Search Engine Optimization, Part 2
Issue 78, March 15, 2004

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This article contains older information. Go here for newer information on SEO (search engine optimization).

Dear Friends,

This series has now been compiled into a brief e-book.

Last month I began a two-part series on Search Engine Optimization. This issue concludes with articles on linkage strategies and a guide to outsourcing. You may have heard lots of conflicting things about linking. Here I have talked to the top people in the field to give you the straight, current information. I also tell you how to implement a strategy that will increase your rankings.

Sometimes people wonder if a subscription to Web Marketing Today Premium is worth the $49.95 annually that it costs. This month's article on SEO outsourcing can easily save you 20 times that amount by helping you avoid SEO vendors who can hurt you -- and take your money to boot.

God bless you,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Editor

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How to Increase Search Engine Rankings through Links to Your Site

This 3,600-word article explains why Google's PageRank system makes good sense in determining relevancy of your website. I explain the factors involved in Google's linkage pattern analysis and how to make the most of your knowledge. Finally, I offer eight linking strategies that you can (and should) implement to move your site up in the search engine rankings. In case you were wondering, the hard work of obtaining reciprocal links is only a small part of an overall strategy to get quality incoming links. There are easier ways, you know. Read the Article.

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What You Need to Know about Outsourcing Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

A whole growth industry has developed around search engine optimization. You'll find wildly different prices and services. Some are quite helpful, but most are ultimately inadequate. Here's how to sort between the multitude of offerings and what to watch out for.  This 2,600-word article includes a list of questions to ask of potential vendors that will help you understand how they work -- before signing a contract. The information contained in this article can save you many thousands of dollars and lots of pain. Read the Article.

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Previous articles in this series appeared in Issue 77:

How Does Search Engine Ranking Work? Webpages vs. Linking: An Introduction

Here you'll find the basic landmarks of search engine ranking that lays the foundation for the more detailed articles to follow in the series. Read the Introduction.

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How to Get Your Webpages Ready for Search Engine Indexing: Have Pity on Poor Googley-Eyes

In this article I'll introduce you to an overworked search engine spider named Googley-Eyes. I try to explain how she perceives a webpage -- what makes sense to her, what confuses her, and what makes her mad. I guarantee that this will be the most entertaining article you'll ever read on how to prepare your webpages for the search engines. You might even learn a thing or two. Read the Article.

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A List of Prime Resources for Search Engine Optimization

When you need to get down to the real nitty-gritty, where do you get knowledge you can rely upon? Here's a select list of resource websites and articles that will guide you through this rapidly-changing landscape. See the Resources.

 

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New Ecommerce and Web Marketing Articles

Each month our team of link editors scours dozens of online periodicals and resources to find key information on e-commerce and Web marketing. With so much new literature available to you, how do you find what you need quickly and painlessly? Here's a selective and searchable database of article and resource links to help your research and keep you up-to-date in the field. (Links gathered in a given month are usually available during the second week of the following month.)

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