Search engine optimisation
Appearing on the first page of search engine results can mean the difference between the failure or success of a website. Achieving this is a tricky business.
With literally billions of competing websites, search engines are becoming increasingly sophisticated to ensure they deliver the most appropriate results. Search engine optimisation (SEO) removes barriers to search engines and attempts to help sites get the best result.
The factors that influence search engine ranking
Long ago, embedded keywords (meta tags) were enough to get listed in search results. Not anymore. Modern search engines examine many facets of a website to select the best match for a search.
The most important search engine optimisation considerations are:
- Ensuring that all code is search engine friendly
- Choosing competitive search key phrases
- Writing relevant, quality content
- Building links to your site from other related sites
This article will help you to understand these considerations. With knowledge, continued work and patience, your website should being to rise through the ranks.
Search engine optimisation best practice
Some approaches to search engine optimisation aim to trick the search engines. This is not advised. Your site will lose credibility with visitors, and may even get banned from the search engines.
Ensure best practice for code, Accessibility and usability. Fill your site with relevant, quality, ethical and honest content. Your site will naturally gain popularity with visitors. It will naturally get better search results.
Related links
Important considerations
There is no quick fix. Search engines react to change slowly. Websites must gradually evolve to see results.
There are no guarantees. Search engines continually change their methods. The position of a website in the search results will fluctuate.
Sites may not appear for a while. A new website will usually be put into a 'sand box' by the search engines. This can mean that a new site may not even appear in the results for up to six months!