Tips for getting high Google ranking
Google’s ranking is objective. Results are difficult to tamper with
The growing popularity and hence the widening marker share of Google is an established fact. Google has outgrown the competition and has set industry standards for others to emulate. Google believes that when any user comes searching for his or her query on Google, he or she should get most relevant and quality results. And this is probably how Google has maintained its sanctity as a formidable search engine to reckon with.
To dish out meaningful results to searchers on the web, Google has adopted a methodology called search algorithm which takes care that filtered results against the search criteria are as “honest”, “objective” and “easy” (Google’s own terminology) as is possible using cutting edge technologies at its end.
One of the intriguing aspects of Google’s search algorithm is that it keeps on changing. However, what does not change is its commitment to serve the users in an impartial and meaningful way. One can well understand the arduous challenges Google took head-on when it became operational as a search engine with this vision.
This is not unexpected that in such a massive operation, discrepancies and flaws would creep in. Google did have its set of flaws in the initial years and web masters played around the loopholes for a better ranking. In an attempt to prevent such maneuvers in future, Google fixed the bugs in search algorithm as and when they came to the fore. And, best of all, it adopted a highly dynamic methodology to rank the pages and this methodology changes a bit before the flaws become general knowledge for all to tamper search results.
Notwithstanding all such aspects, getting a good placement on Google is not an enigma at all. Though it could be a mystery for people who intend to cheat on the Google. Google specifically mentions what it looks for while ranking a web page, and what it takes to be on the high search engine results. This is true that whatever is written on this page are at best broad guidelines, but one can learn to formulate such placement strategies as are in conformity with the spirit of Google’s search algorithm.
Scaling new rankings on Google
As no one can deny or debate the indispensability of some good rankings on Google, so there is a point to learn the secrets of this great advantageous possibility of your web site on the Net.
Let’s discuss how to go about it
Go for quality inbound links
It is held that the greater the number of links you manage to get at your web page, the greater is the possibility that your web page will be ranked high on Google. But it should be kept in mind that link or links pointing at your web page must be relevant, related and meaningful. Basically, nothing but these are the characteristics of a link that qualifies for a quality link with respect to your web page. There is another advantage associated with it: Google rankings of the web pages whose links you have displayed at your web page contribute its little bit in the ranking of your web page. Simply put, quality links are fairly good means for optimizing your page.
Make your title tags relevant
The title tag of your home page is crucial for your web page. As is common understanding, the title of a page speaks cogently about what is to follow in the ensuing page. When it comes to Google optimization, it is equally significant as Google does read title tags and then proceeds to the page for content evaluation.
So, crisp and concise title tags that relate to the core focus of your web page or better still title tags that are identical to your chosen keyword(s) are helpful for optimization of your page.
Decide your keyword(s) and determine its density
Basically, keyword is the word with which users are likely to search in Google in order to reach you and you too have it on your web page. In other words, you decide what your page is all about in a few words, keeping in view with what sort of words users are likely to search for your page or similar pages on the Net. Like for example, if your web site is into offering web design consultancy and service, you can settle down with the keywords like web design, web site design, web development, web design consultancy and the like.
Keyword density is the ratio of number of occurrence of your selected keyword(s) and the total number of words on the web page. As is evident now, the more a keyword is repeated on the page, the higher the keyword density.
But there is a word of caution here: though good keyword density is taken positively by Google, mindless dumping and clustering of keywords resulting into content chaos may deteriorate your existing ranking or even your site may be banned. Remember a good keyword density is never a two digit figure on a web page; it could preferably be four to five i.e. keyword can safely be repeated four to five times on the web page for better results.
Some Google friendly considerations for a good ranking
Incorporate the links on your web site with keyword(s) if possible
Google’s founders have revealed that if the links placed on your web site also contain your keyword, then there are pretty good chances that your web site will be ranked higher as against that keyword. So, linking strategy has got double advantage for your web page optimization. Firstly, the relevance of the link on your site, and secondly the presence of keyword on that link is crucial respectively. If combined together, they go in strong favor for a higher Google placement of the page in search results.
Hence, if you are thinking on some truly helpful strategy to optimize your page, why not to adopt this linking duo to push up your Google ranking.
Use ALT tags on images
Be it known to you that Google does index the Alt tags and texts contained therein. Therefore, if you use various images on your web site, do not forget to use ALT tags and give relevant content. It is likely to give your web page a boost in terms of ranking.
Some people do not use Alt tags on images simply out of sheer ignorance. This is, of course, will not be the case with you anymore. Will it be?
