Search Engine Optimization is a process because it cannot be done all at once. There are many factors that come into play when ranking a website in the top spots for search engines. It takes a lot of time and effort to get a website to the first page of Google and other search engines. My goal is to inform you of the different parts of the SEO process and how long they take so you will know what to expect during the SEO process.
My tested and proven SEO process employs these basic steps to achieve high page rankings:
1) Initial Site Analysis
2) Keyword Research
3) On-Site Optimization
4) Off-Site Optimization
5) Continuous Testing & Conversion Tracking
6) Rinse and Repeat
Step 1: Initial Site Analysis and Step 2: Keyword Research
In the Initial Site Analysis step I learn about your website, what your goals are for SEO, and determine the best keywords to use for your campaign through keyword research. I have discovered that finding high traffic, low competition keywords generates the best bang for your buck.
During this step I will request you provide me a list of approximately 25 keywords / key phrases that you believe people would search for to find your website. Based on this list I will perform keyword research to determine if searchers are using the keywords you suggested or any similar variations. I will report my findings to you and ask for you to select a final list of keywords based on your SEO package.
Depending on the package you select, I also review your website content and conversion techniques. Based on what I find, I may make suggestions for improving visitor conversion if your website does not already have a powerful call-to-action. Some common suggestions are:
- Declutter the homepage
- Make the newsletter sign-up box more visible
- Promote a special
- Moving the call to action above the fold (to prevent scrolling)
- Add more content
Step 1 and 2 can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the package selected. Now that these steps are done, I can move forward with on and off-site optimization.
Step 3: On-Site Optimization
The On-Site Optimization step is a one-time process that prepares your web pages for search engines. This step is important as its purpose is to make sure your website is set-up properly for search engines.
There are several on-site optimization techniques that are used to prepare your web pages for search engines. Some of the techniques I may use include (but are not limited to): setting up a Google Analytics account, submitting an XML sitemap, and editing various meta tags.
| Google Analytics Set-Up |
Google Analytics provides you with statistics on how search visitors find your website and how they use it. This information helps me see the benefits of SEO and will help you determine how your website can be improved. Statistics include but are not limited to:
|
| Google Webmaster Tools Set-Up | Google Webmaster Tools provides you with detailed reports on how Google sees your website. These reports will help you make your website more search engine friendly in order to get the best SEO results. |
| XML Sitemap Creation & Submission | An XML Sitemap is what search engines use to read your website. This helps them read your website navigation. |
All accounts are created in the customers name and you will be given the log-in information. Having the accounts in your name ensures you have full control of the accounts.
Throughout the SEO process, I will continue to monitor both the Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools accounts.
Now that the accounts have been created, I can proceed with the on-page optimization:
| Meta Tag Optimization | Meta tags provide search engines with information about your website. |
| Page Titles | Page titles provide information to both search engines and site visitors about what information can be found on the page. |
| H1 and H2 Tag Optimization | Header tags (H1 and H2 tags) are used typically for the header text at the top of pages or above new paragraphs. Keywords found within these tags can help provide search engines with information about your webpage. |
On-Site Optimization takes approximately 2-3 weeks to complete. Once this process is complete it does not need to be redone unless new keywords are selected.
Step 4: Off-Site Optimization
Off-Site Optimization is an ongoing process and requires continuous work. It is important to continue with search engine optimization efforts once your website is ranked for two reasons:
- To stay ahead of your competitors who are continually trying to get first page rankings and
- To keep up with search engines as they continually change their algorithms for how they rank websites.
There are several off-site optimization techniques that are used on an ongoing basis to achieve top search engine rankings. Here, I again use my tested and proven strategies to achieve high rankings for your website.
SEO Reports
I not only work hard to rank your website, but to keep you informed of what I am doing and the status of my SEO efforts. In order to keep you up-to-date, you will be provided with a written report at the beginning of each month to inform you of the success achieved in the previous month. This report includes your keyword ranking positions, accomplishments that have been achieved, traffic numbers and sources, as well as a plan for continued work and suggestions.
Local vs. National Search Engine Optimization
My local search engine optimization packages are great for businesses attempting to sell their products or services to customers in specific geographical areas. For example, if you own a local restaurant in Washington, DC or you provide closet organization products and services to customers in Reston, VA, local search engine optimization will help drive traffic to your website.
