How often can we update keywords? Are we limited to a certain amount of keywords?
On our full service executive package we do not limit the keywords you can choose, but we do insist that your keep your site focused on your content. We will optimize your site for the keywords appropriate to the amount of content and pages on your site, and will also optimize your site for each product. We work with you to come up with the best list of generic targeted keywords, and to correctly optimize a site for these keywords we need appropriate content for these keywords. We stay away from "keyword stuffing" a website, as search engines realize that a site that is more targeted to a few specific keywords is more important to rank higher in a search than one that has many non-specific keywords; in some extreme cases, "keyword stuffing" can even get a site banned from being listed on the search engines!
Why is search engine ranking so important?
The recent study by Jupiter Media Metrix proves that search engine optimization generates a better return on investment than any other conventional form of marketing. Web promotion provides a better return than television, radio, direct mail, print ads, and trade shows.
Over 55% of all Internet purchases begin with a search engine. Today's top search engines receive hundreds of millions of searches per day. If your web site is not appearing within the first two pages of these results, you are missing thousands of qualified leads.
Having a top ranking in a major search engine is like having a full page ad in the Yellow Pages in every major city of the world. Our clients see incredible growth in their sales as a result of being moved to the top of the search engines.
Why is Search Engine Optimization important to our business?
What good is having a web site if it is not being seen?
90% of Internet buyers are turning to search engines to find the products they want. Google alone conducts over 150 million searches a day.
In fact, recent studies show that purchasers are about 12 times more likely to buy your products or services after finding your site through a search engine than all other traditional advertising methods combined (including trade shows, print ads, direct mail, radio, and even television)... at a fraction of the cost!
Why? Simply put, when a consumer finds you through a search engine they are ready to buy. With traditional forms of media, you are broadcasting a message hoping to reach the right consumer at the right time.
Can you guarantee top positions for my search phrases?
Yes, if your search term is "Screeching Camels" or some equally obscure term with virtually no competition online. NO, absolutely no guarantees if your desired search phrase is popular, such as "small business internet tutorial" which it took us years to achieve for WebSite101.
Businesses from intensely competitive markets, such as auto sales, digital cameras, computers or retail sales of generic products competing against internationally known retailers need complex SEO strategies to rank well those strategies take time and patience.
While we will dramatically improve your visibility, no search engine optimization firm can guarantee top positions. This is something even the search engines will tell you. See where Google's Information for Webmasters The second bullet point on this page will tell you that "No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google". Firms offering guarantees are unethical and should be reported.
What is a "Site Map" and why is it so important to SEO?
Site maps are at the heart of Search Engine Friendly Design. They make it very quick and easy for the search engines to find and index every page on your web site by putting links to every page in one spot.
Site maps also allow you to help the search engines to clearly understand what your web site is about and presents some unique opportunities in optimization. "Keyword density" is a term often used to describe the number of times a particular search phrase appears within your site. Site maps should make maximum use of your most relevant and important keywords. It should contribute to your keyword density within the link text on the page.
All links should be plain text and point to every page within your site with descriptive words that make it easy for both visitors and search engine spiders to understand what they will find on each page linked to from your site map page. Site maps are essential as an optimization technique and should always be linked to from your index page or home page.
How do you get your site in the top 10 rankings?
- Research the keywords
- Ensure you have one page of 400-600 words per 2-4 keywords
- Optimize the content of each page so that search engines relate your page to your keywords
- Fix any HTML errors
- Arrange non-reciprocated links
- Arrange reciprocated links
- Monitor the site’s position and repeat the above as necessary
Will you handle our web metrics and conversion measurement?
We use Urchin Web stats and index tools. Each client is free to use either or both. For Urchin, we require access to our client's log files. We insist that each of our clients track their site's traffic and conversions and we will provide advice and support if conversions are low. Our primary goal is to increase each client's web traffic and improve their rankings. They are also given access to our client portal to access their reports via the Internet at any time.
How long before we see the results of an SEO campaign?
Each search engine and directory indexes sites at it's own pace. Some sites will provide inclusion within a week, while most others may take 6-8 weeks to first visit the site and additional time to index. As a result, it is hard to say exactly when you will see results. As a general rule of thumb, it will take up to 12 weeks for your site to be fully indexed upon completion of the optimization.
What about Pay-Per-Click search engines? Is this a cost-effective method of advertising?
Some search engines offer a pay-per-click model where you can bid for top placement. The most well-known search engine of this kind is Overture.com. The highest bidder for a chosen term ranks highest in the "sponsored" search engine results for this term, the next highest appears second, etc. You pay your bid price each time a user clicks on your listing.
The more you bid, the higher your listing is ranked. PPC often turns into bidding wars driving the cost of some keywords to more than $5 per click.
The effectiveness of pay-per-click depends on how much gross profit you make per item sold and what your conversion ratio is: you may be able to turn a profit. If you are a small business owner, bidding wars may drive prices out of your reach. It is often difficult to compete with big businesses with larger budgets.
Our Search Engine Optimization service is a cost-effective alternative to Pay-Per-Click programs. We offer the most effective way to reach a large customer base with a relatively small investment, and we do not charge you per click.
Our clients who have tried Pay-Per-Click in the past will tell you our promotions deliver a lot more traffic at only a fraction of the cost.
This said, though, we highly recommend that you try PPC to gauge its effectiveness. It works very well in some industries. If you would like more help, we offer professional PPC management.
How do I choose good keywords?
Great question! Targeting the right keywords is critical to your success. After extensive discussion and brainstorming, we will help you find the right keywords using professional keyword research tools. We have an entire page dedicated to helping you choose the right keywords.
How do we begin? What is the first step to get started?
When you are ready to get started, simply fill out the request a quote form. We will contact you within one business day to discuss the specific details of your promotion. |
