Search Engine Optimization

The work of search engine optimization changes just about every day. Even in the last month things have changed to where more directories and search engines are charging people to submit to them.

But let's have a little lesson on search engines. Pure search engines go out onto the Web and index sites according to key words, descriptions and content. For example, if someone is looking for padded barstools in Miami, they will type words such as barstools, padded and Miami into the search box. Then a list of places that meet these criteria will pop up in order of the likelihood that it will match your needs.

The criteria for ordering these sites change on a regular basis with these search engines. There is an art and science to formatting a page, putting in the right key words, and using descriptive file names. Nancy is able to do that with her clients in ways you and I can't do.

On another vein, there are directories out there, such as Yahoo! and Looksmart. You have to pay to be put on these, normally around $200. The advantage to be in a directory is they have actual humans looking at your site and evaluating it. Plus they are a source for many other search directories out there.

If you want to get your site higher in the search engines, consider hiring a professional to do your search engine optimization. That way you can focus your energies on sales or creating more and better product (again, talking about focus). It will help you make the most of your investment in your Internet strategy.

*****
Dave Carlson owns Green Chair Marketing Group, an Internet marketing firm in Denver, Colo., specializing in driving visitors to web sites by Denver search engine optimization, pay per click advertising, and web site design/redesign. Call 720-922-3124 or visit his web site at http://www.GreenChair.net.