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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A “study” was released that notes that the majority of searchers will rarely go past the top 3 pages in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). Then, it found that 70% of searchers noted that if they didn’t find what they were looking for on the top page — they started a new search. You need to be in that “Top 10″ out of billions or you are SOL.
I got a kick out of the top page scenario as my experience shows an even more radical point of view. Most searchers do not go past those links that are visible “above the fold!” Above the fold refers to the point where you would have to use your scroll bar to see the sites listed on the bottom half of the first page.
One of my sites has been fluctuating between 2-15 positions for years on Google (ranks much better on Yahoo and consistently #1 or top 5 in Live Search). I’ve used white hat SEO — keywords, titles, headlines and content for site visitors not for search engines. I grow and build the site — have no advertising and a bunch of free tools. It is clearly the most information packed, featured rich site on the topic (not just my personal opinion but of those who have found me and e-mail me on a regular basis). These folks are the 8%. They are looking for quality and take the time to look for it. They don’t simply click on whatever Google serves up above the fold, assume that is the best and stop there. They know better.
Clearly “the best site” doesn’t translate into top rankings. It is a catch 22. If your site is on the top, you get found, you get more links. But you can’t get the volume of links you need to be on top unless you are already above the fold.
Backlinks, which contribute highly to where you are ranked, rely on a factor the search engines are unable to compensate for. Does a link to a site on a certain topic simply because they are the first listed int he SERPs translate as the best quality site on the topic? Not necessarily. The study also notes that 92% of onliners take the path of least resistance and rely on whatever info is the first to display that then negates any additional effort on their part. Yes, clicking and scrolling is now considered effort.
So when you are thinking of backlinks and Google, think of the laziness factor. You need to get those highly coveted backlinks — above the fold — because most onliners won’t look past them to find your great site– even if it is factually a better design, information resource, product, etc. And sometimes, the above the fold positions may simply be unattainable.
There are so many factors involved in how search engine algorithms rank sites and IMNSHO there is a ton of work that still needs to be done to do so more accurately. Until then however, backlinks are the Holy Grail of rankings.
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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