Put a link to your dynamic pages
Contrary to other search engines, Google is compatible to index all your pages including dynamic ones. However, Google’s ability to read your dynamic pages depends on the fact that whether a link is there or not to them. Once you provide a link to your dynamic pages, Google will index these pages without any apparent difficulty.
It is recommended that you do not let Google to escape your dynamic pages due to mere lack of a supporting link.
Avoid using Meta tags
Google does not take into consideration the Meta tags while indexing a page. Thus, spending time and energy on carefully using Meta tags makes no sense. Instead, exploit your time and resources on the strategy that works, like ones which have been discussed up to this point here in this article.
Lesson
The only lesson that works in matter of high Google ranking is the lesson given by Google itself. Keep your eyes and ears wide open to sense how you can be Google’s algorithm friendly to sustain your competitive edge over others.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Search Engine Marketing
SEM- Search engine marketing is one of the most important aspects for businesses who sell products and services online or who use their websites to generate sales leads. SEM can provide valuable solutions for driving highly targeted visitors to your site.
SEM Marketing Strategies
There are a few SEM strategies that if done properly can generate customers and make your site a favorite among search engines.
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization or SEO is the art of making your site more accessible to the search engine spiders, as well as getting the maximum number of pages indexed. It is all about incorporating practices that search engines and users want.
Many site owners do not understand that SEO should be taken into consideration before you build your site and not afterwards. Fortunately, SEO can also be done after a site is built, but this costs money and time. SEO is just a matter of understanding what search engines look for when they visit your site.
For this you need to concentrate on:
Ø Domain Names
Ø The Title Tag
Ø Meta Description and Meta Keyword Tags
Ø Content
Ø ALT Tags
Ø Site Map
Some practices are not SEO friendly and should be used sparingly or avoid:
Ø FLASH pages
Ø Dynamic Pages
Ø JavaScript
Keywords & Phrases
Before you start writing the content for your site you have to know which keywords and key phrases to use. Keywords or key phrases are the words or phrases that user’s type into search engines. For getting to know the best keywords or phrases you have to research your target users thoroughly and understand their needs and desires.
Search Engine Submission
Search engine submission is the most important step after SEO. This is important as this will get your sight listed among the search engines and directories.
There are three ways to get your site listed in a search engine or directory:
Ø Submit your site directly to the search engines through a free submit form.
Ø Through links to your site from other sites such as directories.
Ø Paying the search engine to index your site.
Link Popularity
Link popularity is a key factor in search engine marketing and ranking well in search engines and generating traffic to your site. Link popularity is the number of incoming links coming to your site from directories, articles, or web sites.
The most important link factors are:
Ø Getting Links to Your Site
Ø Checking Your Link Popularity Regularly
Paid Inclusion
Paid inclusion is a way of paying search engines to index pages from your site. This is a quick way of getting search engines to find and index your site. It is also called PPI (Pay per Inclusion). This is a good method to get noticed quickly, but in the end does not have a high ROI.
Pay per Click Campaign
PPC is a form of online advertisement. The object of Pay per Click (PPC) search engine marketing is to drive targeted traffic to your website. You pay search engines money only when someone clicks on an ad on the search engine's results page or homepage. Hence the terms ‘pay per click’ because you only pay when the visitor clicks on your ad. This may sound an easy way to high ROI, but can prove to be a headache if not managed correctly. Since it is not important that every visitor is converted to a customer, PPC has to be carefully targeted and controlled.
Organic Search Engine Optimization
Organic Search Engine Optimization is a process that involves analyzing and changing of the site's underlying code, architecture and content in such a way that it is selected and ranked naturally by search engines i.e. without any payment involved.
Search engine marketing is as important as any other advertising method for the advancement of your business or product. Maybe it is more important as it is viewed globally by millions.
SEM Marketing Strategies
There are a few SEM strategies that if done properly can generate customers and make your site a favorite among search engines.
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization or SEO is the art of making your site more accessible to the search engine spiders, as well as getting the maximum number of pages indexed. It is all about incorporating practices that search engines and users want.
Many site owners do not understand that SEO should be taken into consideration before you build your site and not afterwards. Fortunately, SEO can also be done after a site is built, but this costs money and time. SEO is just a matter of understanding what search engines look for when they visit your site.
For this you need to concentrate on:
Ø Domain Names
Ø The Title Tag
Ø Meta Description and Meta Keyword Tags
Ø Content
Ø ALT Tags
Ø Site Map
Some practices are not SEO friendly and should be used sparingly or avoid:
Ø FLASH pages
Ø Dynamic Pages
Ø JavaScript
Keywords & Phrases
Before you start writing the content for your site you have to know which keywords and key phrases to use. Keywords or key phrases are the words or phrases that user’s type into search engines. For getting to know the best keywords or phrases you have to research your target users thoroughly and understand their needs and desires.
