Many people say that learning the fundamentals of search engine optimization (SEO) is not really hard. In fact, it is more time consuming than difficult. We know that there have been a lot of SEO consultants offering their services to web site owners. They are the most helpful people when it comes to this kind of business. However, this should not stop us from learning the basics of SEO.

Search engine optimization is continually evolving which does not only focus on text, but also includes the different kinds of digital asset optimization. Parts of it are audio, video, images and content delivery formats such as mobile and RSS.

Small business or web site owners can do a lot of things in order to improve their web sites prior to seeking professional help from the experts. They can work on their basic content optimization, the friendliness of the site and many others. The reason why they outsource these simple jobs without giving it a try is because they lack all the resources they need.

There are several things individuals and organizations need to work on. Always keep your goals for the site measurable and reachable. Make sure that you will be able to achieve them in a given period of time. Do a keyword research in order to generate the keyword phrases that your site needs. Always prioritize “user experience”, which means you keep all your content to be keyword sensitive. This should be on an ongoing or continuous basis so that there are no hassles in the future. Bear in mind that filenames which contain the keywords are really useful. One reminder, though, don’t ever change the whole site’s URL structure once another URL syntax has already been published. For the filenames, do not use underscores, but rather use hyphens. In order to speed page load and at the same time move the content up, place JavaScript and CSS data in an external file.

Additionally, never exchange the links just because you want to be on the top of the rank. Always avoid Link Churn. This will ensure your link’s stability for a longer period of time. Relevant keywords should be included in the anchor text of the pages of the interlinking site. Make sure that all the links to the pages on the site are validated. For lower level pages, make sure to make appropriate links, as well as cluster link between the subcategories. A treelike organization chart for the linking structure will certainly help. Just make sure that there are only a minimal number of clicks to any page.

Moreover, there are several things to avoid in the entering search engine market. Avoid more than 100 links that will be going out on any page, as it may break the site maps. Avoid the frequent usage of temporary (302) URL redirects but use instead the permanent redirects (301). JavaScript for navigation links should also be avoided, so use CSS for rollover.

These things are simple and yet very essential and we need to know them in order to keep our web site on the go.

Annetta Powell
Your Professional Success Coach