The Search Engine Optimization Process (SEOP)

SEO Process

by Mike Briggs
of http://www.oyster-web.co.uk

Last updated: 11 Sep 2007

Untitled Document

by Cheryl R Cowtan

In the beginning of this year, there were 160,000,000 domain hosts in use. We could go into confusing computations and estimate pages, subjects, domain pointers and all the other elements that will diffuse the numbers, but I think we can safely say that there are approximately 100,000,000 Web sites on the Internet today.

Looking at that number, I don't have to tell you that you've got competition online. To be successful, you need to differentiate your products or services and you need to make sure that your site is accessible. One method to accomplishing this is through the Search Engine Optimization Process, (SEOP), which is the first strategic stage of a successful Internet Marketing plan.

What is SEO?

Search engine or Web site optimization is the first step in the strategic process that involves the alteration of a site's code and Content to ensure maximum exposure to search tool indexing and relevant placement within database categories and search results.

What is a search tool?

I use the term 'search tool' in reference to search engines and human edited directories. Search engines are large databases that are populated by spiders or crawlers that seek out Web sites and Index or 'crawl' through code and content for information. Directories are search tools that are edited by human beings who compile relevant listings under subject headings. Yahoo and the Open Directory are human-edited directories and Google and AllTheWeb are examples of crawler-based search engines.

What are the SEOP steps?

The complete process to ensure that your Web site is accessible on search engines and directories involves the following steps:

1. Determine your product's position 2. Optimize the code and content of your site based on this position 3. Submit your site to search tools 4. Measure the results 5. Repeat 2 to 4 until goals are achieved

Each of the above steps require intensive effort if you are going to compete against the multitude of sites in your industry category. Remember that though your budget may not be as flexible as your competitor's, you can still power your efforts with sheer will and ingenuity. That's the beauty of the Web small business can compete with big corporations.

When is the best time to implement SEOP?

The best time to begin your Internet marketing plan or strategy is before you build your site. Internet marketing begins in the planning stages because marketing and business goals need to interconnect on the way to your project's success.

What if my site is already built?

You can still perform SEO if your site is already established. You will need access to your code and content and flexibility to alter the layout of your design if needed. An established site may even achieve better rankings than a new site, once optimized, because it may have higher Link Popularity and other elements that will improve ratings.

How do I start?

You start SEOP by deciding to start. That's the first step. You will need to become dedicated to this process and to set aside time in order to make it happen. Take a look at your product or services and determine what makes your business better or unique. How do you want to present yourself to your potential and establish clients and customers? Develop an idea of who and what you are on the Net in relation to your competitors and think about the position or the niche that you could take in order to reduce competition and to stand out in your industry.

My next article will include details on the next steps in your Search Engine Optimization Process.

Keywords: search engine placement, search engine, web site optimization, web site listing, internet marketing

About the Author
Cheryl R Cowtan, Toronto, ON, Canada
cheryl@acumentor.ca
http://www.acumentor.ca
Cheryl R Cowtan is the Internet Business Director at Acumentor, an eBusiness solutions company. Her career in the Internet industry began in the mid '90's as a Web site designer and has evolved into strategic Internet business consulting. Cheryl publishes a monthly Internet Business newsletter which can be subscribed to by sending an email to Internet-Business-Commentary-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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