Frequently Asked Questions
- What is search engine optimization?
Search engine optimization is the area of web development that aims to increase a website's search engine placement for specific keywords and keyword phrases. This is done through a variety of techniques that include thorough market research and analysis, on-page optimization, and link building. Whats is search engine optimization?
- Why is search engine optimization important to my business?
SEO is important because search engines can be the best source of traffic for your website. Visitors referred through search engines are potential customers that have already expressed an interest in what you have to offer. Traffic generated from organic search results has also proven to be much cheaper than paid advertising in the long run.
- I build link popularity with a reciprocal link exchange program. Why is this not sufficient?
There are two types of backlinks, one way and reciprocal. A one way link is simply a link on another site pointing to your site. Reciprocal links are where you exchange links with another website; you place a link on your site pointing to them and they add a link to you in return. Link exchanges have become over-utilized in the past few years as a way to quickly build backlinks. Search engines have recognized this and severely discounted links that are directly exchanged. However, one way links are looked at as a 'vote of confidence' and play a significant factor in the success of your keyword rankings. All of our link building efforts focus on one way links.
- How long will it take to see some results from SEO?
The period of time it takes for SEO to take effect can vary greatly depending on the current status of your website and the level of optimization performed. If your website is new and/or small, you should be prepared to wait up to 3 months before noticing significant results. However, if your website is larger and more established results can occur much faster, within 4-6 weeks.
- How do I know if I need to have my website optimized?
Chances are your website could benefit from optimization. Search engines are constantly being updated and your competitors are working for those top postitions as well. Contact us to determine if you need search engine optimization.
- My website is built with Flash. Why doesn't it rank well? Can you still optimize it?
Search engines evaluate each webpage based on the content and coding. All of the content for Flash movies is stored in a separate file that cannot be accessed by search engines. Even navigation built with Flash can be problematic. Search engines crawl websites by following the HTML links on a page. Again, if search engines cannot access the links contained in the Flash movie, they will not be able to find your other pages. There are, however, a number of solutions that can be implemented to minimize the effect of Flash websites on search engine rankings.
- What do you need from me in order optimize my website?
Generally, all that is required on your part is to provide us with some input on what areas of your website you would like to promote. This may include a list of keywords and/or a brief discussion with one of our search marketing experts. We will also need access to your website. A username and password for your FTP account is usually sufficient.
- Your competitor stated that they could get me to come up first in Google, why can't you guarantee that?
Because anyone that says they can guarantee a position is making a promise they simply cannot deliver on. The rankings in search engines are determined by a number of different variables, many of which are beyond the control of any one person or company. Positions in Google (and any other search engine) are based on their proprietary algorithms that change on a regular basis. Other websites are also competing for the same positions, which will also affect your positioning. We can perform a wide variety of helpful changes which will move you towards the beginning of the list, but we will not promise "first." No one should ever make that promise.
- How are search engine rankings determined?
Search engine rankings are determined by means of an algorithm that evaluates pages within your website for a specific keyword or phrase. These algorithms analyze hundreds of variables about your website to determine its content and importance relative to other websites. The size and age of your website, the actual words on the page, and link popularity all play a part in where your website is ranked for a keyword or phrase.
- What is involved in the search engine optimization process?
Search engine optimization takes place in several phases. First, we do thorough research to determine your website's current status, how competitive your search market is, and what keywords will be most beneficial to you. Once we have generated a list of targeted keywords and phrases, we then modify your website for content and search engine friendliness. During this phase we make sure your website is easy for search engines to navigate and that your targeted keywords and phrases are in areas where search engines place greater importance. Then we work to create backlinks to your website and increase your link popularity. This should then be followed by regular observation and periodic maintenance.
- How do I know the optimization efforts are working?
We will measure the progress of your optimization by tracking your search engine placement for your targeted keywords and daily traffic to your website.
- I already have a pay-per-click (PPC) campaign. Why do I need search engine optimization?
Pay-per-click campaigns, like Google's AdWords, have grown tremendously popular in the past few years and are a great way to generate immediate traffic. While paid search engine marketing can be a good solution for websites that need quick results, these programs are often more expensive in the long run and require regular maintenance to continually provide a return on investment.
- What is the difference between a search engine and a directory?
Search engines and directories are both very popular ways that people use to find websites, however they differ in one very important area. Search engine results are generated based on an algorithm while directories list websites that have been reviewed and approved by a human editor.