National SEO focuses on websites with a national target audience. For these website owners it does not matter if the customer lives in Washington, DC. or Kanab, Utah.
The keywords / key phrases used in local or national SEO differ. For example, a restaurant owner in Reston, VA may use some of the following key phrases:
- italian food reston, va
- italian restaurant reston, va
- italian food northern va
However, a website owner who sells beauty products may use some of the following key phrases:
- face cream for women
- lotion for sensitive skin
- hand moisturizer for women
Local SEO targets visitors from a specific geographic location whereas national SEO targets visitors from anywhere in the nation. National SEO is harder to achieve and takes more time and resources to accomplish.
Local Video SEO
Video has become increasingly popular these days. Many people prefer to watch a video to learn information than to read about it. Video SEO focuses on driving traffic to your video versus your website. However, visitors will be driven to your website from the video so you will likely see an increase in traffic in both places.
So how does it work? Well, like local website SEO, you can select up to 5 keywords for your local area based on keyword research and I will optimize your business video to drive traffic for those specific keywords using some of the same techniques described in the website SEO section of this guide.
Search Engine Optimization Packages
For each package, I use my proven strategies to achieve high page rankings. My strategy varies month-to-month depending on your niche, competition, and search engine ranking changes. This ensures your website achieves high page rankings and stays there.
For more information on these services, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a meeting to better determine what I can do for you and your business.
Frequently Asked SEO Questions
How quickly can you rank my website?
SEO is not for anyone looking for immediate results. White hat search engine optimization takes time for your website to appear in the top rankings of search engines. How quickly your website will be ranked depends on the competitiveness of your keywords. For lower competition keywords you can see results in as early as 2 to 3 months. For higher competition keywords you can see results in as early as 3 to 4 months.
When and how will I be updated on the progress of the SEO efforts?
You will always receive a monthly report in the beginning of each month that will inform you of the work that has been completed and what has been achieved for the month. I will also contact you during the month via phone and / or email to update you as well as answer any questions you may have.
What is included in your monthly SEO report?
I believe in keeping you informed of the work I am doing in order to rank your website. The report includes information on keyword rankings, the accomplishments for the month, a traffic analysis report and any recommendations for better conversion.
What can I do to increase the traffic to my website?
This is one of the most frequent questions I hear. Of course SEO efforts will always help your website gain more traffic. As a website owner, there is one big thing you can always do to help increase traffic to your website - create more content. That's right! Creating new pages and adding new content to your website is very important. It will nicely supplement the SEO efforts. This will not only provide more information for site visitors, but it will also demonstrate to search engines that your website is important because it is continually updated.
Do you guarantee your results?
I do not guarantee my results. However, this does not mean that I won't achieve first page rankings. No ethical, white hat SEO company will guarantee results. The reason is because search engines continually change their algorithm for how they rank websites. Any company that guarantees their SEO work likely uses spam or black hat techniques for ranking your website. These methods can quickly get your website to the top of search engines but it is a quick and easy way for getting your website dropped from the search engines as well.
I only use organic, ethical techniques for ranking your website. My goal is to get your website to the top spots on the first page of major search engines AND keep you there. My goal is to get your website ranked as high on the first page of Google as possible.
Will there be any additional costs?
The only additional costs you may experience is if you make the decision to make changes to your website that could benefit SEO efforts. For example, when I begin SEO work, I review your website during the on-site optimization process to look for any conversion techniques you have used within the design. If you are not currently using any conversion techniques, I will strongly recommend you make changes to ensure you are able to convert the new traffic the website receives from SEO work. I can provide you with a quote to complete these changes, you can make them yourself or you can hire someone else to complete them.
As the SEO process continues and I analyze the conversion rate, I may recommend changes. Many website owners like to assist in the SEO process. I recommend continuously adding new content to the site. If I have built your website, you have a content management system that will allow you to do this. Or if you prefer, I can do this for you.
Do I have to sign a contract to sign-up?
I will submit a proposal, that once signed, will act as a formal agreement between us. If for any reason you are not happy, you do not have to continue using my service or owe me any additional money. My work speaks for itself and keeps customers coming back.
What search engines will I appear in?
My main focus is achieving high rankings in Google as 80% of searchers use Google to find products and services. Once high rankings are achieved in Google, you will start to see rankings in Yahoo and Bing as well
