Basics of SEO

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SEO? SERP? Where Do I Start?

You want to increase traffic to your website by increasing  it’s position on search engines like Google.com and Yahoo.com but have no clue where to start.  SEO or Search Engine Optimization and is just a technical way of saying “I want my website to be ranked higher on the search results of Google and other search engines. This post will give you a good idea of where to start. If you have the resources, a SEO professional is a wise investment. A #1 ranking website on Google could get  twice the traffic as the  #2  website so it does pay to be on top.  Now before I say too much I want to say that I am not an expert, guru or the like.  I am a web designer who reads things here and there and I’d say I’m somewhere between novice and expert on SEO. I am sharing no “tricks” or brand new secret techniques. All the things I am sharing have been true for a while and will probably be true for a long while.

As I see it there are 2 major parts to SEO: on site; what you do to your website directly and off site; what you do away from your website to increase popularity.  The major parts for each are website optimization and link backs respectively.

Site Optimization (The elements that make up your website)

The way your website is coded and laid out will help search engines understand what is most important.  Search engines more or less view websites the way a human sees a page. For instance content at the top is weighted higher than content at the bottom of the web-page and content in bold is weighted higher than plain text. A rule of thumb could be: if a human would think it important than so would a search engine.

  1. Title BarTitle Tags (HTML code): #1 IMPORTANT!!! The title tag is code that doesn’t visually show in a pages content, but does appear in the bar at the top of the browser window (example right).  Many times this will also be used as the title of the pages content headline or vice versa but they are not the same thing and are added in separate sections of the HTML code.   The title is the link used on the search engine results page (SERP).  Most business will want to highlight the service/product and location.  Consider what people will search for.  If I am looking for a local web designer in for the Toronto area, I will likely type “Toronto Web Designer”  the closer you title matches the words of a search the better.SEO-001
  2. Description Meta Tag (HTML code that is not visible on your website): The description meta tag is the text that is commonly the short description under the link on a search results page. Search engines do look at this content to rank your page but have been given less weight over time. However it does provide you a chance to entice potential visitors so it should be considered carefully.
  3. Keywords Meta Tags (HTML code that is not visible on your website): Keywords like Descriptions are being weighted less and in some cases not considered at all according to a few SEO forums I have read.  Keywords are a common separated list of keywords or phrases defining you websites content.
  4. Page Content (what a visitor sees on your website): By far the actually content and layout of  the content is becoming more and more important to leading search engines. So if a word is important make it bold.  Put your page headline in a <h1> tag (heading 1) and title your paragraphs with <h2> tags (heading 2) h3, h4 and so on.  Re-write content to increase the use of keywords (instead of our services are …, say our XYZ services are…) But don’t duplicate content having 2 pages with the same content.  Don’t make lists of keywords.  Do add links in your content to other relevant content on your website. Don’t sacrifice human readability for SEO and there by repelling potential clients.  What good is getting traffic if they don’t convert.
  5. XML Site Map (XML is a specific code): an XML site map helps search engines find all the content on your site and is the sign of a professional website and is pretty much a standard now.
  6. URLs: If possible keep URLs simple and content related.  If you have a database driven website have them re-write to clean, readable names.
    Ever see a page URL like this?
    http://www.site.com/page=request?12x=get=blahb00x00lahblah
    and then see one that looks like this?
    http://www.site.com/blog/seo-hints.php
    What looks better?  What is easier to recall and guess which is SEO friendly.

Link Backs (Links to your website)

When other websites link to your website it shows they value the content, increase reputation and in turn search engines like google then increase your search ranking.

POSSIBLE LINK SOURCES:

  1. Organizations/Clubs/Groups: Many organizations will link to members.
  2. Blog comments: When you comment on a blog sometimes you can leave your Website URL as a link. Don’t be spammy! Actually read the post and make a well thought out comment.
  3. Directories: There are many free directories to add your business/website to.  Stay away from link farms (just pages of links) If it seems unused or unprofessional don’t use it. Some paid directories are worth while but ask for numbers.
  4. Review Sites: Yelp.com and Angieslist.com are great ways to show off your customer testimonials. Get past clients to post reviews and build a trusted online rep. Write articles: Write valuable content that other will link to. Write a blog or on someone else’s.
  5. Press Releases: Have a new product? send emails to blogs or industry magazines. Most now have online and print editions.
  6. Social Media: Twitter, Facebook Pages, Myspace, ect.  Get some word of mouth, interact.  Most sites have groups for industries.  Network and press the virtual flesh.
  7. Video: Make a video and put it on youtube.com or other similar sites.  Watching video is much easier than reading off a screen. Plus you’ll get links.

FYI: Some links are better than others. A link from your sisters facebook is less valuable that a link from the National Association of XYZ for example. Links from website that have high ranking, relevant and popularity are best.  Also the text of the link counts.  “City Service Provider”  is better than “Your Company Name Service Provider” get your name outside the link if possible. Also if you are considering buying links, make sure there is variation in the text or NOT near words that make it clear they are paid for. Ever see links inside blog content? I’ve read that some search engines penalize for paid links if discovered.

