Winning in the SEO Game

Being at the top of any game is never easy, whether in football or search engines. And being a SEO Champion gets tougher every day. Back in the early days of the search engine optimization, you could receive top rankings by using techniques like listing keywords hundreds of times or by using white text on a white background. Now, what was once a backyard ball game has become pro ball. Search engine algorithms have become more complex and trying to figure them out is like hitting a moving target. So how do you keep up?

A Balanced Game Plan
A solid football strategy covers offense, defense, and special teams. The same holds true with your SEO. Each major search engine (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) uses different methods for ranking, and you need to make sure your game plan covers them all. The basics:

• Make proper use of meta tags
• Add keywords to the title
• Make sure you have relevant visible html text.
• Optimize each page for a specific targeted key phrase
• Play by the rules - don't overuse keywords - this can get you black listed in a hurry.

The Content Quarterback
Just like a quarterback has to constantly assess the field and make adjustments, so too, your copy needs to stay fresh and relevant. Keep adding new, dynamic content to your site, and especially to your blog.

Blogs, at the forefront of social media, push Web sites up the ranking list. They feed the search engines with what they thrive on: fresh content. Think of search engines as wide receivers, always looking to get the ball from the quarterback. The best way to make a touchdown is to have them connect. And your SEO touchdown comes when your content hits those engines right between the numbers.

There is no I in Team
Speaking of the social media, the Web is also about connecting. How many Web sites are linking to your site and how popular are they? Google knows, and that is a major factor in where you rank. The more good link ups you have, the better the SEO.

Once again, social media plays a big role. In addition to getting linked by commercial sites, microblog sites like Twitter provide viral links. Twitter is also a great way to build a community online, and by using features like twitterfeed, you can up the distribution channels you have for your blog or online newsletter. Social media not only increases your SEO, it helps with your more traditional marketing needs as well.

Maximizing your SEO is a lot like putting together a team, a game plan, and then executing. For of all your SEO coaching needs, contact DROZ at 412.338.1818. We can help you put together your winning game plan so you can have the SEO of Champions.