Do you feel lost when it comes to the topic of SEO? Are you looking for a SEO 101 guide? Then you have come to the right spot. This blog was created for people just like you who are interested on this subject but tend to need to know the very basics of SEO.
Let’s start with some simple FAQ’s:
What does SEO mean? – SEO stands for search engine optimization. This term means a web page that’s been modified so that search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, or a host of other ones, will pick what they think is the best website to match a users’ search words.
What is the purpose of SEO? – To market your website on the first page of search engine results, but also:
1. The user will click on your website.
2. The user likes your website and returns!
3. The user supports your site (this could be multiple ways, but ultimately it’s financially supportive)
4. The user shares his/her enthusiasm about your service or product to others. Many times this happens on social networking websites like Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.
Why does SEO cost so much? – That’s a very good question. As anything, you must compare and contrast what is being offered and make sure to get good optimization. Cost can vary, but SEO can cost a lot because: SEO gurus need to research the terms people are using in your field and research which keywords have the least amount of competition online. For better SEO results, ongoing maintenance is needed since search engines are always looking for new web pages and people tend to change what they are searching for.
How do I start SEO? – My question back to you would be, do you already own a website or are you just in the thinking stages of creating a site? This has a great deal of importance of what to do next. Email me with the detail.
Can I do SEO myself? – If you are beginning to comprehend search engine optimization, you also need to know that Google has over 200 variables that determines what results they choose. This means that are a lot of small (and big) issues which need to be looked at if you really want to do well in search engines. Why waste time trying when after six months you give up and choose a professional who knows the ins and outs. I’m not trying to be mean, but it’s like comparing your need for surgery. I’d never suggest you have your spouse or neighbor try repairing your broken arm or worse yet, giving you gall bladder surgery. Get my point?
So what do I do next? – After reading this post, if you want to read more of my posts, click on Basic SEO category written for the beginner. If you read these and are still thirsty for more, click on our SEO RSS and get notified when I add new posts! Also, learning the terms will help as you read. Click on the SEO glossary and get familiar with the terms that we have put together.
Any by all means, if you have a question or comment, email us or create a comment and we’ll help guide you with any SEO 101 information! No question is ever a dumb question. Just smart people learning to be smarter. 🙂
There are 5 main things that control where your site ranks in Google for a given search phrase (keyword). Read more below about the main search engine optimization concepts that control where a site ranks in search engines.
- On page optimization (Organic)
- Backlinks
- Directories
- Social Media
- Competition
If these parts of the puzzle work well all together you have a better chance of your website ranking well in a Search Engine. Here is a SEO webinar I did with Molly from Make it as a Dog Trainer
On page optimization has to do with the changes and work you do to each page of the website.
Here are some important parts of the on page optimization process (in order of importance):
- Having the Keyword phrase in the meta title and meta description tag
- Having the Keyword phrase using the <h> tags on the page
- Having the Keyword phrase throughout the page
- Having as little html code as possible – use external css control
Another part of on page optimization is what should be on the homepage. Many people are told by their web designer to put their personal or “about us” information on the home page. The issue isn’t so much that your info shouldn’t be on the home page it is WHERE on the homepage. Above the fold should be what you can do for your client, not anything about you. No one cares about you, your credentials or resume. They only care about what you can do for them. So above the fold should no be about you. I wouldn’t have your info on your about page. Once a visitor is hooked, (thinks you can help them) they can click on the about page to learn about you. I hope that explains it. PM me for more info.
Q: Why is marketing important to a business?
A: Good marketing is the key to a successful business! Marketing produces sales and leads and if done correctly, happy customers that will help to brand your business name.
For years, the best way to market was in print, radio or through television…and today they are still popular choices. But unfortunately, they can be very expensive! Another valuable avenue you should consider is internet marketing. Why? Because you and I and over 2 billion people are using the internet and many are looking for products they want to buy!
If you have a new business and realize your products are not selling, you need to look at your goal and plan.
- How do you get customers?
- Do potential customers walk away without a purchase? Why?
- Are you driving the people who are searching for your product to your business?
