Search Engine Optimization For Beginners

On November 16, 2009, in search engine optimization, by Michael Fleischner

In my continual quest to make search engine optimization and number one rankings available to everyone doing business online, I’m often asked how to take advantage of search engine optimization when just starting out.

The best way for me to explain search engine optimization basics is to first provide an overview of how search engines work. Although optimization techniques should take all major search engines into consideration, the reality is that by optimizing your website or blog for Google is the best investment you can make.

SEO has an impact on search engine rankings. In essence your are controlling where your site ranks for a given search term or phrase. Some people feel that having this control is not fair or somehow manipulates search engines in a bad way. I disagree with this statement in that SEO allows you to accentuate the positive related to your website or blog. Yes, people try to game the system but they need to be identified and taken off the web. In such a high stakes game as Internet marketing, some are prone to stretch the boundaries and do things that are inappropriate.

Search engines work based on algorithms. When a user goes to MSN and types in a keyword phrase, that search engine returns a variety of results related to the keyword term. How does it do that? Hard to say since all search engines work differently. The key is that results are somehow related to your search term.

You may be asking exactly what exactly decides which sites get listed in search engine results. The reality is that every search engine is unique. The methodology they use to list sites associated with particular keyword phrases varies. One really great aspect of search engine optimization however is that it dispels some of the mystery around how search engines work and what you can do to improve rankings.

Everyone wants to know the one single thing they can do to improve their website ranking. The fact of the matter is that SEO is complex and there are many factors that go into determining the ranking of a website. That said, there are a number of principles you can use to positively impact your rankings and this is commonly referred to as SEO best practices. These best practices are widely reported on the internet and are essential for top placements.

If you are looking for help with search engine optimization, there’s plenty out there. How can you tell which advice is good and which isn’t? The key is to focus on results. Look at your competitors who are out ranking you and look at their websites? Also, find resources with a proven track record of increasing search engine ranking for even the most competitive keywords.

For anyone doing business online, I recommend having a working knowledge of search engine optimization. Although I don’t recommend trying to become and SEO expert, I do feel that it’s important to have an awareness of basic SEO principles. This is important because everything you do, from naming your web pages, to developing partnerships needs to consider the implications of search engine rankings.

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categories: search engines,seo,search engine optimization,seo,ranking,online

Marketing In Tough Times: Improve Website Conversions

On November 13, 2009, in internet marketing, by Michael Fleischner

marketing1Marketing online can be complicated. So many segments, audiences, and offers, finding the right Internet marketing mix is more difficult than ever before. With the help of some online tools, a good strategy, and careful management of your campaigns, you can significantly improve your marketing results even in a difficult economy.

For businesses that have a mature online marketing program, improving website performance is a constant struggle. In the last few months, you may have seen fewer visitors to your website or fewer conversions. To improve your top line, you need to better leverage your visitors and turn them into customers.

I have developed a number of methods to best leverage the traffic I receive to my website. With smaller budgets for PPC and other forms of online advertising, getting visitors to convert is more important than ever. These techniques are simple to implement and can really improve conversions.

Provide an informational giveaway. When visitors enter your website, provide some valuable information in exchange for a name and email. This capture of information is essential for marketing your products to web site visitors. Once they offer their information communicate with them on a regular basis.

Set up an auto responder. After users sign up for free information, automate the communications you send to them. This can be done for as little as twenty dollars per month. Your messages should be designed to move your website browsers through the purchase decision process.

Create must have information or resources on a regular basis. Another way to entice website visitors is by changing your informational offers on a weekly schedule. Think about creating a weekly online seminar or chat that are unique from week to week. This keeps things new and gives browsers a reason to return to your website.

Lastly, think about starting a newsletter. Newsletters are great for opening up a dialogue with your users and helping them solve problems or issues they may be facing. Create topical articles that are relevant and leverage your list to increase sales. Newsletters are inexpensive to produce and improve relationships with customers.

Improving website conversions is more important than ever. It may take some time for the economy to turn around. As a result, you need to try new methods of converting browsers to purchasers. The best way to do so is by offering free content in the form of an informational download or online newsletter. Try different things and measure the results. Once you have found something that works, stick with it.

As you experiment and find new ways to convert your visitors, communicate with them regularly and continue to create value. Over time, these individuals will convert into full paying customers.

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