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Learning SEO One Step At A Time
By Patrick Hare
Expert Author
Article Date: 2010-03-09
One of the hardest things for any newcomer to search engine optimization (SEO) to discover is that there is a wealth of information online about SEO, and much of it is contradictory. To become any thing close to a true "SEO Expert," it is almost necessary to learn the entire history of SEO, have a clear understanding of all the methods people used to trick search engines in the past, and apply that knowledge so your new site does not get filtered or banned before it even gets off the ground. Whether people come into the universe of SEO as DIY site builders or customers, there is a sharp learning curve.
Much of the education given to customers of Web.com Search Agency starts with the basics. You don't have to know too much about engines in order to drive a car, and you shouldn't have to have a degree in SEO before you can take your site out on to the internet. We usually start at the beginning with keyword research, since our goal is to get our customers the highest quality of relevant traffic that will result in a conversion. By involving our clients in the educational process, we can help them grow their businesses by considering all the possibilities for online traffic. This part of the process also helps set realistic expectations while we tailor the on-page optimization.
What should a novice know about SEO? If the sales process was done correctly, a person should understand that search engine rankings are going to take time, and competitive keywords must be achieved with hard work and a substantial investment. For companies who may have had an active site for a long time, and a lot of brand equity, rankings could literally come from a few small changes to the site's metatags or content. The vast majority of sites, however, need to present themselves in a way that is going to gain (and keep) a certain level of credibility in order to achieve rankings. Therefore, professional seo consulting clients and amateur do-it-yourself optimization dilettantes should have the same idea about the road ahead. If anyone tells you that they can get you "instant" rankings on Google, ask them if you can pay once the rankings are attained.
Most of the time, the best seo education and training comes from an in-depth knowledge of the work. The art of optimizing websites depends on a set of ever-changing variables, most of which are heavily debated in the search engine world. However, the basic combinations of good keywords, relevant content, and good links are still the foundation for getting good search engine positions. An SEO consultant can steer you through the many traps and SEO nuances that may trip up someone who is not familiar with the territory, but at the end of the day their methods for getting high rankings should depend on proven principles that are supported by a majority of the SEO community. Most reputable SEO firms can even answer one or two specific questions about a course of action in and be able to debate the pros and cons of a certain method. As an SEO consumer, you can gain a working knowledge of SEO concepts, which will help you decide whether or not a certain initiative is working, or how it could be improved. At the end of the day, our job is to get you the best rankings possible, which not only keeps you in the black, but also keeps us on the retainer as a valued consultant.
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About the Author:
Patrick Hare has been managing online and offline marketing projects since 1999. From 2005 to present, he has been with Scottsdale Arizona's Web.com Search Agency (formerly Submitawebsite). Patrick provides Search Engine Optimization and Marketing advice to in-house customers and Web.com Jacksonville’s web design group.
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