I often have people asking me for tips on SEO. I never know what to say, because SEO focuses on a wide spectrum of areas. Would you like tips on the optimisation of meta-data, SEO link-building or perhaps keyword research? The fact of the matter is that SEO covers so many areas, and even so-called SEO experts don’t always realize just how many factors have to be taken into account.
In truth there is no specific level of importance in SEO. While link building is an important factor, so is correct keyword research and keyword placement, as is optimizing meta-data description tags. Performing these tasks may take different lengths of time, but this doesn’t mean that since one SEO task takes longer than another that it is more important.
A good illustrative example would be the comparison between link-building and the optimizing of meta-data tags. Link-building is a time-consuming and continuously ongoing task. It can take hours or even days to build a good solid basis of links directing towards your site. Once you have that basis of links it sets a firm platform from which to continuously build links over the lifetime of your site. On the other hand, optimizing meta-data on your site is a relatively quick process – it can take you a few hours to do your entire site depending on the size thereof. The optimization of meta-data includes, but is not limited to:
• Placing valuable keywords in the keyword tags
• Making your keyword tags punchy, to the point and keyword rich
While this may be a relatively short process in comparison to link-building it is by no means less important.
SEO on a site is very similar to the parts of a car engine. Every part is important in relation to how well the engine functions. If one part isn’t optimized and tuned correctly it will affect the overall performance of the engine!
So, next time you want to ask about SEO or if you want an SEO tip, try and think about all the areas that the SEO process comprises and redefine your question to a specific area. This will ensure that you get the specific information you require the first time around.
