The main part of the search engine optimization process for your Web site is to actually perform your Web site content for the keywords you have selected. To properly optimize your content, the selected keywords should be woven into a number of page elements, including Title tags, Meta tags, page copy, Alt attributes, and in- and outbound link anchor text. With the exception of the Keywords Meta tag -- whose sole purpose is to list keywords --, the keywords should be seamless parts of the textual flow. Any attempt to stuff in keywords at the expense of coherence might be considered search engine spamming.
Note that each of the Web site pages for which you want to generate Internet traffic should be individually optimized. Doing so enables you to be very specific in your page optimization and thus provide multiple search engine entry ways to your site.
The following Web site/Web page elements should be keyword-optimized:
* Title tag
The Title tag defines a Web page's name, which will be displayed in the top bar of a Web browser. This tag is one of the most important page elements in terms of search engine optimization and thus should be carefully optimized for the keyword(s) you have selected. Ideally, the Title tag should mirror its page's contents, provide an appealing lead-in, and help boost the site's search engine ranking all achieved in a few, easily-read words. Therefore, a Title tag should include a few, carefully selected keywords, yet remain readable as a headline.
* Meta tags
Meta tags are used to define pertinent Web page information, including descriptions, keyword lists, and occasionally page-refreshing intervals, robot commands, author names, and page language. Ideally, each of the pages on your Web site should include keyword-optimized Description and Keywords Meta tags.
* The Description Meta tag defines which site information a search engine will display in its listing of a Web site (some search engines will display snippets from the body text). The tag, therefore, should be rich on keywords while briefly and concisely explaining the type and contents of the Web site/page. Preferably in a manner that will entice the search engine user to step inside for a closer look.
* The Keywords Meta tag allows you to compile a complete list of keywords that relate to your Web site/page. The words and phrases entered into this tag should mirror and encompass the major contents and topics covered on the page. Note that a most major search engines have all but ceased to focus on this tag.
* Page copy
Each of your Web pages should contain well-written, informative, keyword-optimized copy. Search engines, like humans, appreciate unique, well-composed content and will generally reward it with high search engine rankings. There is no exact ratio that defines the optimal frequency of keyword occurrences in a Web page's body text. However, you should weave the main keywords into the body text as often as possible without making it appear forced.
* Alt attributes
Alt attributes, which are used to provide descriptions of the images on a Web page, allow you to enter informative, keyword-rich content to accompany the images. Alt attributes much provide an actual, accurate description of the images they accompany.
* Link anchor text
Where applicable, you should make your Web site keywords part of the anchor text (i.e., the readable part of a hyperlink) of the links on your Web site. The anchor text can be used to tell both humans and search engines what type of document a link is pointing to.
* Backlink anchor text
Because link analysis is a centerpiece of the ranking algorithms of all of the Internet's top search engines, the anchor text of your Web site's back links (inbound links) is a critical search engine optimization factor. In essence, a back link whose anchor text contains one or more of your Web site's keywords generally be considered more important than one whose anchor text is generic and non-descriptive. In essence: If a link's anchor text music CDs and the link points to an online music store, that link will receive a relatively high ranking because the context supports the link destination. Conversely, if the link text/adjacent text makes no mentioning of music or any related terms, search engines will not credit the link for its context. In short: If a back link indicates that the originating Web site considers the targeted site important, then the link text and link context may indicate why it considers it important.
Comments (0 posted)
CyberNews
