7 Simple Steps to Optimize Your Websites for Search Engines and Visitors

When it come to Search Engine Optimization most of the people (approximately 90%) of the people follow the wrong or rather famous ways of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Even though it's not their fault, they are the one who are at loss. The most preached SEO practises are rather the most false methods of Optimization.

Search Engines are always updating their algorithms for better and relevant websites that cater to their users. Well it is always better to have a well-designed or appealing website for the end user, the Search Engines only count the usefullness of the content. You don't need flashy websites but you need a well-structured and easily navigable website so that your users find what they want, easily.

1. Most search engines expect every page on your website to be within 3 clicks from ANY page. It makes your website more compact.

2. Make websites for human and not SE's. Well this statement may seem to be foolish but IT IS IMPORTANT that you make websites for your USERS and not just to rank well. You will find it much easier to rank well if you have humanised content rather than fooling SE's. Remember: Search Engines are becoming more and more intelligent by the day. So don't try to fool or you may run a risk of getting blacklisted.

3. Have great content. Great doesn't mean you have to have content that could be ranked no lower than a hypothesis. This comes down to rule number 2 above. Internet surfers rather look for appealing and informative content. Keep numbers in your content short. You are NOT publishing a research report. Give more and more short examples. A short story related to your subject can work wonders with your users.

4. Focus long tail keywords initially. People having no experience with SEO tend to focus on the most competitive keywords rather than more focused and hence less competitive keywords. If you can rank for 50 long tail keywords chances are very good that you may get ranked for the main or the most competitive term.

5. Publish articles related to your topic or niche. This is probably the best and legal strategy to rank in SE's. SE's index websites more easily and speedily that are mentioned in Article Directories. Article publishing has one more profound effect. It establishes you as an Authority which eventually increases your credibility. Besides, you get a LOT of backlinks from these directories and hence you have a better chance for ranking high in Search Engines.

6. Start a Blog. Again, Search Engines love blogs for one reason that they are frequently updated with (quality) content. Blogs have become a great way to keep up with your visitors and this adds to you being an authority in the subject. There are many blogging platforms that are free to use the popular ones being Blogger, Wordpress, Typepad (paid) and MSN Live Spaces.

7. Network . The Internet started for the sole reason of networking. When you network with authorities in your subject you not only get to know more about your subject but also what works. You probably cannot do everything on your own so you can always turn to them for more help. Network with your users. While blogs are great you can optionally start a discussion forum. There are a lot of free ones you can use e.g. PHPBB, Invision or more professional and paid ones like vBulletin.

Conclusion: The essence of Search Engine Optimization is the loyal user base that you can tap for free. This all comes down to one and the only thing - valuable content. Give them what THEY want. And you'll see you naturally rank higher! Promote trust and loyalty. Provide an email address and if possible a phone contact number too. You'll be amazed howm many people call you up. Theres no better way to interact with your visitors than having them call you!