Advice on getting good rankings in the search engines such as Google (SEO)
by Paul L.G. Morris: an experienced, respected and qualified Computer Advisor.
This is a common problem that many clients experience
This topic in commonly known as 'Search Engine Optimisation' or SEO.
How much are you prepared to pay for the basic advice to get a better placement in the search engines? One client approached Paul with 4 quotes ranging in price from £2,500 to £4,000. At best they were vague as to what they would do for the money and one was just wrong (and Paul means wrong - they made totally incorrect statements).
Only the engineers developing the search engines know for sure how they work and they keep their techniques secret - not just because of the competition, but also to deter the spammers who would otherwise spoil the web. So how can anyone give advice? The search engine companies such as Google, Yahoo!, MSN and Ask give guidelines. In addition, there are specialist companies that monitor in great depth their own, and their client's websites. Some of these companies publish their findings, some at a significant cost. Paul tries to keep up with what is going on in the industry and, along with his own experiences, believes he has a grasp of the fundamentals.
What Paul does not do is rip people off by making false claims such as "We have a special relationship with Google" or "We will submit your website to 400+ search engines". If consulted, Paul will try to ensure your website covers the fundamentals. It is amazing that many web developers do not put these in place when they develop the website then go on to charge extra for doing so.
So, if you are looking for basic, no-nonsense advice at a reasonable cost, talk to Paul first - especially if you are getting a website developed - he may be able to help you avoid wasting money. Paul can arrange face-to-face meetings in East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk.)