Search Engines - A search engine is essentially an internet based programme that produces listings of web content based on the search term entered.   One of the largest search engines is Google.  A lot of people use search engines to find what they are looking for on the web.  Search engines trawl through the internet 'indexing' (remembering) the content (words etc).  Then, when someone enters a search term (i.e. 'website design') google will list all the sites that contain this term, in order of importance as deemed by google based on a variety of elements.

Search Engine Optimization - Being search engine optimized means that your website has been setup to get the best listings on search engines. 

Why Bother? - If people can't find your website for relevant key words, there is not much point in having one!  OK so people will find your site if you give them the URL (i.e. www.in8website.co.uk), but that won't help you to get more business via the internet.

Keywords

Having the least specific keywords can be hard work! Consider using more specific term...for example:

• Dont Use 'Website Design'
• Do Use: 'Website Design Portsmouth'

Stuck for ideas? This is a fantastic FREE tool - go to: www.GoodKeywords.com

Simply download and plug in your broad keyword and it will suggest others! Fantastic!

On Page SEO is a mixture of key elements which include:

• Include your keywords in your page title (very important and easy with our content managed sites).
   
• Use the '|' symbol to separate words.
   
• Use only your main keywords. Don't use filler words. The '|' character will act as a filler.
   
• Use header tags. Header tags are numbered 1-6 and can be created in Dreamweaver very easily. Simply select your text and click on Header 1-6 in the Format options in your Property Inspector Panel. We woudl of course, set this all up for you!
   
• Bold, italicize, and underline some keywords (Not every keyword, just some - and only one of each per page).
   
• Place your main keyword at the beginning and end of your webpage. Remember that Bots (from Google, Yahoo and other searc engines) search from left to right and top to bottom.
   
• Include your keyword in the copyright footer of your webpage - i.e. 'Copyright 2007 | Website Design'.
   
• Use image tags and include your keyword, plus the word "image" or "graphic" etc. The HTML tag for this is:
  
  Alt="keyword"
   
• So you can add these in your content using our WYSIWYG editor by selecting 'Source'. This shows you the HTML of the content.
   
• NEVER have links to the same page that you are currently on - i.e. have a link to your homepage on your homepage. 

Get as many reputable websites (with a good Google ranking) linking to your website. You can check a website's Page Rank using the Google Toolbar. You can download this here... Or, you can check a page rank here...

Get listed on some directory sites, including:

- www.FreeIndex.co.uk
- www.Friday-Ad.co.uk
- www.FreeAds.co.uk
- www.SmallBusinessDirectory.co.uk
- www.BusinessInternetDirectory.co.uk
- www.crazyleafdesign.com/webdirectory/
- Plenty of others online...

Get a Profile page on:

- www.MySpace.com
- www.Konnections.com
- www.LinkedIn.com
- and others...

Post on forums - but dont just spam them, only add relevant content.

- www.Graphic-Design-Forum.com
- www.WebDesignForum.com
- others available...

Add articles and white papers to library sites

- I would only recommend doing this if you have something to say that others will want to read. Otherwise this could have a negative effect on your SEO!