Don’t become a company that goes under. In today’s economy, it’s important to market well. But be wise and make sure you monetize in marketing. There are many different variables of internet marketing, so be careful! You don’t want to spend a large amount of money on marketing and not get a good return of investment. (ROI)
If you have not used marketing and have maintained your business in the black, here is something to think about. Why is marketing important to your business? Adding online marketing will give you an opportunity to grow your business and build a better foundation that can have endless results. What can you lose?
If you want free Christian internet marketing consultation, contact us today! Let us help your business move forward for a better future!
It’s that time of year again! It’s Christmas time and we focus on the Nativity Story; the story of the birth of Jesus. Most people know the story about Mary and Joseph. Jesus, the son of God was born in a manager because there was no room in the inn. This Christmas video below is that same well-known story, but also, it is the Nativity Story with social media. It is interesting, and hopefully no one will find it disrespectful of our Lord and Savior.
We found the Nativity Story in modern day times to be a great way people can relate with social media and to Christmas! Bravo to Excentric! Social Media and popular websites included were: Gmaill, Wikipedia, Google Maps, Twitter, Foursquare, Facebook, Amazon, and Youtube!
We also hope you take the time this Christmas to focus on who Baby Jesus was and why God came down to earth. He is the Savior of the World! For more information about who Jesus is, please visit this website: Online Bible Study for Beginners.
We wish YOU a Merry Christmas !!!
Have you seen the term “white hat” & “black hat” SEO?
These are two terms used to differentiate between safe and risky search engine optimization (SEO):
- White Hat SEO – Recommended, strategic, SEO operations by search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing. Examples can include: Using meta tags or adding your website link to other websites that rank better then yours.
- Black Hat SEO – Illegal or hidden or deceptive methods to improve ranking in search engines. Examples can include: Hidden text on the website or bad linking. (Linking with bad sites)
Be cautious! Advancing in the wrong direction with black hat SEO can be detrimental to your website!
When I read comments posted to our SEO blog, I always look at the website that is posted with the comment. Occasionally, I will see websites that have black hat SEO embedded into their website. I always delete these comments if I see them on the website. Why? Because we do not want to be linked to any website that is involved with black hat strategies.
When Google and other search engines find a website using black hat techniques to help improve their Google ranking, that site can be ranked poorly or even be banned. It can take a lot of time to be reconsidered by a search engine once you’ve been banned. If Google connects us with a banned site, we could get banned also. And we don’t want that and neither should you!
Our SEO business works to follow the guidelines set out by each search engine in addition to following Biblical principles. “What does that mean?”, you ask. It means we have morals, guidelines, rules in our SEO work and we follow what authorities say.
Don’t get caught up with illegal (black hat) SEO. If you want to learn good SEO ethics (white hat) continue to follow our SEO blog, or send us an email with your question.
Ultimately remember this:
It is our desire to help you have a website that is SEO friendly, user friendly and developed so that people searching for your business, service or product in a search engine will find YOUR website!
Are you a Christian? Are you shining for Jesus in this dark world? Living for God means serving as Jesus did. It can be challenging, but Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us to enable us to live a life that is more like Jesus and less like ourselves. Some of these ways include:
- Our words and conversation – They should be pure without unkind words or cussing, and encouraging to others!
- Our charity – Giving of our time, our gifts and our money to help those who are in need physically and mentally.
- Living a pure life – Not only does this mean sexually, but also in our thoughts, actions and deeds.
Our life should be lived as a servant, as Jesus did while on this earth. Our lives should not be boastful or prideful. but show the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
So how does this coincide with Christian search engine optimization? My answer is simple. You can shine for Jesus on the internet to the millions of people who are searching for the answer you have! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. God has opened your eyes and given you the gift of eternal life. Don’t hide this gift! Share it with the world!
Are you shining for Jesus?
If you want to know how to do this with your website through Christian internet marketing, contact us today and we will put you on a path so you can make a difference for the one who has given you life ~ Jesus!
Where do you get potential clients for business? In difficult economic times, this is a very important question that all small business owners or anyone self-employed is asking. As a South Florida SEO business, we focus on search engines and internet marketing.
