Do-It-YourselF Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization doesn’t cost, but not paying attention to search engine optimization costs you plenty. The following are tips, techniques, and the tools you need to create a search engine friendly website or blog. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the technique of fixing code, writing keywords, and making your site an open door to search engines to come in and explore.

If you are not familiar with SEO and search engine page ranking, then check out my article on Introduction to SEO for a better understanding of how search engines work and how they evaluate your site. And for more information on how a search engine gathers information from your blog, read How Search Engines See, Search, and Visit Your Website.

The free SEO techniques I’m going to talk about are:

Website/Blog Optimization

* Optimize your code
* Develop strong intrasite links
* Write with strong keyword usage
* Use categories and tags
* Use ping services

Blog Promotion

* Submit via pings
* Submit to search engines and directories
* Become active and visible
* Build incoming links and reputation

Track SEO Efforts and Results

* Understand visitor and traffic statistics
* Analyze visitor length of stay
* Analyze referers
* Analyze search keywords
* Analyze most popular posts
* Check your PageRank

Compare the Competitors

* Study your competitors
* Check who is linking to your competitors
* Learn from their techniques and content