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Web Site Optimization the MSE way
Old_Skool
Posts: 87 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
Hi Everybody,
I've noticed recently that there have been a few questions asking how to optimize websites to improve search engine rankings. Many of the thread replies (including mine) have offered links to various websites for further information.
That got me thinking, wouldn't it be good if we all put our heads together and came up with an easy to follow list of tips 'n' tricks to help everybody get the most out of their website.
We're not targeting a specific search engine, we're aiming for search engines in general.
Come on people, thinking caps on.........
Here we go:
1. Domain Name/URL - If you haven't already got a domain try to pick a name that contains your most important keywords (words people will search by).
2. <TITLE> tag - this should always be the first tag in the <HEAD> area. Unfortunately some online WYSIWYG site builders do not put this tag in the correct place and you cannot change it.
3. Page Title - include your most important keywords in your page title and as close to the start of the title as possible.
4. Meta Keywords - arrange your meta keywords by importance.
5. Meta Description - again make sure your most important keywords are worked into the description.
6. Use a Bold Font for important Keywords - in the visible area of your website you should use a bold font on important keywords to help the search engine identify them. Again it is important to have your keywords appear close to the start of your visible text.
7. Frequency - use your important keywords a few times in the visible text, not just once.
8. Alternative Image Title - If you have images on your page it can be a good idea to give the first 3-5 an alternative title that includes your important keywords using the <ALT> tag. When a visitor to your site hovers the mouse over the picture it will display the alternative title and not the picture title.
9. Page Links - when creating other pages on your site think of the new page title and again try to work in some important keywords.
That's a start from me as I understand things. I look forward to seeing some more optimization ideas.
I've noticed recently that there have been a few questions asking how to optimize websites to improve search engine rankings. Many of the thread replies (including mine) have offered links to various websites for further information.
That got me thinking, wouldn't it be good if we all put our heads together and came up with an easy to follow list of tips 'n' tricks to help everybody get the most out of their website.
We're not targeting a specific search engine, we're aiming for search engines in general.
Come on people, thinking caps on.........
Here we go:
1. Domain Name/URL - If you haven't already got a domain try to pick a name that contains your most important keywords (words people will search by).
2. <TITLE> tag - this should always be the first tag in the <HEAD> area. Unfortunately some online WYSIWYG site builders do not put this tag in the correct place and you cannot change it.
3. Page Title - include your most important keywords in your page title and as close to the start of the title as possible.
4. Meta Keywords - arrange your meta keywords by importance.
5. Meta Description - again make sure your most important keywords are worked into the description.
6. Use a Bold Font for important Keywords - in the visible area of your website you should use a bold font on important keywords to help the search engine identify them. Again it is important to have your keywords appear close to the start of your visible text.
7. Frequency - use your important keywords a few times in the visible text, not just once.
8. Alternative Image Title - If you have images on your page it can be a good idea to give the first 3-5 an alternative title that includes your important keywords using the <ALT> tag. When a visitor to your site hovers the mouse over the picture it will display the alternative title and not the picture title.
9. Page Links - when creating other pages on your site think of the new page title and again try to work in some important keywords.
That's a start from me as I understand things. I look forward to seeing some more optimization ideas.
See you on the dark side of the moon
0
Comments
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8. Alternative Image Title - If you have images on your page it can be a good idea to give the first 3-5 an alternative title that includes your important keywords using the <ALT> tag. When a visitor to your site hovers the mouse over the picture it will display the alternative title and not the picture title.
Please don't do this one. Use the <ALT> tag for its correct function to allow those with disabilities to successfully navigate and appreciate your site.
See the RNIB site about web accessibilityThis is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0 -
Thanks !!!!!!,
This is exactly why I thought of starting this thread. There's a lot of different opinions on optimization
According to the refference books I use both say the correct use of the <ALT> tag is to display an alternative name for visitors who have turned off image display. It is the only clue to the missing image.
Also, the alternative title is displayed while the image is loading if on a slow connection.
The more opinions we can get on the myths and truths of optimization the better this will be for everybody.:TSee you on the dark side of the moon0 -
Look at the Google webmaster guidelines - see
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35769
Don't spend time trying to game search engines - Google's revenge can be swift and effective (ask BMW Germany who practically disappeared from the net for days). Instead make your website effective and usable.0 -
Just found this useful free site for SEO.
http://www.websitegrader.com/
This is what they say on Download Squad:
Website Grader is a search engine optimization tool that analyzes websites to see if they are up to scratch with search terms, and ensures online marketing effectiveness. Website Grader takes into account traffic, social ranking, Technorati ranks, Google Page Rank, Alexa ranks, inbound links, delicious bookmarks and pages indexed in Google to provide a comprehensive look at what websites have been up to. The system analyzes meta keywords, page descriptions, domain registration information, headings, images, the last time it was crawled by Google, and how many RSS subscriptions in Bloglines and grades it accordingly out of 100.
You get a free report on your site's ranking and possible ways to improve it.0 -
Here's a useful article on how Google interprets meta tags:
http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2007/12/answering-more-popular-picks-meta-tags.html0
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