Exactly How to Rank Websites in Google in 2012, Right Now

Exactly How to Rank Websites in Google in 2012, Right Now

This is just a short article about Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short and is the most important research that anybody who owns a website, or is thinking of setting up a website should implement on a consistent basis. Most importantly it takes in Keyword research and people should spend a lot of time on this item.

if you're like most people who have websites, you've probably noticed drops in your Google ranking over the past year or so. This maybe because you may have been a bit set in your ways and took your eye off the ball. In this year 2012 it's very important time to re-evaluate your website or sites and examine your SEO strategies for the rest of the year.

If you don't know what Google wants right now and beyond, you can bet other websites are going to outrank you and take the traffic that you could have potentially obtained. I constantly keep learning and I have various mentors that I respect.

You should always try and keep track of all the new ideas that are about and constantly keep researching. Time consuming I know, but worth it.

Here"s my Top Tips for 2012.

Bear in mind we are going back to basics. Treat this article as more of a refresher or beginners course. Apologies to all the SEO experts, this item is probably not for you!

1) When you create a site, make sure you have unique but valuable content. Google loves content. For example if you are starting a blog, just start with a couple of pages, but with plenty of content. This is the first stage as you want to be indexed.

2) As I mentioned earlier, make sure you do your keyword research, not only for main, but secondary key words, using Google's own Free Keyword Tool.

3) In your first post or page make sure you have your main keyword or words and any secondary keywords in the first couple of paragraphs and then spread evenly the words through your post. Aim for 7% to 10% density.

4) Make sure you also have your keywords and relevant keywords in all the correct areas, i.e.: Title, Header, Meta Tags etc.

5) If you are using WordPress, there are some beautiful themes to use, but do not over do it. I personal prefer something simple, even the default theme with its blue header is ideal for some niches, but I want visitors to my sites that can navigate round the pages easily, and find what they want and if interested buy products and services.

6) There are many sites now that offer links free of charge to your site. Obviously linking is important, but you need good quality links, so do not get involved in this, as search engine sites, such as Google, Yahoo etc class this as link spamming and they do not like it. This also goes for cloaking (hiding) links. Avoid!

7) Submit your pages to the most popular search engines and directory sites. It will cost, but it will be worth it in the long term. However do a manual submission, not one of those automated ones.

8) If you are using WordPress (doesn't everyone, for Google loves WordPress) make sure you change the default setting of your URL. You want your keyword in the name, not some horrible number. Log into Dashboard or your domain name/wp-admin and go to settings. Click on permalinks. Select custom structure and enter/%postname%. Save and this will improve your SEO .

I hope you find some of these tips useful for it is so important to keep abreast of new techniques as Google is constantly moving the goal posts.

Hadrian here:

I mentioned my Mentors in the article and these are Brad Callen, of SEO Link Monster fame and George Brown with his Google Sniper program. Exactly How to Rank Websites in Google in 2012, Right Now - Spasat General Business Directory - SEO Directory Business -  Business Directory