Let me list a few of the areas you can get your potential clients for business:
- Internet Marketing
- Search Engine Marketing (paid or free)
- Word of mouth (WOM)
- Email marketing
- TV advertising
- Radio advertising
- Soliciting (door-to-door or phone)
Now I’m going to dig a little deeper into the huge possibilities of internet marketing:
- Social media (Facebook, Linkedin, My Space, etc…)
- Videos (Youtube is the biggest website and it’s owned by Google)
- Articles
- Press Releases
- Directories
When working to find potential clients through internet marketing you need to implement search engine optimization to maximize the possibilities! Otherwise, in a world where millions of people search for websites, your business will get lost in the shuffle of all the other businesses trying to market themselves.
When you choose to use internet marketing for your business, you can also benefit from word of mouth and gain potential clients for business by successful internet marketing and search engine optimization; potential clients from WOM can come along without any added work!
I hope this helps you with some new ideas as you look for potential clients for your business! Send us an email or comment on our SEO blog if you have questions about internet marketing or search engine optimization.
It’s that time of year….the time for internet marketing! Companies want you to buy and get their product for a Christmas gift or give an end of year donation. But is it really? Jesus is the reason for this season. Are you using Christian Internet Marketing this time of year Christians celebrate the birth of Christ?
Are you hustling and bustling for gifts? If you are a business, you know that your e-commerce is important this month. People are buying gifts for Christmas and searching for products. The funny thing is that I do get the great deals and sales in emails…but I have tried to search for some items in search engines and don’t find them in the results. Makes me wonder if companies see the importance of search engine optimization.
But this time, I am writing this post because I want to remind Christian businesses what the priority should be this time of year. Christian Internet Marketing should be helping the lost know that Jesus is the reason for this season and Jesus Christ is the savior for you and me! I know we all need money to survive and pay the bills but those of us who are Christians need to make sure we keep our priorities straight. It’s not about shopping. It shouldn’t be about the hustle and bustle. It shouldn’t be stressful. We should be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
So, how are you marketing this Christmas season? If you want to know more about Christian Internet Marketing, now is the time. Contact us today and learn how you can make a difference this Christmas 2009!
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Most people who hear the name Tim Tebow think of the Florida Gators and know he is a Florida Quarterback football player. But if you listen to him speak, you also know Tim Tebow’s religion is important to him. And although I am not a sports fanatic, through Christian internet marketing, I know about Tim Tebow’s Christian faith. This is Christian internet marketing and it works!
How can I connect Tim Tebow and Christian internet marketing? Take a look and google his name or go to Youtube and search for Tim Tebow videos. What do you find and how many views do you see? Tim Tebow’s religion, Christianity, is making a difference! Take a look at these two videos. Is this good Christian internet marketing? Articles and videos on the web are giving him credibility, more fans and I am sure people are wondering about his faith, boldly mentioned in videos. Check it out…
Note that there are professionally done videos AND tapings created by regular fans. In this second video even though it’s an amateur video taping, it’s his fans marketing him! That’s internet marketing at it’s finest.
Tim Tebow’s religion is reflected through his speeches. He mentions his love for his Savior, Jesus Christ and many times mentions Bible verses such as John 3:16 or Philippians 4:13.
I guarantee you. Every football sports fan has had Christian internet marketing from Florida Quarterback, Tim Tebow. Go brother! Shine your light for Jesus! Love it! ♥
Are you looking for Christian Internet Marketing that specializes in South Florida search engine optimization? We are a born again Christian Internet Marketing couple that love to interact with other Bible-believing Christian clients. We attend Calvary Chapel, a non-denominational church, and do internet marketing for a living.
One reason I have such a passion for search engine optimization is that I know there is a need for Christian internet marketing. What do I mean? Non-profit organizations that are sharing the gospel could reach millions of people searching for their need for the Lord Jesus Christ. And our sad findings are that not many are using search engine optimization as part of their Christian internet marketing goals!
Did you know there are people searching for answers to their loneliness, questions about life or questions about apologetics? As you probably well know, there is a lot of junk that can be found and a lot of information that is not true or out right wicked. So why not be on the winning team and be a part of what Christ commanded his disciples to do? As scripture states in Matthew 28:16
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
And I will close this post with something for you to chew on. Even if you weren’t looking for Christian internet marketing, what are you doing for the Lord?
If you aren’t a Christian and are reading this post, if you’d like more information about who created you and who loves you enough to die for you, please email me or read more at http://www.thatyoumightknow.com