Search Engine Optimization, Part 1
Issue 77, February 15, 2004

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This series has now been compiled into a brief e-book.

In a series of articles over the next several weeks I'll be examining these factors in greater detail -- but simply explained so that an ordinary merchant, marketer, or webmaster can make improvements in the ranking.

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How Does Search Engine Ranking Work? Webpages vs. Linking: An Introduction

Here you'll find the basic landmarks of search engine ranking that lays the foundation for the more detailed articles to follow in the series. Read the Introduction.

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How to Get Your Webpages Ready for Indexing: Have Pity on Poor Googley-Eyes

In this article I'll introduce you to an overworked search engine spider named Googley-Eyes. I try to explain how she perceives a webpage -- what makes sense to her, what confuses her, and what makes her mad. I guarantee that this will be the most entertaining article you'll ever read on how to prepare your webpages for the search engines. You might even learn a thing or two. Read the Article.

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A List of Prime Resources for Search Engine Optimization

When you need to get down to the real nitty-gritty, where do you get knowledge you can rely upon. Here's a select list of resource websites and articles that will guide you through this rapidly-changing landscape. See the Resources.

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Issue 78 includes articles from Search Engine Optimization part 2

How to Increase Search Engine Rankings through Links to Your Site

This 3,600-word article explains why Google's PageRank system makes good sense in determining relevancy of your website. I explain the factors involved in Google's linkage pattern analysis and how to make the most of your knowledge. Finally, I offer eight linking strategies that you can (and should) implement to move your site up in the search engine rankings. In case you were wondering, the hard work of obtaining reciprocal links is only a small part of an overall strategy to get quality incoming links. There are easier ways, you know. Read the Article.

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What You Need to Know about Outsourcing Search Engine Optimization

A whole growth industry has developed around search engine optimization. You'll find wildly different prices and services. Some are quite helpful, but most are ultimately inadequate. Here's how to sort between the multitude of offerings and what to watch out for.  This 2,600-word article includes a list of questions to ask of potential vendors that will help you understand how they work -- before signing a contract. The information contained in this article can save you many thousands of dollars and lots of pain.  Read the Article.

 

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New Ecommerce and Web Marketing Articles

Each month our team of link editors scours dozens of online periodicals and resources to find key information on e-commerce and Web marketing. With so much new literature available to you, how do you find what you need quickly and painlessly? Here's a selective and searchable database of article and resource links to help your research and keep you up-to-date in the field. (Links gathered in a given month are usually available during the second week of the following month.)

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