STRATEGIC INTERNET MARKETING Powerful Promotion Techniques Web Site Promotion Services Pay Per Click PPC Services Link Exchange with Us Free Internet Marketing Quote Free Website Design Quote

Easy Web Site Builder with Free Hosting, Free Domain Registration

Search Engine Management : 10 Ways to Make Sure Your SEO Goes Out of Its Way for You

Finding the best SEO company is half the battle. Working with them ensures your efforts pay off.If they want to have search engine ranking success, it is in your interest to do everything possible to ensure your SEO company doesn't provide lousy service. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind:

1. Be realistic.
   Don't waste your time or the SEO company's expertise by arguing about broad search terms. Don't say you want to be in the Top 10 for "e-commerce." The SEO company should ask: "E-commerce and what else? E-commerce consultants? Please be specific."
2. Think long-term.
   If you can't help yourself, and you want broad search terms, such as "toys," think through what it may take to pull that off. Variations on your favorite term may be best in the short term. If you start looking a year or two out, then make sure there aren't site design, programming and link popularity flaws.
3. Be open with log files.
   Don't shield log files from the SEO company. Admit if your web analytics capability is poor. How can the SEO company do a good job if your host company can't provide decent statistics, such as the number of visitors from search engines and the actual search terms they use?
4. Change text.
   If an SEO company wants to change text, give the consultant lots of room. Your copy should be both user and search engine friendly. If a graphic can be modified so the words appear as text, be open-minded about the change. Search engine spiders only register text, so there is a reason for this change. Chances are, it won't hurt the overall look of the web site. SEO professionals grit their teeth when clients say they want rankings and then resist change.
5. Don't sit on recommendations.
   You may end up discouraging your SEO company if you hire them, and then fail to review their suggestions.
6. Reply to e-mails, voicemails and other communications.
   If an SEO company contacts you, especially for a scheduled meeting, make a point to return the e-mail or call. Really, it's a good idea to be available for strategic conference calls. This is more than a matter of professional courtesy, your site's SEO requires your input.
7. Stick to the program.
   Don't ask the SEO company to optimize the web site, and then expect them to provide Pay Per Click (PPC) guidance as well. If you can't handle PPC on your own, pay the experts.
8. Keep statistics in perspective.
   With many search terms and engines, it's always going to be possible for some keywords not to rank. Don't get hung up on what search terms didn't pop in the Top 30. Focus on your traffic growth and conversions.
9. Know your limits.
   SEO companies appreciate informed clients - to a limit. Read the articles. Pick up an SEO book. Keep up with the news. Don't hire an SEO expert, though, and then tell them you're an SEO expert. You may be excited to learn about all of the SEO devices that could be at your disposal, for example. Don't blame the SEO company for failing to use them all at once. Measured, gradual changes are best.
10. Take your company name out of title tags.
    Do yourself a favor and make title tags available for search terms, not your long company name. Keep it only if it's short and useful from a title tag proximity and density standpoint.

About the Author : Michael Murray is vice president of Fathom, SEO, a Cleveland, Ohio-based firm.

Easy Web Site Builder with Free Hosting, Free Domain Registration