Search Engine Optimisation
After having re-designed iKreativ completely from the ground up I recently decided to run a simple SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) test to see how far, and how fast I could climb the Google ladder.
So, the test. To get the highest possible listing for 3 specific search terms, ‘Web Design Oldham’, ‘Graphic Design Oldham’, and the broader search term ‘Design Oldham’ in under 1 month.
The techniques used are very simple, straightforward, and most of all, honest.
I started by coding my website in the best way I could, using W3C standards and clean code enabling my site to be easily read by search engine spiders.
Having built my site around Wordpress the first thing I decided to do was make sure that all the pages had SEF URL’s, and more so that the URL’s where relevant to the page content.
Secondly, I made sure that each post or page had a unique title, relevant keywords, and good, honest content. At the end of the day, I write in the blog for humans, NOT search engine spiders. I really hate to see sites that try ’stuffing’ as many keywords as possible in their content trying to gain a higher listing, but making it virtually impossible for visitors to read, or make sense of the content. This technique can actually get your domain name banned from Google and shouldn’t be used.
I had checked my listings prior to this test for the same search terms as above and gave up looking after Page 10. I wasn’t willing to look for my site any further than that, why should I? most people using a search barely go past Page 5.
So, the Results?
- Web Design Oldham: 9th listing on Page 1
- Graphic Design Oldham: 4th listing on Page 1
- Design Oldham: 9th listing on Page 1
This was all done in less time than I had expected. I set out to achieve a higher listing in under 1 month, when in reality it came in under 2 weeks.
It has proved to be a worthwhile exercise, not only gaining me a higher Google listing, but also confirming my theory ‘Quality over Quantity’.
Remember, content is King, and write for humans NOT search engine spiders.
annarogers
March 6
Good content. Just wanted to add some points here that may be helpful for those looking out for professional SEO services. There are tons of SEO companies offering different SEO packages and solutions at highly competitive rates. However, when looking out for these services, its important to not only look at the affordability factor but also what is unique about their SEO service and what differentiates them from other companies.
While choosing an SEO company its equally important to analyze the SEO company’s website in terms of their Rankings, Yahoo links, Google index, Alexa ranking and similar such factors which indicates the company’s expertise in the field of SEO. So make sure you are doing enough research and smart work before investing your advertising spend.
Shane Guymon
March 12
Congrats! I just did something similar for the company I work for. It felt great, I just recently wrote a similar post as you. It feels rewarding doesn’t it?
Your website looks great! I found it while browsing “Web Creme”
Scott
March 12
Hi Shane.
Yea, it’s always rewarding achieving something you set out to do.
Glad you like the site.
Cheers.
Simon Bowler
March 17
Web Creme has been good to you, I found you whilst browsing. Really nice site, good articles too.
Its inspired me to conduct a similar test on my site!
Thanks
Scott
March 17
Hi Simon.
Glad you like my site, and I’m really happy to have inspired you to try something!
Cheers.
webkatalog
May 4
Were did you get your blog design?
Scott
May 4
Hi Webkatalog,
I made it…it’s what I do…I’m a designer
Scott
May 4
Hi Thirty,
Glad you liked the post!
satrap
November 15
search engine and things related to it are always evolving, so its kind of hard to stick with the same plan as you always have to adapt to new rules. specially with google. any way thanks for the post.