Google’s Webmasters/Site owners Help – The Breakdown
Most SEO have probably come across this page generated by Google to advise webmaster on what to look out for in an SEO:
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=35291
I was thinking for someone new to SEO that they probably wouldn’t easily dissect all the information, so i thought i would do it for you….
Firstly we will look at the first set of bullet points which discuss what an SEO can offer to a website:
- Review of your site content or structure
- Technical advice on website development: for example, hosting, redirects, error pages, use of JavaScript
- Content development
- Management of online business development campaigns
- Keyword research
- SEO training
- Expertise in specific markets and geographies.
1.) Review of your site content or structure -
This to me means that your sitemap is clear and the content reflects your main area of business, it is impossible to advertise one product and try and optimise for another. Remeber the phrase ‘Content is King’. Make Google aware of your sitemaps, both HTML and XML.
2.) Technical advice on website development: for example, hosting, redirects, error pages, use of JavaScript
Often the basics to SEO get overlooked, your website should be as lean and as search engine friendly as possible, this means externally sourcing JavaScripts and CSS where possible. Redirects and error page are designed for usability for both a user and Google bot, meaning neither can get lost and remain on your website. Hosting on a UK server is often more important than some SEO think.
3.) Content development
Most of us know that Google likes to see the regular addition of fresh dynamic content to any website, it shows Google that your content is upto date and potentially more relevant to the user. Blogs and extra pages help towards this.
4.) Management of online business development campaigns
Not all SEO concerntrate on organic listing, some internet marketers manage various other online campaigns, this could even be PPC.
5.) Keyword research
There is no point having a 1000′s of visitors to your website if none of them convert into sales. keyword research and choice is vital to a successfully SEO campaign.
6.) SEO training
This to me means that SEO should teach all they can and help their clients understand the basic principles, that way the client can help themselves where possible. i.e links from suppliers / friends.. writing content or articles.
7.) Expertise in specific markets and geographies.
This relates quite closley to keyword research and it is best if you can show your client work you have done or achieved in a previous campaign that closley relates to your clients business will prove your expertise.
The rest of the page suggests how to look for a good SEO. But this page links quite nicely to Google’s Webmasters Guidelines :
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35769
Tune in next time for discussion on the Google’s Webmaster Guidelines.
