Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Basics
Our basic SEO strategy is to include keywords in headers <h1>, page titles, internal links, and again in text. As you may already know the search engines now largely ignore meta tags and look more at header tags and text content, specifically the first 200 words on each web page. We also populate the meta tags, however this is no longer the best/only approach to take.
Repetition of key words in page titles, headers, links, and text produce the best results. In addition, bolding keywords in text also increase its importance with search engines.
Keyword Selection:
Another issue where keyword selection is concerned is to determine whether the keyword is too popular or competitive. You may need select more specific keywords. You might change Custom Software Development to a vertical market keyword, Custom Blackberry Application Development.
Overall, you should provide me with Page Title, Keywords for that particular page, and copy. Make sure you think like a person who is searching, often searches are phrased as a question with more than three words in the search term, like Best Custom Software Development in Texas.
Copywriting:
Copy should be short paragraphs with headings or bullet points, not LONG prose. The WALL OF WORDS drives folks away. Each page should have around 200 words of copy. Once you surpass 1000 words the page is TOO long and search engine is no longer looking.
As you write/revise the copy on your website, you need to make me aware of your keywords and use the strategies above.
For Instance:
Page Title: Lake Charles Custodial Services
Heading: Lake Charles Custodial Services
Text: Our firm specializes in providing Custodial Services to the Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Westlake areas. Janitorial Services include office cleaning, house cleaning, corporate apartment maid / butler services, post-hurricane clean-up...and so on.
We also have a copywriter, trained in SEO strategies, available to assist you in developing the content for your website.
Additional Content
Add additional copy filled pages to site such as H2 articles, tips, tutorials, FAQs. Write articles for submission on sites such as www.EzineArticles.com or www.SearchWarp.com. Articles should be between 350 – 500 words. Include a resource box at end of article with links to your site and you/ your company biography.
Backlinks
A backlink directs others toward your site, aka Inbound Links or IBLs. Sites with a good number of quality backlinks increase your ranking.
Site Submissions
Submit links to your site to directories that allow free submissions or some paid directories.
Blogging
Place links to your site on other related blogs. Or link to their sites from your blog. Update blog regularly and post interesting content.
Facebook & Twitter
Create facebook fan pages and a twitter account where your customers can follow your business "tweets". Search for Michelle Woodyear, the first few entries that come up are from Facebook. With those kinds of results, can you afford NOT to have a Facebook Page for your business?