INTERNAL -- All the SEO aspects that become part of or are built into the Website. Internal SEO includes:
Planning -- What niche markets will you target? What kinds of results do you want? It is amazing how many agents contact me about wanting a Website but then cannot tell me who their market is or what they hope to achieve other than a vague idea they want more leads.
Research -- Based on your planning, what are the best keywords to use? Actually, this should read, keyword phrases or search terms. Think in terms of what your prospect is likely to type in the Google search box.
Design -- This involves the look of the site from both an emotionional and a scientific point of view. Naturally you want the site to be attractive but you also want the Website design to take into consideration what we know about the way people read online. For example, people in this country read from left to right and online, most people skim and scan.
Content -- The actual words on the Web pages must eflect your golas and your keyword phrases. Content must not be copied from other sites. I see so many real estate Web Designs that copy Wikipedia's content for area information. Content also needs to be updated regularly.
EXTERNAL -- All The SEO strategies that happen outside of the Website. This mainly involves backlinks and how to acquire them.
One Way Backlinks -- The ideal as far as search engines are concerned but requires special skills such as networking and writing skills.
Reciprocal Links -- Acceptable but not as ideal as one-way links as far as search engines are concerned.
Link Farms -- Unacceptable to search engines so pretty much a waste of time. Misses the point of why search engines value links in the first place.
Paid Advertising -- Not a part of SEO, but definitely a good way to get business if you do it right. This strategy needs excellent planning and design to be truly cost effective.
What's Your Strategy?
Will you wait and hope for a few more months? Follow a do-it-yourself strategy and wait until you learn the ropes to see results? I hope you resist choosing a SEO company based on hype and false promises and that you will choose a company with a proven track record of success.