Search Engine Optimisation

For some people, learning about SEO means
refining skills they already have. If you are new to blogging or Web writing, or
perhaps an old hand but one who never thought about SEO, here is some very basic
essentials you should, and must, know. Here are all the questions about SEO you
always wanted to know, but were too embarassed to ask your blogroll buddies.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for search-engine optimization.
Basically, optimizing your site means you make it friendly to search engines so
they think it’s really cool and they tell others it’s really cool. They do that
by showing it very high when someone searches for key phrases related to your
site.

Why do I need SEO?

You don’t, if you don’t want people to read your
stuff. If you do, you should really learn about it. If you never think about SEO,
you might get lucky and happen to be optimized by chance. But if you have a blog
on photography, you want people who search for key terms related to photography
to find you.

Great. So how do I start
this SEO thing?

There are plenty of companies who charge a lot
for SEO services. For many people, there are just a few key steps to get your
mind thinking a little more like a search engine. Before you write content,
think about this:

• Would I search for anything I just typed
  into the title of my page or blog post?


• If I did type that in, would I stay if I
  read this post?

How do I write for SEO?

There are really a few simple steps to writing
your first optimized page. This isn’t sophisticated, and doesn’t get into subtle
nuances. But if you follow these basic tips, you will be taking the first steps
to writing content for search engines as well as people.

• Decide what you want to write about it.
  Now go do a search to research the article.


• What did you just type in? That’s
  probably your keyword phrase right there.


• Just to be sure, do a little keyword
  research. A good free resource for beginners is the Overture Keyword
  Selector Tool. Type that same search term in there, and see if anyone is
  searching for it. Try a couple variations as well. For example, you may find
  that more people search for photography tutorials than search for picture
  tips.


• Now write. If it helps, write that
  keyword phrase you are targeting on a sticky note and post it on the top of
  your monitor.


• If you have the ability to use meta tags
  with your page, reinforce that keyword phrase there in the title,
  description and keywords. Do not go too long, but keep focused to terms
  directly related to that phrase.


• Use the keyword phrase in your title and
  in your first paragraph.


• Repeat it as appropriate, and don’t just
  think about the words that appear. Take advantage of alt tags for images,
  and name pictures with those keyword terms. Use it in headers. If you plan
  to link to other sites, use the phrase when appropriate there.