Beginner Guide to SEO

The first step to getting down and dirty with SEO is to evaluate your content, your web site. Designing and developing a search-friendly website will go a long way in maximizing results from SEO. Performing markup validation through W3C is an essential first step. W3C is an organization that promotes Web standards and guidelines. At the same time, evaluate your source code, pay close attention to your use of H1, H2, H3, tags as well as your meta tags which should include your title, description, keywords, etc. There are numerous guides online on how to structure your source code, google search is your friend

The following are all free steps that you can take in performing basic SEO for your website.

Step 1: Signup and install Google Analytics; a powerful tool for analyzing visitor interest and behavior on your website.

Step 2: Create and setup a Google Webmaster Tools Account.  Make sure to fill in as much information about your website as possible, including uploading an XML site map for your website.

Step 3: Signup for Yahoo Site Explorer Service. Fill in your information.

Step 4: Signup for MSN Live Search Webmaster Center. Fill in your information.

Bookmark all 4 websites and monitor them closely. The submission process can take a while, but before you know it, you’ll begin noticing results. This is just the beginning however. Building backlinks is essential in getting exposure and noticing your content ranked high in search results. Never fall for scams in trying to sell you backlinks. It’s extremely risky and you may end up with search engines blacklisting your content.