Search Engine Submission
Search engine submission is the most important step after SEO. This is important as this will get your sight listed among the search engines and directories.
There are three ways to get your site listed in a search engine or directory:
Ø Submit your site directly to the search engines through a free submit form.
Ø Through links to your site from other sites such as directories.
Ø Paying the search engine to index your site.
Link Popularity
Link popularity is a key factor in search engine marketing and ranking well in search engines and generating traffic to your site. Link popularity is the number of incoming links coming to your site from directories, articles, or web sites.
The most important link factors are:
Ø Getting Links to Your Site
Ø Checking Your Link Popularity Regularly
Paid Inclusion
Paid inclusion is a way of paying search engines to index pages from your site. This is a quick way of getting search engines to find and index your site. It is also called PPI (Pay per Inclusion). This is a good method to get noticed quickly, but in the end does not have a high ROI.
Pay per Click Campaign
PPC is a form of online advertisement. The object of Pay per Click (PPC) search engine marketing is to drive targeted traffic to your website. You pay search engines money only when someone clicks on an ad on the search engine's results page or homepage. Hence the terms ‘pay per click’ because you only pay when the visitor clicks on your ad. This may sound an easy way to high ROI, but can prove to be a headache if not managed correctly. Since it is not important that every visitor is converted to a customer, PPC has to be carefully targeted and controlled.
Organic Search Engine Optimization
Organic Search Engine Optimization is a process that involves analyzing and changing of the site's underlying code, architecture and content in such a way that it is selected and ranked naturally by search engines i.e. without any payment involved.
Search engine marketing is as important as any other advertising method for the advancement of your business or product. Maybe it is more important as it is viewed globally by millions.
Long Tail Search Engine Optimization
Long tail searches are combined searches formed from several high frequency keywords and key phrases.
Long tail optimization simply targets the customers that very few others target using the less popular keyword or phrases. There are the hundreds to thousands of less popular keywords and key phrases that a site is searched for, yet rarely noticed or used by site owners or internet marketers.
Principle of the Long Tail
The principle of the Long Tail is the opposite of focusing on the top 10-20 keywords or key phrases for marketing of sites. According to long tail principal the length, or total number of low-number referred terms outnumbers the height or the total of top 10 terms.
In other words, the terms that are most popular, are rarely those that provide the most business. In most cases the victory of the site was from the hundreds of words outside of the most popular terms.
A long tail search may also be considered an evolving search, for ex:
Loan
House Loan
Long Island House Loan
How to Optimize for Long Tail
Unlike your main keywords, you can never tell what keywords to look for in long tail, so the biggest dilemma for long tail optimization (LTO) is figuring out which keywords or key phrases to use. There are a few options that you can try:
1. Constantly keep researching you’re site to see which terms are attracting traffic.
2. Try adding a few articles and see which terms are attracting visitors to your article and then optimize accordingly.
3. Combinations of different keywords or key phrases and different combinations of the same keywords or key phrases will help in LTO
4. Very long articles with large amount of content can help you rank for numerous keywords and key phrases.
5. Unlike normal article writing, you should do a lot of "rearticulating" of your keywords, try and use "lesser" used keywords and key phrases.
6. Writing numerous shorter length articles is another way.
7. Separate your long articles and short articles into sections, with each section dealing with a specialized topic.
8. Use longer titles for your articles, your main keywords should be in front, but also add more terms related to your article to help in long tail.
9. Anchor text in your internal links should have more keywords and key phrases
10. Use the author’s name or the site name or the company name, even if they are not famous, as many people tend to search by name.
11. Create customized web pages within your site specifically targeting many individual groups of customers.
Benefits of LTO [ Long Tail Search Engine Optimization ]
Designing your site according to LTO or optimizing for long tail searches lets you gain new customers and increase profits rapidly. A new site can see increasing sales and at the same time build the importance of depth of the site over a reasonable period of time. This allows you to invest and take rake in more profit.
With long tail optimization you will see higher sales closing rate, the reason being that you're web site becomes naturally tailored to a wider audience.
Long tail search optimization is the future of web site and internet marketing, ignoring it might just cost you a fortune.
Long tail optimization simply targets the customers that very few others target using the less popular keyword or phrases. There are the hundreds to thousands of less popular keywords and key phrases that a site is searched for, yet rarely noticed or used by site owners or internet marketers.
