Search Engine Optimisation
Optimise for Search or for Search Engine?
It can sometimes be a compromise of words when it comes to writing good copy for the content of a website. Attracting the attention of the major search engines is usually at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to publishing their company website. As a consequence it’s easy to see many websites are stuffed with sometimes irrelevant keywords leaving very little useful content for the site user.
Where possible it’s always better to adopt a balanced approach, try to think of how your customers may view your business, in particular what words or phrases would the public use that would best describe what you do or sell?
It’s important to remember your website is for the benefit of your business and your customer’s, not solely for the attention of search engines. To achieve the best results search engines need to be able to associate your website with the keywords and phrases that best describe your business as searched for by your customers or prospective customers.
If you’re unsure what those words and phrases might be why not ask the people who know? Undertake a little Market Research, randomly ask some of your existing customers which words spring to mind that best describe what you do or sell, for best results and maximum exposure ensure these keywords or phrases are incorporated into your website.
Link Exchanges for Search Engine Optimisation
Search Engine Optimisation (S.E.O.) is a popular subject with everyone keen to see their website high up in search engine results. Some businesses are taking part in mass link exchanges in an attempt to increase their web presence and move their sites up the search results. Attracting good quality links to your site is helpful in improving the position of your website in search results but have ever you stopped to consider who you’re exchanging links with? Are you exchanging links with your competitors?
If you don’t use Google AdSense because you know adverts for your competitors might appear on your own site you might want to think about whether you should have a page of links to your competitors on your website? If your site does carry links and these are quality links that form a business partnership then these must be considered as good links. However, if the link exchange is just an attempt to improve your websites position in search engine results this could have a negative effect on your business by taking visitors away from your site to that of your competitor’s.
If you had a High St shop or business would you have a notice board giving your customers the contact details of your competitors along with an offer of a free lift to their premises? Only link to and accept links from sites that provide a specific benefit or positive online experience to you or your site visitors.
There’s only so much room at the top of the search results so it might be worth asking yourself; are all those links to your competitors really working for you or against you?