subject: Using SEO to Get Traffic [print this page] Using SEO to Get Traffic Using SEO to Get Traffic
It is not difficult, in fact I can say two things about SEO, 1) anyone can do it and; 2) it's hard work, but not complicated.
SEO-What's the Problem?
Why do people shy away from SEO? Because people usually have a problem finding concise, simple to understand information that will walk them through the SEO process. So, let us see if I can give you general walk through of SEO with a simple article.
Decide the Keywords You Want To Use
Yes, keywords are at the center of SEO. However, people with no knowledge of SEO, will just write the article, and just let the words flow. That's okay if you're writing a thesis or term paper. However, if the purpose is to get your article out to the most people on the Internet, the "letting it flow" is not going to get your web page indexed on the first or even the second page.
What to Do To Get Your Article Search Engine Ready
Start with the article you have written. What is the topic about? That is where you begin. Just for simplicity sake, let say, your article is about music CDs.
If you do a search with the Google AdWords keyword tool, you'll find the word "CDs had over 1,000,000 searches, that's a rather large field of competition for someone that is just starting out, or who does not have a large following.
The best option is to search for keywords that are two to three words deep, it will reduce the competition, and allow your web page to rank within the top 10. For example, here are some long tail keywords within the range of 10,000 to 100,000 searches a month - country CDs, burning CDs, cheap music CDs online. If you do a quick search in Google, you'll find the competition manageable.
The next trick to SEO, is weaving these keyword phrases within the body of your content. That does not mean you drop the keyword phrases anywhere you want, the words should weave in naturally. You can determine the flow of the article just by reading the article aloud. If you find you are tripping unnaturally over the keywords, you will know in an instant that you just lost your reader(s).
How Many Keywords?
There are some rules you need to follow with keywords. Do not overstuff your keywords, or Google will think your copy is spam, keep it reasonable, with no more than 1% to 2% for major keywords.
Once you have the keywords weaved naturally in your body copy, and you're satisfied with the article it's time to promote.
To conclude, this is just a quick overview to learning SEO, as you can see, it's not complicated, it just time consuming. So take your time, and you may begin to find your articles being read by many people, instead of just a few.
Vickie Scanlon - VisitMy Affiliate Place to learn more about SEO, and other marketing avenues relevant to Internet marketing/affiliate marketing.
