DABK, SEO, and Grail Quests
You all know DABK, right? Below, I've posted a quick little SEO tips "share"--written by Dusan (DABK) as a favor to me in my blogging efforts. I am suddenly busy with a slew of unexpected things, and I found myself pining for my WA blogging and buddies this afternoon. And it occurred to me that it's high time to move on over and give my friend Dusan a shout-out.
No, there's no business relationship here. Nothing but a lovely collegial, IM-full friendship. Dusan has, from my very first week in WA, been extraordinarily generous about sharing knowledge, trial-and-error experience, SEO tips, and keyword optimization advice. And, in case you haven't noticed, he also shares liberally (and astutely) on the forum. If someone says, hey, anyone mind checking out my landing page and offering a critique, Dusan goes right on in there with a magnifying glass. ("Elementary, my dear Newbie....") He analyzes the keyword density, the layout, the copywriting, the links, the headlines, heck, even the colors.
Hopefully ,those getting the critiques pay attention--because the guy is an excellent, knowledgeable "IM editor." And he analyzes, analyzes, analyzes. (For us big-picture types, it sure is helpful to have someone saying, REMEMBER, DETAILS MATTER!!!)
Anyway, Dusan is setting up his own site on marketing (I do plan to be on his list, because he's discerning and gives away good stuff). Anyway, in his own push to gather and publish helpful material, he's prepared a thoughtful, concise guest post on effective SEO practices for my 100Blogs blog. It's divided into 2 parts, and I'll publish it to my blog within the next couple of days. For now, I thought it would be a good idea to share the first part among the WA family. It's a helpful, concise checklist for those new to SEO--and maybe a good review for those who are not so new to it. If you want Part 2, you can PM Dusan (DABK) or wait for the blockbuster sequel on http://100blogsin365days.blogspot.com.
Wishing you all a wonderful day! (Oh, and I just realized that today marks my 3-month anniversary on WA. Woo hoo!)
Effective Search Engine Optimization - the Quest for the Holy Grail
Do you think effective search engine optimization is an area of knowledge shrouded in mystery? Many do. Many business people think effective search engine optimization is something only a few could properly understand, clearly beyond the reach of normal people.
I used to be one of many. Not any more. Which means that you too can understand and easily implement effective search engine optimization.
First, search engine optimization has two parts: on-page optimization and off-page optimization. Obviously, for effective search engine optimization you need to have both and both should be fully developed.
On-page search engine optimization seems to account for about 70% of the total optimization effect. It involves seven small steps.
1. place the keyword in the URL (it counts if it’s a sub-page; it’s best if the keyword is the URL
2. place the keyword in the title
3. place the keyword in the description
4. place the keyword in the head
5. place the keyword in the 1st and last paragraphs
6. place the keyword several times in the body of the article/post (but no more than 5%, ideally 3-5% or as high as readability allows
7. locate synonyms and related keywords (if you use the
old version of Google’s free tool - https://adwords.google.com/
8. use several of these related keywords throughout your article/post (again, aim for high density, as high as readability allows); sometimes, you’ll find that your article/post remains readable with 4 or 5 of these keywords occurring 2-4% of the time, sometimes, you can only have 1 and only 1% of the time. The point is to have as many as you can without sacrificing readability or annoying the reader.
Most web site owners do not do all of the above, as a result, if you do all of them, your site will leap frog over your competitors, even competitors who have thousands of backlinks for each ten you have.
Of course, this is only 30% of your effective search engine optimization. Here’s the other 70%:
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Recent Comments
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Thanks for sharing this, I think DABK is very helpful too, he just messaged me the other day about a blog post I wrote. Good luck on your project!
Dusan is a gem, no doubt! thanks for sharing this Maureen - i too will be on Dusan's list. How are the 100 Blogs going? I am enjoying your posts on your successes :)
Thanks, Paula! Love the dry humor too. I've learned a lot from my friend Dusan--and he's asked me to hold off on part 2 until he has his rockin' freebie ready on his site. :-) So...look for it later in the week. For now, it's catch-up time for me. As the Amish saying goes, "The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get!" :-)
Ahhh ... Dusan and Maureen - what an IM team! I too will be on Dusan's list :)) I find his seemingly effortless eye for detail simply quite amazing. And that dry humour just adds to the richness :)) Of course it's not effortless and we're all the more blessed to be on the receiving end of such generosity - as we are yours Maureen :) This artice is rich, but clear and concise which is great for the big picture folks as well as the nuts and bolts chaps and chapesses.I for one will be printing out. Looking forward to part 2!
@reefswimmer: I agree with you. Though I'm a little timid about the forum due to my getting lost in the threads and spending more time than I've got...I do check it out if Dusan has posted. I especially like his critiques....and I know it takes awhile to give people that kind of attention. Anyway, like you, I just appreciate the spirit of sharing and peer-to-peer teaching.
@jatdebeaune: The sense of humor is dry like a good cabernet. :-) As for blogging, thank you! I have some catching up to do. Spent the weekend with my best friends from high school. Mini-reunion--what fun! But now I sort of feel like I have to regather my focus and get serious again. Are you still in Vermont with your family?
I know, Dusan is amazing. He has a wonderful marketing mind and a great sense of humor, which is often subtle, but I get it. I want to soak up your blog Maureen. Good going!
Thx, Maureen and you betcha thx DABK! Not only have I learned so much from what Dusan has taught me directly, but when I see he has posted in the forum, I hop on over there to see what he is saying on whatever the question might be.
I am such the newbie on SEO (and on a bunch of other valuable things--and maybe just on life itself...!) and I am determined to master this good stuff and use it daily. The power of these 7 little steps you list here goes together quite nicely I think, with the study you did, Dusan, showing how you got much higher rankings when you increased your KW density up a surprising notch.
No, I am not going to pm you, good friend (I hate to see your inbox today !) but I am eagerly awaiting the second part of your guest post. Soon, Maureen, soon !
Diane, reefswimmer
Dusan is very nice and very talented