Updated 11/2/2007
"Search Engine Optimization" is the process of revising and editing web pages to improve their position in the results returned from internet search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN.
Most search engines know that website owners do this, but would prefer they did not.
That being said, Google has an entire "help section" for webmasters.
Google's "Webmaster Guidelines" are a good
checklist for rewriting your webpages in a way most effective for both search engines and users.
A checklist of simple items to do on your website and your pages:
- Make sure all links and form elements on your pages work correctly
- Make sure each page has at least one link connected to it.
- Create a "site map" page that links to all your webpages
- Set the "META TAGS" on all your web pages correctly; these tags include:
Description, Keywords, Keyphrases, Subject, Abstract, Expires, etc...
For an example, look at the "source code" for this webpage you're reading right now.
- Try to get as many links to your webpages as you can, without accumulating more than 50 at a time.
Buying links is not a good idea, as search engines may penalize you for doing it.
What are some good "link bait" tricks to get people to visit your site, and link to you?
Add new fresh content to your website on a regular basis.
(Yes, that's what we're doing with these articles)
Be aware that copying content from someone else can get you banned in Google, etc.
Copyscape is a good way to find out if anyone has copied your content.
How do you get copied content taken down? Usually, just asking the webmaster is sufficient. If not, report
them to their ISP / web host; if necessary, cite the DMCA.
Put news items about your industry on your web site.
Post games on your web site.
Offer items "free with" so much purchased, etc.
"Free" is a powerful, often searched for word, but can backfire if misused.
Submission to Search engines:
Google
Yahoo
MSN
Resources for webmasters:
Wikipedia entry on SEO
Our webmaster's links to SEO resources
