SEO FAQ The Top Questions Answered

What You Don’t Know About Search Optimization Could Cost You

What exactly is a search engine?: A search engine is very sophisticated software that uses search words or word phrases entered by a user to scour the Internet and return lists of websites and documents that best match the user's request.; The synonymous terms spider, robot, bot and crawler refer to the special programs that execute the requested search and deliver results to the user's computer for viewing. Google and Yahoo are just two of dozens of search engines available today.

How do I help Google find my site?: Googlebot is very sophisticated software that follows links from one web page to another. Google does a very good job spidering regualar sites. However, when you have a dynamic site Googlebot struggles with the dynamic URLs.; By creating a Google sitemap feed you can bring these troublesome URLs directly to the attention of Google. This also helps Google index your site for local search engine optimization.
Google Sitemap Feeds for Google Mobile Search engine optimization »

What is search optimization?: In simplest terms, optimization prepares your website to respond fully and favorably to software that searches or "crawls" the Internet for information. It transforms an otherwise static site into a powerful, active and dynamic marketing tool that attracts new customers and builds sales. While many people still believe that slapping a few metatags (special codes) onto their pages will bring hordes of new traffic there, many top-rated search engines simply ignore meta tags when determining rank or position. True search optimization requires specialized expertise, as well as an intimate understanding of how people search for information. Effective optimization is an ongoing process—a corporate commitment, —not just a one-time purchase.

How much does search optimization cost?: You can spend a lot or you can spend a little. But results generally depend on the level of investment. According to Fortune magazine, Autobytel, the very successful online auto-sales giant, spends $250,000 monthly on Google alone. You can also begin with around $1,000 per month. Search-Optimization.com, is best suited for clients who can spend at least $5,000 per month on search optimization marketing.

Can I do it myself?: Yes, you can, providing you have lots of extra time. If you commit yourself fully to learning the craft, you will begin to be competent in about six months. To be really effective, however, you'll need to be well versed in a variety of techniques and practices related to pay-per-click, editorial optimization, page rankings, search engine protocols and procedures (they are all different), HTML coding, linguistics, marketing and copy-writing. It is possible to self-optimize, but for most companies and individuals, it's a costly and time-consuming proposition.

When should my website be optimized?: Ideally, the search optimization process should be started prior to selecting your domain name. Yet any site, regardless of age, size, content or complexity can be optimized. It's just much more efficient (in terms of time and money) to optimize during the design and build phase.

How is search optimization used in business?: Print and electronic advertising is alive and well but it's no longer the predominant sales information medium. Across every industry and vertical market, today's customers are increasingly comfortable using the Internet to gather information—before and even after—making a purchase. Business success means being visible when customers look for the products or services you provide. Because it enhances and complements traditional marketing, optimizing your website is one of the most powerful business tools you can use.

Is search optimization only for big companies with big, complicated websites?: No. Businesses of every size need new sales to grow and prosper. Search optimization marketing is an excellent way to attract new prospects and enhance sales. A properly built, professionally optimized website is becoming a must for any company or individual with something to say or sell. A finely tuned site allows search engines to locate and deliver its content (your sales, products and services information) to those who want to see it.

What are the main benefits of properly optimizing my site?: A properly optimized site attracts substantially more traffic and highly motivated prospects. Other benefits include a stronger market presence and increased sales. Research proves that visitors sent to e-commerce sites from a search engine will purchase three times more often than visitors drawn from banner ads.

What are the consequences of not optimizing my site?: At best, you'll remain at the status quo. At worst, you'll suffer brand erosion, as competitors become more comfortable and adept at search optimization marketing. Companies who consistently appear in search results increase their chances of building brand and selling product. Those regularly absent from search results risk being perceived as out of touch or worse, out of business.

Are there different levels of optimization services or is the process the same for every site?: Search optimization marketing is available at different levels, with many choices and options. Beware of companies offering one-size-fits-all solutions. The most effective campaigns are customized, by experienced optimization specialists, to meet specific goals and objectives.

Once my site is optimized, how long until I see results?: With Pay-Per-Click, results will occur immediately.; Organic optimization generally takes about one month before significant results are seen.

How will I know the results are from the optimization and not from something else?: There are several tracking programs to help identify who your visitors are and how they arrived at your site. Search-Optimization.com will work with you to design, implement and manage a tracking program based on your needs and budget.

Should our advertising/marketing agency offer search optimization services to our clients? Is that something our company can do?: In forward-thinking agencies, a search optimization company or specialist is an integral part of new marketing and advertising programs. Now, more than ever, media advertising drives interested prospects to websites for more detailed information. Integrating search optimization marketing into the mix helps build and reinforce brand equity and ensures that potential customers get all the facts, figures and features they need in order to purchase with confidence. Search optimization offers a wide range of services specifically tailored for advertising, marketing and public relations agencies.

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