Principle of the Long Tail
The principle of the Long Tail is the opposite of focusing on the top 10-20 keywords or key phrases for marketing of sites. According to long tail principal the length, or total number of low-number referred terms outnumbers the height or the total of top 10 terms.
In other words, the terms that are most popular, are rarely those that provide the most business. In most cases the victory of the site was from the hundreds of words outside of the most popular terms.
A long tail search may also be considered an evolving search, for ex:
Loan
House Loan
Long Island House Loan
How to Optimize for Long Tail
Unlike your main keywords, you can never tell what keywords to look for in long tail, so the biggest dilemma for long tail optimization (LTO) is figuring out which keywords or key phrases to use. There are a few options that you can try:
1. Constantly keep researching you’re site to see which terms are attracting traffic.
2. Try adding a few articles and see which terms are attracting visitors to your article and then optimize accordingly.
3. Combinations of different keywords or key phrases and different combinations of the same keywords or key phrases will help in LTO
4. Very long articles with large amount of content can help you rank for numerous keywords and key phrases.
5. Unlike normal article writing, you should do a lot of "rearticulating" of your keywords, try and use "lesser" used keywords and key phrases.
6. Writing numerous shorter length articles is another way.
7. Separate your long articles and short articles into sections, with each section dealing with a specialized topic.
8. Use longer titles for your articles, your main keywords should be in front, but also add more terms related to your article to help in long tail.
9. Anchor text in your internal links should have more keywords and key phrases
10. Use the author’s name or the site name or the company name, even if they are not famous, as many people tend to search by name.
11. Create customized web pages within your site specifically targeting many individual groups of customers.
Benefits of LTO [ Long Tail Search Engine Optimization ]
Designing your site according to LTO or optimizing for long tail searches lets you gain new customers and increase profits rapidly. A new site can see increasing sales and at the same time build the importance of depth of the site over a reasonable period of time. This allows you to invest and take rake in more profit.
With long tail optimization you will see higher sales closing rate, the reason being that you're web site becomes naturally tailored to a wider audience.
Long tail search optimization is the future of web site and internet marketing, ignoring it might just cost you a fortune.
X-Robots tag Google yahoo
Google, Yahoo, the X-Robots directive and your website rankings
Last week, Yahoo announced that they now support the X-Robots-Tag in the HTTP header. This new tag allows you to influence how Google and Yahoo index your website pages.
What is the X-Robots-Tag?
Google introduced the new X-Robots-Tag directive in 2007 to allow webmasters to control access to non-web page documents, such as Adobe PDF files, video and audio files.
The X-Robots-Tag is included in the HTTP header of a document. The HTTP header is the initial reply of a server to a query. It contains information about the document that follows, including content type, creation date, character set, encodings, etc.
The new X-Robots-Tag allows webmasters to add information about search engine indexing to the HTTP header.
Which commands are supported by the X-Robots-Tag?
At this time, the X-Robots-Tag supports the following commands:
- X-Robots-Tag: NOINDEX (Use this tag if you don't want to show the URL in Google's search results)
- X-Robots-Tag: NOARCHIVE (Use this tag if you don't want to see a Cache link in the search result pages for the document)
- X-Robots-Tag: NOSNIPPET (Use this tag if you don't want to display a summary in the search result pages.)
- X-Robots-Tag: NOFOLLOW (Use this tag if you don't want Googe and Yahoo to index the links in the page.)
The X-Robots-Tag is currently supported by Google and Yahoo. Other search engines don't support the tag yet.
How to add the X-Robots-Tag to your documents
It depends on your server and on the method you use to create your web pages how you can add additional tags to the HTTP header. If your web server uses Apache, you can use the htaccess file to modify your HTTP headers.
In general, you shouldn't mess with the HTTP header if you're not 100% sure what you're doing. A broken HTTP header can keep search engines away so that no search engine will index your website.
Instead of using the X-Robots-Tag, you can also add meta tags with the same functionality to your web pages:
You can edit these tags directly in the head part of your web pages. They have the same effect as the corresponding X-Robots-Tags explained above.
Do you need the X-Robots-Tag or the corresponding meta tags?
If you don't want to limit access to your documents of if you only have normal web pages on your website then you don't need the X-Robots-Tag or the meta tags.
The X-Robots-Tag has been designed to restrict access to your documents. That means that it does not help to increase search engine rankings.
The new X-Robots-Tag and the meta robots tag allow you to restrict access to your documents. If you want to make sure that search engines index all of your web pages then you have to optimize your web pages.
Search engine robots must be able to easily parse your web pages and they must be able to find the right elements on your web pages. If you optimize the right web page elements with the right keywords, your web page will get high search engine rankings for these keywords.
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