Re: Search Engine Optimization

From: Mark Bishop <markb_at_aala.com>
Date: Fri 05 Jul 2002 22:01:23 -0500

I specialize in SEO and I often use a number of programs. Generally I
never rely on any single program and I often do a lot of manual work as
well in regard to SEO. In saying this, I do like WEBPOSITION PRO as it's
'Page Critic' option is very valuable in analyzing my individual web pages
in relationship to all of the major search engine and directory criteria.

In addition, I also use ADDWEB WEBSITE PROMOTER as it also has some
excellent features in it. Again, I don't rely entirely on either of these
programs to get a SEO job done.

There are a number of other programs that I personally use, including
programs: to check keyword relevancy, meta tags, analyze competitor web
sites, ranking issues and much more. It's always a two-step
process. First, in working with the web pages themselves and making sure
they're ready for the search engines (this can be a lot of work since most
web designers know nothing about SEO). Second, to then do the web page
submitting itself which is an ongoing process that can last a few months.

Keep in mind too that there are now a number of PPC (Pay Per Click) search
engines and directories. Namely, you bid on a certain number of keywords
for your web site and each time a user clicks on the link to your site,
you're charged whatever you bid on that keyword. There are over a 200 PPC
engines today. However, I only recommend to my clients to use Google's Add
Word Select. Again, I use special software to help find the best bidding
price for my client. Often I can drop down a penny or two and get better
search results for my clients then paying more.

And as you probably know, Yahoo charges an annual listing fee for any site
listed in their commercial directories ($299.00 a year, and worth
it!). Also, I highly recommend getting listed in Inktomi's engine at
$39.00 per first URL and $25.00 for each additional URL. Inktomi's search
engine is also used by other major engines and gives your web site some
good exposure. And don't forget the international search engines if your
web site business extends beyond the U.S.

I now have several clients who pay me on a monthly basis just to monitor
their sites and keep them plugged-in to all of the engines and to advanced
their web site listings based on specific keyword and keyword
phrases. It's really a lot of work sometimes. But a necessary one at that
too!

Sincerely,


Mark Bishop



Received on Fri Jul 05 2002 - 22:01:23 CDT