Well I think that is enough food for thought.  I will probably revisit this topic more in the future and get more in depth on certain aspects.  BE SURE to spend time on a regular basis working on SEO. Remember SEO is an ongoing battle not “set it and forget it”.  There are no magic bullets or shortcuts that work for long or don’t bite back in the end.

More Reading:

Bad SEO Techniques That Will Hurt Your Google Rankings
(searchenginejournal.com)

Wikipedia: Search_Engine_Optimization

SEO Best Practices: 20 Questions By P.J. Fusco, ClickZ, Jan 17, 2007
(Written 3 years ago and still applicable! Same tried and true principles as above)

Scary Halloween Outsourcing Story

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outsourcing horror storyYesterday on Halloween I got a call from a potential client.  He wanted me to take over a project that had been started by an outsourcing firm.  He explained to me how he had asked them to build him a custom e-commerce website on the Magento Platform.  Part of the customization required integration with a third party.  When the programmers couldn’t get the API to work with Magento they decided to re-build the entire website in Joomla without notifying the client (after months of delays).

So the client is now asking me if I can complete the Magento project.  I told him he would need to get the files and database from the outsourcing firm to which he was skeptical if that was possible.

I finally asked him if he tried getting his money back, but he had paid with a check and they felt they had no reason too refund any of his payment.

This potential client like many others I have spoken with was seduced my low prices and quick reassurances.

I hear there are good outsourcing firms, but I haven’t run into one yet.  Have you had a good or bad outsourcing experience? Comment below.

 

Best Website Back-up for WordPress (and Non-WordPress Websites)

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I admit in the past I wasn’t very good at remembering to backing up my websites or pushing my clients to back up their websites.  It was easy to forget and the available tools just didn’t seem worth the price. Now however, I back up regularly.

It seems like more and more websites are getting hacked.  One blog I read says it is not a matter of IF but WHEN.  So I spent more time research and found a great service for backing up WordPress and Non-Wordpress websites.

website back-up pricing

myRepono Pricing Chart (USD)

The service is called myRepono and it is the easiest and cheapest way I have found to back up websites and databases. For average size websites you can back up for pennies a day. Setup takes only minutes and you can back up multiple websites with various automatic back up settings (profiles).  Have a website you want to back up once a month, another once a day? No problem. myRepono also has a WordPress plugin that makes backing up blogs and websites even easier.  And of course if you need to restore a back-up it just takes a single click. I used it and it works like a charm.

Okay, I know I sound like a walking advertisement but I was really excited when I found this service and you should be too.  Now only if I can get someone to floss my teeth for me…

myRepono - Website & mySQL Database Backup Service

Unitedstreetcar.com

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I am happy to announce the launch of unitedstreetcar.com for my client United Streetcar. The website was built on the famous WordPress platform and features a custom designed theme, video and audio playback and picture gallery.

United Streetcar is a subsidiary of Oregon Iron Works and the only manufacturer of streetcars in the USA. With the success of their prototype car in Downtown Portland, the city has green lit more cars for the expanding line that will service the east side of Portland. United Streetcar has also won a bid for several streetcars in Tucson that will feature heavy duty AC units to keep passengers cool as they ride which will be great for older citizens. Another reason I love the streetcars is that they open at ground level so bikes and wheelchairs can roll right in without delaying other passengers.

United Streetcar has been featured in many publications and was just today their Portland streetcar was featured on USA Today article title “Portland streetcar success has fueled interest elsewhere” United Streetcar is bringing back good paying jobs to the U.S. and growing the manufacturing sector which has been heavily damaged over the last several years as is commonly known.

I am glad I could help them. I am really happy with the final result. I hope the website serves them well and a big thanks to Joycelyn Chavez at United Streetcar for her efforts.

CentralOregonRestoration.com

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My newest project launch is CentralOregonRestoration.com, for repeat customer, Mountain Air Indoors, Inc. located in Bend, Oregon. Mountain Air Indoors specializes in mold remediation using a cutting edge organic and non-toxic product and now they have logically expanded their business to include water damage restoration. Logical because as many of you may know water damage, and moisture in general are common causes of mold growth.

The website was custom designed and built from scratch using PHP templates and utilizes JQuery for the nice slideshow on the homepage and contact form to avoid unnecessary spam. The website in optimized for search engines with custom page titles, meta data and use of h1 and other content mark up. The website has an XML sitemap for search engines and was submitted to several search engines upon launch. Keywords are not stuffed in but thoughtfully placed without diminishing user experience and readability.

Speaking for a minute more about Mountain Air Indoors I would like to say that I highly recommend using Mountain Air Indoors for any mold or water damage need. Andrew, the owner is hard working, honest and he has always done exactly what he says, not to mention he is really great at what he does and his mold remediation product is superb. It is no mystery why his business is a success.

