couple months. But I was surprised to see the clumsy way in which Google chose to do it. Google targeted specific search terms, including many of the most competitive and commercial terms. Many websites lost top positions in five or six terms, but maintain their positions in several others. This had never happened before. Give credit to Barry Lloyd of www.SearchEngineGuide.com for cleverly uncovering the process. For Google, this shakeup is just a temporary fix. It will have to make much bigger changes if it is serious about harnessing the "democratic" nature of the Web and neutralizing the artificial results of so many link exchanges. Here are a few techniques Google might use (remember to think like a search engine): Google might use a combination of these techniques and ones not mentioned here. We cannot predict the exact algorithm, nor can we assume that it will remain constant. What we can do is to prepare our websites to look and act like a website would on a "democratic" Web as Google would see it. For Google to hold its own against upstart search engines, it must deliver on its PageRank promise. Its results reflect the "democratic" nature of the Web. Its algorithm must prod webmasters to give links on their own merit. That won't be easy or even completely possible. And people will always find ways to turn Google's algorithm to their advantage. But the techniques above can send the Internet a long way back to where Google promises it will be. The time is now to start preparing your website for the changes to come. About The Author David Leonhardt is an online and offline publicity specialist who believes in getting in front of the ball, rather than chasing it downhill. To get your website optimized, email him at info@thehappyguy.com. For a copy of Don't Get Banned By The Search Engines: http://thehappyguy.com/SEO.html. For a copy of Get In The News: http://thehappyguy.com/publicity-self-promotion-report.html.
MORE RESOURCES:
SEO - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why Search Engine Traffic Should be Your Top Priority Most Internet marketing methods are risky and many will not have any affect on traffic to a web site. Some online marketers will sell you anything from banner impressions, to mass email campaigns (spam), to popup ads. How to Manage SEO Whether you launch a search engine optimization program in-house or outsource the program, you should keep the following training opportunities and skill sets in mind:? Advanced SEO techniques, including page titles, META descriptions, META keyword sets, internal page cross-linking, search engine submissions, robots.txt files and domain name management;? Comprehends keyword weighting, proximity, density and related factors;? Search term ranking analysis;? Link popularity building research, management and strategy;? Online forum and industry newsletter monitoring;? National SEO conferences;? HTML and advanced programming languages;? Web site content writing;? Essential Web site usability practices;? Keyword research, including a firm understanding of language and the way people search;? Web analytics, including understanding common and complex metrics associated with visitors, unique visitors, page views, online sales, profitability and more;? Ability to see the big picture and not go so overboard with SEO practices that the web site gets banned from major search engines;? Appreciation for ethical standards (i. Five Tips to Improve Your Chances with Google et al. "Dear David: I just created a website on baby toy safety. What should I do to make sure gazillions of people find me through the search engines?"I can't promise you gazillions, but there are a few things you should do to make it easy for search engines to find you. Do You Have a Bad SEO Company, or Are You Just a Bad Client? I admit it, our SEO services are pretty bad.Speaking of bad, the Beatles couldn't sing a tune, John Grisham has never written a decent novel, Dell makes crappy computer's, TiVo's and iPods suck, the Lord of the Rings movies lacked imagination and video killed the radio star. High Google Rankings: Frequency vs. Positioning There's an assumption that the higher a ranking or positioning you have with major search engines; the more people will beat a path to your web doorstep. But based on my experience, that's simply not true! There's another factor that is just as important and may actually drive more traffic to your site. Is Google Having a Tough Time with Their Website Limit? If you are one to pay attention to what happens within the Google realm, you might find yourself thrown for a loop these days. As Google updates their results, it seems like they are having some issues dealing with so many new websites popping up. Search Engine Optimization for Beginners If you are confused about terms like "search engine optimization" or having a "search engine friendly" site, then listen up! I am here to help.Depending on how long you have had, or considered having, a website online, you have heard terms thrown around like the above or even worse, acronyms! SEO comes to mind. Now More Than Ever...You Need To Optimize Your Site for Search Engines As the economy begins to recover in certain parts of the world, more and more online marketers are looking for affordable ways to drive qualified traffic to their sites. That's why, now more than ever, you need to optimize your site for the search engines. Press Releases Can Increase Search Engine Positioning When you write a press release, what is your ultimate goal? No doubt, getting the information to as many publications and on as many Web sites as possible. The focus lies in moving outward? taking the press release to as many *other* sources as possible. The Power of Topic Specific Search What are Topical Search Engines?Simply put, topical search engines are search engines focused on a specific industry, sector or topic.While many marketers are scrambling for links, any links, an area that is often overlooked is topic-specific search engines. Attack Smaller Searches To Get The Big Ones! Searching online can not only be fun, but you sometimes need to be downright inventive.For those of you who have been searching online for years now, you've probably adapted ways & techniques to find what you are looking for quickly. META Tags Explained and How To Use Them For Ranking The META tags are used to provide extra information about a web page. There was once a time where a good search engine ranking could be achieved by simply changing the value of the META tags. 10 Things to Expect from Your SEO Copywriter From the perspective of a business owner, webmaster, or marketing manager, the change exhibited by the Internet is profoundly exciting, yet profoundly disturbing. The information (and misinformation and disinformation) it offers, the business benefits it promises, and the rules it is governed by change at such a rapid rate that it's almost impossible to keep up. Complete Web-Site Optimization For Search Engines (Part 2) Source code optimization.{title}. 10 Costly Search Engine Mistakes to Avoid If you have a website then you already know the importance of traffic. Traffic is to Internet marketing as location is to real estate. Optimze Your Web Site on a Shoe String Budget Let me start off by saying I'm not a marketing guru or work for a fortune 500 advertising company. I don't even have a marketing background. Search Engine Marketing Hype Killing Small Businesses Think about the first thing you ever heard about "marketing a website" on the web. 99% of the time the first words anyone ever hears are "search engine marketing. Feed Those Hungry WIIFM Monsters, Get Them To Multiply Everyone packs their website with keywords in order to feed those keyword-hungry search engines spiders.Just do not starve your potential customers by forgetting to have the food they like:ample helpings of benefitstips rich in protein (practical)automatic weekly feedings (like a newsletter)If you (affectionately) look upon your potential customers as if they are WIIFM monsters, and understand how to care for and feed them, there will be no scary nightmares (unprofitable websites). SEO #1: Choosing THE Keywords to Optimize for This is the first lesson out of 6 that teaches you the most important elements of search engine optimization. You should read one of these 6 courses EVERY day so that you can have enough time to "digest" all the information and put them to the test. What is PageRank? Chances are you have been on the Internet and have been surfing in and out of websites looking for valuable information pertaining to a favorite topic or researching a subject for school or work. As you type in keyword(s) you match the information you are searching for on Google, you come up with 10,000 pages of information.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
