Getting Listed in Search Engines

Once you have your website up and running, one of the first things you'll probably want to know is how to get your site listed in the search engines. Although it can be hard work, search engine optimization (SEO) can also be a lot of fun and reap huge rewards.

Note: This tutorial assumes that you have a commercial website with business goals, however this is just to illustrate the process of optimization. The same principles apply to any type of website, commercial or otherwise.

• How Important is SEO?
  Exactly how important are search engines to your marketing strategy? How much time and resources should you devote to SEO?
• Search Engine Terminology
  It makes things easier if you understand a few common terms.
• Targeting Keywords
  You need to understand what people are searching for before you begin optimizing, otherwise you may be optimizing for the wrong things and attract no one.
• SEO Basics
  A few simple things to make sure your website is search engine friendly.
• Inbound Links (Backlinks)
  Search engines take notice of links to your website — you need them.
• Choose an Advanced Strategy
  Once you have the basics covered there are various options for pursuing better results.
• Content-Based SEO
  Search engines love high-quality content.
• Non-Content SEO
  As well as the content within your pages, there are other important ways to improve your position in the search engines.
• Tips & Tricks
  A few more general notes.

Specific strategies (new)

• Use a consistent home page URL

Next Page: How Important is Search Engine optimization?