Canadians Hosed by App Store Gift Card Policy

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No App For You! That’s a Joke Eh?

I meant to write about this sooner but you know how it goes. As I have mentioned before I have a iPod Touch and so does my sexy wife. For Christmas 2009 I decided to get her a gift card for the Apple App Store. I went to Walmart and picked one out and even asked the lady in the electronics section if it was good for the app store not just itunes music store. She said yes, I bought it and wrapped it up all pretty like. When my wife went do use it though she couldn’t figure out how to redeem it in the app store. Well I got on there and because I was sure she had missed something, arrogant me but I couldn’t figure it out either. So I jumped on good and did a quick search on how to redeem and low and behold I found out that you can use gift card in the app store in Canada. I was pretty ticked, but she said she would just use it for music and let it be. I am from the states and the first thing I thought is what would happen if this took place in the US? Riots? LOL, likely.

Apple Blames Canada for Gift Card Policy

The most bewildering part of the story is that members of the Canadian government have made public statements that they know of no law that denies Canadians for using gift cards in the app store. I haven’t heard any top level comments on this from Apple, just read emails other have posted on their blogs. Hundreds maybe thousands of Canadians have been screwed by this policy. So if there is no reason to bar gift card from the app store then what is the motivation? And if they think they are following the law, how come they didn’t make it more public. Uh, that’s a no brainer – so Canadians would still buy gift cards.

Fine Print

Unfortunately Apple has been careful to cover their backside. There is mention that gift cards can’t been redeemed for apps in the fine print of the Canadian user agreement. In my opinion it should be in bold on every itunes gift card.

Just another case of BLAME CANADA.

PS. Apple you can make this all good if you send me 2 iPads. Cuz my wife needs one too.

State of the Word: WordCamp SF 2010

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Matt Mullenweg, the founding developer if WordPress, one of PC World’s Top 50 People on the Web, Inc.com’s 30 under 30, and Business Week’s 25 Most Influential People on the Web gives the keynote at Wordcamp SF 2010. One of those people you should always listen to when they speak. I can’t believe this guy is younger than me.

Adobe Fires Back at Apple

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Adobe has now release it’s own open letter saying Apple is trying to control the web and in not open unlike Flash. They letter reeks of vagueness and is more hollow than the headless horseman’s head unlike Steve Jobs letter that was clear and concise. PC World really nails my sediments. Adobe should retreat from the mobile fight until they have some real ammo, not just name calling. Like being able to actually demo Flash on a mobile device that doesn’t crash, have security issues and doesn’t eat through battery power. Mobile apps will be better with Flash no doubt but not in it’s current state.

Adobe vs. Apple: The Flash Question

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When I received my iPod Touch last Christmas I was really excited. I never had an ipod before. I had always been a PC kinda guy. But I really liked it, still do. The one thing that puzzled me was that Flash was not supported. “Hmmm” I thought. There was speculation on the web but nothing really solid.

Then in April Steve Jobs wrote an open letter regarding Apple’s decision to exclude Flash from its mobile devices. That was an eye opener and clarified Apple’s reasoning. After reading the letter it does start to sound as though flash in on the way out. Sorry Adobe, but is is true that the majority of the things that Flash is commonly used for are now being done with open source technology like AJAX, JAVASCRIPT HTML5 and CSS. I am sure when Adobe purchase Macromedia it wasn’t thinking that Apple, it’s long time friend would be the one to hinder it’s progress. Jobs in his letter mentions that Adobe has been working on this issue for a while and it doesn’t sound personal. Adobe has made noise that Apple doesn’t want Flash based web apps to compete with Apple’s app store, which it probably doesn’t but Jobs makes some very convincing points that swayed me that even though this may be a factor it is not the overlying reason.

Now another embarrassment for Adobe makes it way into the light. Jeff Croft was moderating a panel at FlashCamp Seattle and was witness an anecdotal but insightful moment.

…the keynote speaker, Ryan Stewart, a Flash Platform evangelist at Adobe, demoed Flash Player 10.1 running on his Nexus One phone. When I realized he was going to show it, I got excited — I’ve been wanting to see how well Flash really works on a phone for years…

The smart phone crashed twice and when he tried to show an intensive Flash website. He then asked if there was another website the audience wanted to see. The reply was HULU which he then had to admit didn’t work either (but to be fair was likely an issue on HULU’s side not Flash) but still had an impact.

Taking all things into consideration it is seems clear to me that Adobe’s Flash is diminishing, not only because it is not suitable (yet) for mobile devices but also due to the numerous alternatives that exist now and that are in development. Flash is still really great at doing specific things but those applications are eroding quickly. If Adobe wishes to remain a player in Web 2.0 and beyond it needs to invest in creating tools that exploit open source technology. No longer will web developers be held hostage by a single company. Platform wars are for video games and media storage, not the web.