"If you build it, they will come." Sometimes this is true; some websites take off on their own and attract visitors without any work. But most of the time a website needs a little bit of help. The field of "Search Engine Optimization" is a murky one with a lot of misinformation flying about. Let's start with some common myths:
Meta keywords. Most web companies will tell you that every page needs to have keywords added to hidden meta tags on each page. What they fail to tell you is that the search engines stopped reading these tags six years ago! They don't have any effect. For more information, read this article at searchenginewatch.com
Frames. Many web companies advise that using frames (like our website uses) is bad and will hurt your search engine rankings. This is a valid point -- if the frames are badly programmed. But with a little bit of work (JavaScript frame restores, alternative content and title passing) there is absolutely no problem with using frames.
Hidden text, cloaking, spamming, doorways, spoofing, etc. Some web companies engage in under-handed practices designed to fool the search engines. Search engines routinely blacklist sites which employ these techniques. Don't anger the search engine staff. For more information, read the warning from Google.
Now let's take a look at things that actually will improve your website's visibility in the search engines.
Incoming links. When another website has a link to your website, you will receive traffic from that website. Additionally, search engines count the number of these incoming links in order to determine how important a website is, and thus how high it appears on the search results. We can help you establish reciprocal links with other websites.
Accessibility. Flash, Java, JavaScript, DHTML or other modern extensions are great. But if there aren't provisions made for people and search engines who can't see these extensions, then you'll lose out on a lot of traffic. We can review your website and point out places where accessibility can be improved.
Good text. If your website doesn't contain the words "Scottish hotel", then you won't appear in a Google search for "Scottish hotel" -- regardless of how accessible your site is or how many links point to it. Websites need to have their text written with search phrases in mind.
Advertising. Online and offline advertising of your website can have dramatic effects on traffic. With a little work, advertising can be completely free, or else costs just a few pennies per visitor. The challenge is to use advertising sustainably over a long term.
Digital Routes has five years' experience in marketing websites. Let us take a look at your website and offer suggestions.
Meta keywords. Most web companies will tell you that every page needs to have keywords added to hidden meta tags on each page. What they fail to tell you is that the search engines stopped reading these tags six years ago! They don't have any effect. For more information, read this article at searchenginewatch.com
Incoming links. When another website has a link to your website, you will receive traffic from that website. Additionally, search engines count the number of these incoming links in order to determine how important a website is, and thus how high it appears on the search results. We can help you establish reciprocal links with other websites.