Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Submitting to 100,000 search engines automatically only gets you a ton of junk email. Submitting to the handful that matter helps to get you highly targeted visitors. The search engines that matter are represented in the following chart.  The chart shows the percentage of searches done by US web surfers in May 2004 that were performed at a particular web site or a network of web sites:

Clearly Google has the largest chunk. But that's not all there is to it...Google also powers many of the other search engines. Below is a look at the same figures from above but this time showing what percentage of searches may be powered by Google. Google provides results to both Yahoo and AOL, so some of the searches at these places ultimately get served by Google.

Be aware that the Google slice may overstate what search traffic Google really serves. As said above, much of Yahoo's search traffic is channel driven and served out of Yahoo's own databases, rather than from Google.

Top Search Engines, April 2004

 

 

TxWorld SEO

There are ample sites across the Internet that talk all about SEO - what it is - how to achieve good results, etcetera. Rather than present this easy to find information here, we have decided to tell you about TxWorld's approach.

Some of the Guidelines we follow Overture Guidelines Google Adwords Google Guidelines Yahoo Guidelines

Getting good search engine positioning or ranking is part science and part art. The science portion is fairly straightforward; most search engines clearly outline their criteria. Following the steps they outline will achieve decent results. Now the problem - different search engines have different rules. The art of SEO is finding a way to achieve good results on the major engines without having to create a website or webpage for each.

TxWorld closely follows the latest search engine developments to stay current with the best methods. We focus our attention on the dominant search engines, noting rules and strategies that overlap each other. This has allowed us to develop a strategy that combines the common elements of the search engine guidelines. Applying this strategy to our clients needs positions their websites at the top of search engines.

Some clients have specific requests for SEO, such as "I want to be at the top of Yahoo", Google, MSN, Lycos, etc. TxWorld uses the specific guidelines and strategies that each particular engine demands. You get a clear and concise estimate of what it will take to achieve this right up front - so you can make an informed decision how to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Inconsistent Results

Q: I can repeat a search in Google, and get different results from time to time. Why? A: Google maintains multiple search servers, which may provide different search results while the Google index is being updated. Since the choice of server is random, the results you see from a Google search may be different from those your receive

We welcome your questions regarding our specific techniques, but we will not post them here for our competitors. Here are a few of the most common ones that we are asked:

• 1.1. Do you use meta-tags?
• 1.2. Can you get me to a number one spot on Google?
• 1.3. How long does it take to get listed?
• 1.4. What is the payment schedule?
• 1.5. Do you use cookie cutter approach to SEO, or do you work with my existing site?
• 1.6. Do you use shadow domains to funnel traffic? 
• 1.7. How long until you see the first results?
• 1.8. Are paid inclusion fees included or extras?
• 1.9. Is maintenance included or extra?
• 2.0. Does my website have to be hosted by TxWorld?
• 2.1. Will you have to modify my existing website?
• 2.2 How are you different from other local companies?

 

1.1. Do you use meta-tags?

Yes. But that is only part of the solution. In recent months the importance of the meta-tag has declined as major search engines focus on relevant content.

 

1.2. Can you get me to a number one spot on Google?

Eventually. Getting you to the top is one thing - keeping you there is quite another. Like most things it is a function of time and money - we won't sugar coat this. We will work with you to attain the results you want, but it takes resources.

 

1.3. How long does it take to get listed?

Through organic methods, anywhere between 30 days to 6 months. Other methods such as paid inclusion and pay-per-click programs can get you there faster.

 

1.4. What is the payment schedule ?

Everything we do is governed by a Statement of Work. Typically we charge separately for our consulting fees and pay-per-click and pay for inclusion programs.  Our fees are billed at the end of the month, all others are estimated and billed up front.

 

1.5. Do you use cookie cutter approach to SEO, or do you work with my existing site?

We use a common approach. We apply this approach not only to your website, but to your business as well.  We consider your market, competitors and industry when designing a tailored SEO solution.

 

1.6. Do you use shadow domains to funnel traffic? 

Never. This is one of the many things that can lead to having your website "blackballed" by search engines.  We adhere to the strict guidelines provided by major engines because once you are blacklisted it takes a miracle to get off the list.

 

1.7. Can I stop my SEO program at any time?

Yes. You are in control of the program, and there are no long term contracts. 

 

1.8. Are paid inclusion fees included or extras ?

Extra. But like everything we do, you will know up front what ALL of the fees and charges are.  And paid inclusion may or may not be a strategy that you need to employ.

 

1.9. Is maintenance included or extra? 

You choose. This is negotiated up front and spelled out clearly in the Statement of Work. Most SEO and promotion programs we design are based on good faith Time & Material estimates.

 

2.0. Does my website have to be hosted by TxWorld?

Absolutely...NOT.  However if you select a SEO or promotional campaign that requires modification of your website you will need to provide us with access.

 

2.1. Will you have to modify my existing website?

Depends. If you choose an organic growth program, yes, we usually have to change the content of webpages as well as keywords and meta-tags. Other programs such as pay-per-click and inclusion do not usually require modifications.

 

2.2. How are you different from other local companies?

Our attention to detail. We stay current, we work hard, and you will always know what you are getting and how much you are paying for it.  When you compare us to the competition, see if they can answer the following tough questions.

• What is Pagerank?
• What is a PR0 penalty?
• How can you find out what sites are linking to your sites?
• What techniques does Google consider spam?
• How often does Google update their index? 
• What is a link farm?
• What are some of the robots for the major search engines?
• What is vertical theme analysis?