Many SEO (search engine optimization) firms would like to have you believe that SEO is a form of rocket science. When you talk to them, they are keen on throwing in technical jargon to show you how very very smart they are. SEO is not rocket science. In fact, if done properly, it is hardly an elementary school science fair. That is why it is so difficult for many people; because it really is so simple, and, those in the business often want to make you think it is complicated. Even though the technology has changed for high level SEO, the principles and basics are the same as they always were in laying a decent foundation to turn your site into a very popular entity.

I will say since returning to college a few years ago as a non-traditional adult student, much has changed in the way SEO is performed. There are some trade secrets that cannot be given away. However, there are plenty that can be given away, for free, and sure, I could write an e-book easily and sell it to you, but am I really helping you if you can research just a little and get the information free on the web? Of course not.

A few useful ides might go something like this. If you Google phrases like “How to find the best keywords for my website?” there are plenty of articles out there. Keywords are not a one-size-fits-all element of SEO. It depends on what you are purveying. To get started make a list of the best, most targeted keywords or keyword phrases. These keywords tell the search engines what your page is about. They must be words or phrases that you discover or know from instinct or experience that are typed into Google and other engines often. For instance, let’s say you are a Pontiac dealer that specializes in1972 Trans Ams. The novice on the web might use “Pontiac” or “Trans Am” as priority keywords. Not a good idea, as they are not targeted enough. The proper keyword phrase might be “Where to purchase a vintage Trans Am” or “Purchase 1972 Trans Am” or “Purchase 1972 Pontiac Trans Am” or all of them, or those and even more. Use your imagination. Think originally in terms of phrases that you feel others type in to find your goods or services, but perhaps other vendors have not. You may find yourself at number one before you know it.

Use a page title. At least one or two of your keywords or phrases should be included. It not only informs your visitors, but shows up on search engines. Write a title tag. Without one, there is no title. This can greatly affect amount of web visitors. A keyword-rich description tag is pertinent but it is a tight-wire act. You don’t want to overload it with keywords or phrases, but you don’t want to leave out the most important ones. One sentence is ideal; two is okay, but best in one if possible. This will show up in searches on Google, etc. It should give just enough information to make it compelling enough to click on, when someone sees it on an engine.

The years have passed and I cannot even remember the first time I heard the word “meta-tag” much less on which web site I was including them. Oddly, some of the most veteran web designers and article marketers do not have a clue as to how to use them. They are the words in “the guts” of your website, which the visitors do not see, but the web engine spiders not only see but rely upon them. It should be a line inside your website which is easy for the web engines to “see”. Make sure it describes your site well. Engines will often send web traffic your way depending on how written in a lucid fashion. If you have more than one keyword or phrase Meta tags are the best place to include them (and if you are thinking clearly, you probably do, have more than one). This again is a tight-wire act. Use them wisely, not too many, not too few.Read up on meta tags, ask questions. There are some very good full service web firms that will give you a free consultation. A lot can be learned simply by asking and studying.

The information that you write must be useful and considered “valuable content” to the search engines. Major search engines particularly notice articles that you will market with back-links to the site. They should have high density and always be rich with keywords and keyword phrases. Again, more engines will notice and click. The web is worldwide, you know, and people are rushed everywhere. Make it easy for them. Though keyword rich, be careful not just to write a story or description loaded with keywords, the search engines will will not notice you, not reward you, but possibly push you back a few pages, or some may even delete you, including Google. They will reward you if the information has density and you use the keywords or keyword phrases properly. The information must make sense, even to the search engine robots. Please; no redirects or a trashy/busy site. If possible, imagine yourself in the user’s shoes. Don’t you want to click once on the search engine indexed link that takes you to a useful website that gives you the information or products they need? Of course, and so do they. Think it through, make a plan, work the plan, and people will visit your site than you thought possible.