Search Engine Optimization - or SEO for short, is the process of integrating web design and web marketing. At ACTIN we've seen flawless sites full of usefull information that didn't show up on any major search engines. We've also seen relatively simple sites that popped up on the first page of our first search. The latter example made use of proper SEO techniques. ACTIN was able to work with the first site to put them consistently at or near the top of their desired search list. This article explains a few of the concepts involved in SEO for the benefit of our customers and the web at large.

Search engines like Google and Yahoo can only provide a valuable service to their users by finding them information that is pertinent to their search. As a result of this, they and their peers have developed some very complex formulas for processing the millions of pages of information available on the internet. These formulas are referred to as search algorithms. The search engines are constantly tweaking these formulas to produce better results for their customers and discourage unscrupulous webmasters from putting sites that direct users to products and services they weren't looking for. Search Engine Optimization is the art of making a website as visible as possible to it's target audience.

Meta Tags and Keywords - Meta Tags are pieces of code imbedded in your home page that tell search engines what your site is about. Generally there should be a short site description and several select keywords to tell search engines which products or services you offer that will benefit their users. To truly maximize SEO principles, meta tag and keyword selection should be among the top five concerns a client has when developing a new site. ACTIN works with our clients to fully integrate your web development SEO principles and their desired marketing plans.

SEO myth and reality - using the principles and techniques of Search Engine Optimization are not a panacea for an ailing web business, but they can help. The biggest billboard in the world cannot make your pizza parlor the number one choice worldwide for take out. Similarly, SEO cannot make your pizza parlor appear at the top of a list for any user that searches a broad, popular item like "pizza". However, you'd have a pretty good chance with "Chicago Style Pizza in Bucktown" if you're smart about your site design and realistic about your desired customer base.

Despite their importance as a first step, meta tags and keywords are just the tip of the SEO iceberg. ACTIN utilizes a full suite of techniques and services to promote our SEO client sites. Please contact your ACTIN account representative today to learn more.