SEO Tip Chapter 1 SEO DEMYSTIFIED

The theory sounds simple: a search engine's goal is to offer the best results when a user conducts a keyword search. It is the job of SEO firms to make your website the best within identified keyword markets.

In the competitive world of online business, everyone wants to get on the first page of a search engine's results. Search engines evaluate a number of different elements when determining your web site's relevancy and making sure your site ranks well is becoming an increasingly difficult task as the factors that affect your website's search engine result page (SERP) rankings change often. Our goal is to assist you in reaching your target audience so that you can consistently be the most recognizable brand in your marketplace.  Check back for SEO TIPS to help you and your business stay on top of the rankings and in front of your customers.

TIP 1 - SEO DEMYSTIFIED

Source: Google

SEO is an acronym for "search engine optimization" or "search engine optimizer." Deciding to hire an SEO is a big decision that can potentially improve your site and save time, but you can also risk damage to your site and reputation. Make sure to research the potential advantages as well as the damage that an irresponsible SEO can do to your site. Many SEOs and other agencies and consultants provide useful services for website owners, including:

• Review of your site content or structure
• Technical advice on website development: for example, hosting, redirects, error pages, use of JavaScript
• Content development
• Management of online business development campaigns
• Keyword research
• SEO training
• Expertise in specific markets and geographies.

If you're thinking about hiring an SEO, the earlier the better. A great time to hire is when you're considering a site redesign, or planning to launch a new site. That way, you and your SEO can ensure that your site is designed to be search engine-friendly from the bottom up. However, a good SEO can also help improve an existing site.

Some useful questions to ask an SEO include:

• Can you show me examples of your previous work and share some success stories?
• Do you follow the Google Webmaster Guidelines?
• Do you offer any online marketing services or advice to complement your organic search business?
• What kind of results do you expect to see, and in what timeframe? How do you measure your success?
• What's your experience in my industry?
• What's your experience in my country/city?
• What's your experience developing international sites?
• What are your most important SEO techniques?
• How long have you been in business?
• How can I expect to communicate with you? Will you share with me all the changes you make to my site, and provide detailed information about your recommendations and the reasoning behind them?

While SEOs can provide clients with valuable services, some unethical SEOs have given the industry a black eye through their overly aggressive marketing efforts and their attempts to manipulate search engine results in unfair ways. Practices that violate our guidelines may result in a negative adjustment of your site's presence in Google, or even the removal of your site from our index.

Thank you for reading Chapter 1, stay tuned for Chapter 2 where we discuss how to recognize unethical SEO firms and web consultants.