Search Engine Optimization: A history lesson…

In the old days, major search engines primarily relied on meta-tags containing keywords and keyword phrases. The search engine robots (computerized scripts) would go out to crawl the web and copy website meta-data and retrieve content, or text, from the websites pages and copy it back to their central database. The central data base was then searched by Search Engine users and the most relevant results, or matches were sent back to the user. While good in theory, this arrangement didn’t work out as well as hoped, because frankly it was too easy and too tempting for website owners, or developers to cheat or try to outsmart the robots.

People started adding tons of keywords and phrases to their meta-data tags that had nothing to do with the products, services, or information being offered. For example, people would add the most popular or trendy words they could think of in hopes of getting more website traffic. For example, words like sex, drugs, rock and roll, Nascar, apple pie, The Beatles and Chevrolet were added. More crafty developers would even add white text to a white page background to embed some of the same words to fool the SE robots. In response, the SE owners had to implement a more sophisticated plan, which included a variety of checks and balances. So what now?

Content is KING

Today, several factors are considered in determining which results will be offered back to the user. Keywords and keyword phrases do not hold the same weight as in the past. Here is what Google has to say about it:

Google does no longer use the meta keyword and they confirm this in their Webmaster Central Blog: Google does not use the keywords meta tag in web ranking. Some search engines don’t use the meta tag information any more because many people abused it. In fact, meta tags may not represent the content of your site, but, it still doesn’t hurt your status with search engines if you make use of these little bits of information, and do so truthfully.

So what do we need to do?

• Develop content using a variety of words and phrase that include our key areas, that will cater to our desired results.
• Have a domain name, or generic domain name(s) that contain our keywords.
• Use descriptive page titles that include your primary keywords.
• Evaluate your results by looking at our website stats and add to or change content accordingly.

• Write press releases and submit to local publications (announce anything new with your business- new employee, new website, new offering, new location, etc.)
• Create a links page and ask complimentary businesses to link to your website – one hand washes the other- I’ll add a link to your website, will you link to mine? Think of other business that would be good referrals sources for you, or compliment your services.
• Make sure that any membership organizations that you belong to have current data and a link to your website – (IE local Chamber, business associations, etc.)
• Make sure your web address is included on ALL printed materials (I.E. letterhead, business cards, vehicles, advertisements, brochures) that you use – and are included in all media outlets (Yes, even the press releases).
• Make use of business directories and free online business listings (see Free Listings below)
• Surf and search the Internet to see where your competitors are coming up. Investigate to find out how much it cost to be there too.
• Search online to see who comes up first in the non-paid section of search engines results. Click the link to see if they offer free listings, free advertising, or low cost membership.

Free Listings: As with all things in life, sometimes we need to pay attention to the old sayings we’ve heard over and over. In this case, “You get what you pay for” or “Nothing in life is free”, may be applicable. Some companies, or online organizations, will let you submit your business information for free, with little hassle or obligations. BUT some, although they do not ask for money, do NOT come without any cost. For instance, once you submit your information to a free business-listing directory, normally you will receive an email that must be confirmed. Sometimes by confirming, you have automatically agreed to their terms and conditions. So use caution and pay attention to what these so called “free” listings want from you in return. Another thing to watch out for is automatically subscribing yourself to newsletters, email lists, et cetera. Some of these free services may want you to add a reciprocal link to your website. Other free listings are only temporarily free and will convert to paid advertising in order to maintain the listing. Beware of the terms and conditions that you are agreeing to when providing your data or submitting your website URL (address) and/or email address.

“Some web companies are good at designing sites, and others are good at the technical side of mapping them out. TH Creations is a very rare breed indeed: they are masters at the front end, i.e., designing a beautiful site, and the back end, ensuring it is functional, well thought out, and accessible. They have far, far exceeded my expectations in creating the “It’s Happening Here!” site. The best way to put it is this way: they took my “dream” site and made it a reality that everybody’s talking about. Their team also makes it a point to remain connected with the industry. With TH, you get big-firm expertise with small-company service.”

-Paul Badeau – Marketing Director

Home Conceptions

“I want to thank all of you for a great job. It’s been hard for me to find honest, reliable people since we became Maineiacs, and it is greatly appreciated. Your customer service is outstanding and will serve you well as your business continues to grow. Feel free to use me as a reference.” Thanks again,

-Phil Daigle – Owner

Once you have registered a domain name with an Internet Registrar the domain name belongs to you and cannot be registered by any other party at that point, however, domain registrations are limited to a specified time and will expire after the time specified. Domain name renewals are necessary to protect your ownership.

Why do I need to know about web standards?

Building with web standards benefits both site owners and users by increasing accessibilty for users (i.e. hearing impaired, those who use screen readers, et cetera), allowing a harmonious relationship with search engines, and enabling site developers to identify and make changes with ease and efficiency.

www.futurefueltechnologies.com – This website was launched on 05/20/2007 for Future Fuel Technologies, located in Lewiston, Maine. The website was designed and developed by T.H. Creations, Inc. This website employs a content management system and a blog for posting articles written by Frank Norman, degreed Chemist and CEO, of the company. Site viewers can register to post their comments on Frank’s published articles, providing an easy communication tool to interact with their audience, on the hot topic of “Saving Gas”.