search engine optimization

[mignon]

We have been told that there are basically two ways to do SEO: Paid inclusion and natural ranking.

From what we've been told optimizing for natural ranking (Google) is rather complex and expensive.

We've also heard that initiating a paid inclusion plan (including xml feeds, yahoo directory submissions), doesnt do any good in bringing more traffic to your site.

If anyone has any suggestions/advice.
Thanks

[screaming_banjo]

Hi

Search Engine Optomisation isn't my strong point, however, I believe that if you have the correct meta tags this should help to increase your ranking in google etc.

Try searching on 'Meta Tag Generator', there are loads out there, alternatively, here's one I found (but haven't used!), it's just an example of what's out there:

http://websitesubmit.hypermart.net/metatags.htm

Hope it helps and I'm interested to hear what anyone else posts!

[pyro]

Actually, Google really doesn't use meta tags anymore. The reason for this, is because they are too easy to hack. Google now looks primarily at the content and markup of your site. With that being said, it's not a bad idea to throw some meta tags in, for other search engines, but with Google, contents is king.

[ramon_marett]

Basically the best way is to find out what people are typing in and how many companies are competing for this keyword or phrase. The company I work for does this, but yeah, it isn't cheap.
A few tips though -
When you add keywords, think about things like spelling mistakes. IE 'millennium' spelt with two n's, a lot of people only spell it with one n and if you register that spelling with one n then you're going to get a higher ranking on the search engine.
Um..can't think of anything else but when I do I'll let you know. I just design the sites to be honest and let someone else sort out all that SEO stuff.

[toicontien]

A List Apart did a great article about this very subject.

Using XHTML/CSS for an Effective SEO Campaign:
http://www.alistapart.com/articles/seo/

[gizmo]

You will find latest goings on at http://www.highrankings.com/forum/ :)