Site Map:

Before I close this series I should make mention that search engine spiders cannot read java scripts. If you have built a drop down dynamic menu that points your users to the various parts of your site the spider won't know anything about it or your pages and can get confused as to where to go and what is pertinent. You'll need to spell it out for the little fellow.

What you need to do to solve this is one of two things.

1. At the bottom of every page have text links to all your pages. Tip: Look up the IFRAME command for this one so you only have to change one page then all the pages on your site will change, or

2.Create a site map. This is actually the best thing to do. Tip: I have found this site to create great site maps http://www.xml-sitemaps.com/ online as long as your site is under 500 pages in size. If you are over 500 pages they charge you.

Either way, whether you go about creating a map or making a bottom text menu, make sure you do it so that the spiders can read your site, know what pages you have and where to go to look for content.

Summary:

- Use Of H1, H2, The Header Command (Part 1)
- The ALT="" Command (Part 2)
- Looping Links (Part 3)
- Meta Tags (Part 4)
- Text vs. Graphics (Part 5)
- Reciprocal Links (Part 5)
- Bigger IS Better (Part 5)
- Things Do Get Better With Age (Part 6)
- K.I.S.S. (Part 6)
- Keywords (Part 7)
- Site Map and Summary (Part 8)

I want to thank you for taking the time to read through my thoughts and ideas on how to better your site.

As a little extra special information specifically addressing SEO here are my Top Ten tricks:

1) H1, H2,H3, H# implies strength of content and visual support for your users. Write strong descriptions between <H#></H#>.

2) Make your content relevant to your users first, and the spiders second so those search engines recognize and reward uniqueness.

3) ALT keywords strengthen your position with the search engines and assist the blind in enjoying your content.

4) Name your HTML files to match your content. Don't just use "/SalesPage.html" use BicycleSalesPage.html.

5) Perseverance and patience pays off with longevity, inflated reputation, easier reciprocal linking and increased ranking.

6) <title></title> The title should strongly support the content delivered to the user. Use this space wisely and creatively.

7) META TAGS The same as #6 - make sure they strongly support your content.

8) I can't stress enough keywords and performing the research to find the right ones for your site including them in your content.

9) Pile up your in/outbound links, including your text or XML site map to show size and make it easy for spiders to spider.

10) Make much of your content completely unique. i.e. Do not use "cookie-cut sites" - pre-built free sites that others are using.

You'll find some additional good SEO basics at Google's mini tutorial http://www.googlerankings.com/basic.php

Searching the Internet for SEO tactics, hints, tips and tutorials will bring you a plethora of additional information.

If even one of the items I have mentioned above or throughout this series helps you climb the search engine page ranks, implements better search engine optimization of your site, or just gives you some added insight then I have accomplished what I set out to do… Give you knowledge and assistance.

Best of luck to you and yours.

Read Part 7