When building a new site, you have to think SEO (Search Engine Optimization) before you type a bit or byte of code and then continue SEO efforts through the entire development process. SEO should then be front and center moving forward after your launch for every change and addition you make to your new site.
Even if you buy one of the Web Site Designs in my gallery, you should have a specific plan about what you want to accomplish with search engine rankings before you start your customization efforts. Determining what you want to accomplish is far beyond simply stating “I want to be in the Top 10.” Who doesn’t? The questions then is how are you going to accomplish that? Now, that’s what a plan should include!
You need to do keyword research, market research and product/service research so that you are very clear what is ahead of you. New sites have to spend time in the search engine “sandbox” (sort of a waiting area for new sites to pay their dues). This waiting period can be 6-9 months or more before the indexes will include your site. When you do get indexed you want to hit the gate running!
Search engine rankings can be frustrating and they take allot of ongoing efforts to achieve. In a day when being on that top page can make or break your business, SEO is a topic that needs to be seriously discussed front the start, for the long term which should include an ongoing plan.
A new study just came out that has very interesting details about how folks search — confirming what I say all the time — work to get on that top page (preferably “above the fold”) — or your chances of getting found drop exponentially!
This very informative well put together Search Results Report is available in PDF download. At first, you may find it to be information overload — however, this is information that you would be wise to be exposed to and make every effort to embrace.
Read, learn and prosper!
At your service,
Judith
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Why do so many still think that having an online business or Web site will provide instant results — with minimal effort too boot? Impatient site owners who have implemented little to none of the recommendations and suggestions that have been made that require their time, effort and in some cases expense, are those who complain most.
I find that odd in that if you were to review my site, talk to me on the phone, or e-mail me for advice on the topic of getting found in search engines and marketing your site, I am very, very clear about the reality of what getting found online entails. I don’t sugar coat what a site owner needs to consider and then do while letting you know I am here to help. That reality is enough to send many running for the hills looking for that “solution” that negates the truth.
Why is it some site owners act like a child in the back seat of the car when on vacation? “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” They aren’t driving. They aren’t filling up the tank. They don’t bother to check the map to see what direction they need to go.
The same answer applies to your Web site. You are not there until you get there. And that requires certain efforts be made and expenses incurred to reach your destination. You will never get to where you want to be with wishful thinking or a belief that the reality of getting online exposure is something that can be ignored and is only one person’s opinion. Attaining rankings isn’t rocket science; it’s pretty black and white.
Here are some of my articles on the topic of getting search engine rankings. These articles will help you to become familiar with the reality of getting found so that rather than having to ask “Are we there yet?” you may actually get somewhere!
Ten Commandments of Search Engines
Top 5 Search Engine Optimization Myths
Optimize Schmoptimize!
At your service,
Judith
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Everyone wants top 10 rankings as though just because they wished it that should make it so. Wishing has nothing to do with rankings. Unless you have a genie in a bottle, we all know it simply just doesn’t work that way. Read the rest of this entry »
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