|
What does SEO
mean?
SEO stands for search engine optimisation (or search engine optimization
if you're American). It refers to the process of trying to improve
a website's chances of ranking in the search engines for relevant
search terms.
Back to top
How do search engines rank websites?
When a user types in a search query they are not actually searching
the internet. Instead they are searching a database or index which
the search engine has created containing copies of documents (web
pages) which that engine knows about. These web pages are collected
by programs called spiders or robots, which 'crawl' the web, downloading
pages and following links to find new pages. Search engines use
an equation called an algorithm in order to choose
which pages
to
display in
response
to a query. This
algorithm will include many different variables, such as frequency
and prominence of search terms in the page, number and quality
of links to the page and so on. Each engine uses a different algorithm,
with these factors being weighted differently. These factors can
be broadly grouped into those which deal with a site's relevance (to
the topic of a search) and authority (its importance
and trustworthiness).
Back to top
How does search engine optimisation
work?
SEO involves a wide range of techniques and processes, but the
overall objective is to ensure that a web page stands the best
possible chance of being ranked highly for a target group of search
terms. This involves taking steps to improve a site's relevance
(keyword
research, on-site optimisation, content and
copywriting) and authority (link building, article marketing etc).
Back to top
How soon will I see results?
This is a question a bit like 'how long is a piece of string?'
Search engine optimisation is not an overnight process. How quickly
you
see improvements
in
your
website's
search
engine
rankings
and
traffic will depend on a number of factors, such as how competitive
the sector is, how much work needs to be done, how strong your
site is to begin with
and
also
its age. It takes time to build up trust in a site, and Google
can be especially reluctant to rank new sites. As a rule of thumb
we might normally expect to see significant improvements in engines
such as Yahoo and MSN/Bing in 2-3 months, and in Google in 3-6
months. However, this can vary widely, and especially for new sites
in highly competitive sectors will be significantly longer.
Back to top
What are the costs involved in SEO?
We provide our service on an ongoing monthly basis ans charge
a monthly management fee. Our fees are dependent on a number of
factors, such as the
size
and complexity of the site and the workload involved.
Contact
us for a free SEO proposal and quote.
Back to top
Will I be locked into a long term management contract?
Not at all. Our service is provided on a month by month basis, with no minimum contract term. We just ask that you give us a month's notice if you wish to cancel.
Back to top
Call free on 0800 980 5000 or fill in our contact
form to find out more about how we can help your business
prosper further online.
|
