Chris Wheeler, Norwich SEO specialist, has given us the following advice about Search engine optimisation and web design.

Does Your Website Deliver?

If you only want a presence on the internet and want to point viewers to yours site, SEO is not for you. If visitors are critical to your site, then read on...

You may have heard the terms SEO or Search Engine Optimisation, in relation to web sites, and wondered what it was all about. Simply, SEO is the process we use to get your web site to the top of the search engine (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) rankings.

Why Would I Want This?

Your web site is a valuable marketing tool and, as with your competitor’s, your web site is essential in getting people to contact you, buy from you, or find out more information about your company. Unless you are in a very specialist niche market you will have a fair amount of competition. They too will be looking to market their products on the internet, and they may want to be in the top 10 on all major search engines to increase their chances of reaching their target market. You do not want to be left behind.

FACT - 96% OF ALL SEARCH ENGINE USERS DO NOT GO PAST PAGE ONE OF THE ENGINE TO FIND WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR. (ACNielsen October 2009).

What Do You Want to Achieve?

Before beginning the process, work with your partner and decide what you want your SEO project to bring you.  Are you happy with a basic return on investment, or do you want more?

How Does It Work?

The process of search engine optimisation (SEO) involves many different factors (around 140 per page, split into 5 categories). Not one factor alone will get your website to the top of the search engines. Some contributing factors include:

Links to the site.
Age of your domain.
Validity of the code used to build your site.
Number of viewers.

The Dangers:

There are many companies offering the service, a vast majority are unqualified and inexperienced. Most promise a lot and deliver little. Check case studies, talk to existing clients’.  Do not be afraid to ask questions. Google them!
There are no quick fixes. Be wary of false promises and unusual keywords or phrases.

The most you should be offered in your contract is that your website will see progression against your competitor, and that if your SEO partner does not get your site to the top of the engines on at least three major terms, then you reserve the right to terminate your contract, or get free SEO until they do.

The Rewards:

If SEO is carried out ethically, professionally and in a business-like manner the rewards can be great over a period of time. As a guideline, the amount spent on SEO should at least be returned to you – Whether in online sales or contact from your site.

Click here for more information about Metalfrog Studios and their Norwich SEO services.