How valuable is SEO really? Can I really optimize my site so that it ranks higher in search engine result pages? And does it really matter?  Yes it does really matter; and SEO does really work to help sites achieve a higher ranking in search engine results pages. This is the main purpose behind SEO strategies. They are not in opposition to web design, but rather are keys to successful to website optimization.

SEO

The Purpose of SEO

The fact that search engine optimization works is a given. SEO specialists have been using good SEO techniques for years and will continue to do so. The question is how it works. Website optimization means that an SEO specialist uses the right white hat techniques to get a site, or a page, to rank high in search engine result pages.  The point is to get the search engines to give the site/page relevance or worth. This means using keywords and links properly to get search engines to find the site, crawl the site and rank the site in result pages. There are basically two aspects that SEO specialists will work with to optimize a site: on page and off page.

On page SEO

On page SEO is only half of site optimization. The site must be rich in keywords to first draw the web crawlers’ attention. Then after the search engine finds the site, it must have a site map to make information easy for the crawlers to see where all the relevant information is on the site. Each page should have proper keyword usage to help with its rank in the search engine results. On page optimization means having the keyword(s) strategically placed throughout content, titles and Meta tags. This is important because this is what makes the site visible to search engines.

Off page SEO

Off page SEO is also important. These are techniques that are employed off the site to help improve the site’s ranking in search results. They are not actually performed on the website or page. SEO that works will incorporate backlinks into its Off page optimization strategy. This is accomplished outside of the site itself.  There are several ways to get backlinks to a site including using social media platforms, link exchanges or directory listings. They can also be purchased. The main reason getting backlinks is that search engines consider links when valuing a site. A site with relevant outside links is considered more valuable.  Additionally, the higher quality of backlinks that your site has the more authority Google and other search engines will give to your site; for example if CNN.com links to your site or blog that link will be far more valuable than a link on some random site with less authority.  The best strategy for getting quality backlinks is to create high quality fresh content and to promote that content within communities that may be interested.

Should I Hire an SEO Consultant?

For those who have any type of business website talking to a New Jersey SEO consultant is a must. To have your site rank consistently in the top three spots of search engine results will require their level of expertise.