Search Engine Optimization / SEO Tutorials » FAQ’s

What are directories and should I submit my site to them?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:07:06 +0000

Directories are websites (or web pages) which simply list lots of website and give a quick description of the website. Some are free and some require you to pay for a listing. Free directories are useful because you get a free link. However, the links aren’t worth that much. Paid directories can be good if they’re relevant, but they can cost a lot in the long term, so choose wisely.

One essential directories for any website is the DMOZ Open Directory Project.

Should I submit my site to the search engines more than once?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:06:41 +0000

No need. Although some of the search engines allow you to do this, there’s really no need.

Do I need to submit my site to the search engines?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:06:14 +0000

Theoretically, no. But I wouldn’t risk not doing it - especially as it’s free. As soon as you register your domain name, submit it to Google! Even if you haven’t built your site, or thought about your content, submit your domain name to Google. In fact, even if you haven’t fully articulated your business plan and marketing plan, submit your domain name to Google.

What is keyword analysis?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:05:31 +0000

The first thing you need to do when you begin chasing a good search engine ranking is decide which words you want to rank well for. This is called performing a keyword analysis. Keyword analysis involves a bit of research and a good knowledge of your business and the benefits you offer your customers.

What tools can you recommend?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:05:06 +0000

There are many very useful tools to help with your SEO. The following are just selection. All tools are free unless otherwise indicated.

What SEO companies should I be wary of?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:03:02 +0000

Be wary of SEO companies that promise or guarantee results in a given timeframe, especially if they won’t expand on their methods for generating links back to your site.

What is the Google Dampening Link Filter, and is it real?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:02:14 +0000

The Google Dampening Link Filter theory suggests that if Google detects a sudden increase (i.e. many hundreds or thousands) in the number of links back to your site, it may sandbox them for a period (or in fact penalize you by lowering your ranking or blacklisting your site altogether).

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting the theory, but there is also a lot discounting it. No one has categorically proven its existence.

What is the Google Sandbox, and is it real?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:01:42 +0000

The Google Sandbox theory suggest that whenever Google detects a new website, it withholds its rightful ranking for a period while it determines whether your site is a genuine, credible, long term site. It does this to discourage the creation of SPAM websites (sites which serve no useful purpose other than to boost the ranking of some other site).

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting the theory, but there is also a lot discounting it. No one has categorically proven its existence.

How long does it take to get a high search engine ranking?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 03:59:38 +0000

A long time! It’s impossible to say how much time you’ll need to spend generating links, but you can be sure it’ll be a while no matter which method of link generation you use. You just have to keep at it until you have achieved a high ranking. Even then, you’ll still need to dedicate some ongoing time to the task, otherwise your ranking will drop.

What do you think is the best way to get lots of links?

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 03:58:57 +0000

Articles. Write helpful articles and let other webmasters publish them for free in exchange for a link in the byline. With articles, you don’t have to pay for the link, you determine the content of the page containing the link, you determine the link text, and the link is more or less permanent. A single article can be reprinted hundreds of times, and each time is another link back to your site!