Numerous SEM’s, or search engine managers, would like to have you believe that SEO is as mystical as quantum physics (so they can charge you more, generally). 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 created effectively, it is akin to a junior high homework assignment. 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 are similar as they were when conceived many years ago. The whole point is to take your site from level A to level B and of course beyond. But no steps can be skipped or the whole process does not work effectively.

Going back to college several years back as a non-traditional adult student, I quickly noticed much has changed in the way SEO is facilitated, and, what is considered “valuable content” and what is not. 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 and find the same info for free? I don’t think so.

Included in this article are a few ideas that have helped me (and many others) through the SEO maze. 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 search engine optimization. It depends on what you are selling or saying. 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 Olds dealer that specializes in 1972 Olds Delta 88s. The novice on the web might use “Oldsmobile” or “Delta 88″ as keywords. They are not good choices, as they are much too broad and untargeted. The proper keyword phrase might be “Where to buy a “where to buy a 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88″ or “Where to purchase a ‘72 Olds Delta 88″ or “purchase 1972 Delta 88″ or all of them, or those and even more Be imaginative. Keyword phrases usually bring in more ROI (return on investment) than broader keywords (one word), as you may find yourself on Google page 1000, or not even at all.

At least one or two of your keywords or phrases should be included in your page title. It not only tells your story in “Cliff Notes” to a surfer, , but generally appears on all major 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 pertinent words. One sentence is preferred but 2 is fine if need be. This makes your site both “viewer and Google-friendly”.

It has been so long that I cannot even remember the first time I heard the term “meta-tag”, much less learn how to use them. Sadly 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 engine robots to notice. Make sure it tells about your site “the way it is”; no embellishment. Engines will often send web traffic your way depending on how well it is written. If you have more than one keyword or phrase Meta tags are the best place to for them to be placed, (and if you are thinking clearly, you probably do, have more than one or even several). This again is a tight-wire act. Use them wisely, not too many, not too few. Read up on “How To Write Meta Tags” by Googling it. If this is confusing, as so many tekkie articles can be, keep researching and/or find a decent SEO or full service web design company who can give you the answers (with a good reputation that do not charge an arm or a leg). Caution; do not choose the first web company you find. Ask around. Look at samples of their work. Read their client’s testimonials. Check their prices.

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.