What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
Before I answer this question, let me ask you a few questions: How will people find your website once you build it? How do you usually find something on the web? What prevents someone from finding your competitors website first?
There is no doubt that we work in a competitive market. Unless you happen to have a totally unique and completely patented idea, you are in competition with someone. “So what” if your product is better and cheaper. If people can’t find you then they will never know, because the web is big. Enter Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Most people use search engines to find things on the web. SEO is the process whereby we optimize your site so that people can find you. For example, let’s say that you are selling collectible Hot Wheels cars. First, you want to know the answer to this question, “What search terms do collectors use when they search the web?” Next you want to use those search terms on your website. Does that mean you can just put the words “Collectible Hot Wheels” 100 times all over your your home page? Well it used be that simple, but things have changed, making it harder to trick search engines, and that's a good thing.
Most large search engines look for more then just the repetition of keywords on your website. In fact many search engines actually rank your site based upon it’s perceived value, quality, navigability, and level of professionalism. In short, you need to know something about how search engines work in order to get your site to the top of the search.
Needless to say, Trusted offers Search Engine Optimization for you site. However, there are many things that you can do. Hire us, or do it yourself. Just don’t forget to do it.
Tips
Titles are Vital
Title your pages uniquely and clearly. In other words, don’t have 4 pages on your site named the same thing. Make sure that your titles describe exactly what is on the page, but try and cheat. Search Engines may penalize you for not titling your pages properly and ethically.
Consider all the Titles
There are numerous titles on a web page. First, there is the title at the top of the browser. In dotNetNuke, you set this Title in the page properties. Second, there is your main title in the content. You should use an Heading1 or Heading2 style on your main title. (Use Heading3, Heading4, and so on, for subtitles further down the page). You can set your Headings using the dotNetNuke editor and choosing the Headings drop-down. Third, there is a meta title that is embedded in your website code. DotNetNuke sets this title when you set you page property Title.
Make an Excellent Introductory Paragraph
Every page should clearly describe itself using relevant and popular terms. Often search engines use opening paragraphs to describe your page to web searchers.
Add Meta Keywords and a Description
Using dotNetNuke you can set the keywords and the description at the page properties. Some researchers argue that search engines don’t use meta keywords and descriptions anymore, but I disagree. I see search engines using these terms all the time, and it only takes a few minutes to make sure that they are right. For the description, you may copy the first sentence of your page, or take a minute to describe your page in the best language possible. Many search engines try to build a description for your page on their own, but in many cases they default back to your meta description, so make it good.
For keywords, make up a comma separated list of words that are relevant to your page. Again, don’t try to cheat here and include words that are not relevant. You must be careful not to mislead your public and the search engines with terms that do not belong to you. Search engines will penalize you and you will get caught eventually.
Include Relevant Images with Alt Tags
When you insert an image on your page, make it count. Be sure that it relates to your topic and represents something related to the market (keywords) that you are trying to hit. Then include an ALT tag for that image using those keywords. Media, such as images and videos related to your search terms, is a good way to improve your rank and relavance.
Make Your Content Clear and Relevant
Content is King on the web. The better your content, the better your business.
Offer Free Advice, Information, and even Articles (Like this one!)
The web is all about free information. Search Engines and users love finding good information for free. Search Engines may give you a higher rank if you include good and free information. Consider writing articles related to your business and posting them on your website.
Offer Valuable Resources
In addition to free information, you can offer free resources. For example, a mortgage calculator, weather, news, links to sites that you have reviewed (with reviews), etc.
Rotate Your Content
Search Engines and people like to see new and fresh content. Don’t let your content become stale. Find ways to offer new and helpful information.
Buy a Book, Attend a Seminar
There are a lot of great books out there on SEO and a lot of great seminars. You know what to do.
Ultimately, we believe that Trusted, via dotNetNuke, can provide you with an excellent website that supports great SEO. If you have not signed-up with us then please consider an account.
Things to Do