What Is Search Engine Optimization?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of selecting the most fitting targeted keyword phrases related to your site.  This  helps guarantee that your site ranks highly in search engines so when someone searches for particular phrases, it returns your site on top.  It basically involves adjusting the content of your site along with the HTML and Meta tags.  It can also involve relevant link building.

The most popular search engines are Google, Yahoo, and Bing.  Search engines keep their methods and ranking algorithms secret so they get credit for finding the most useful search results and to deter spam pages from skewing those results.

A search engine may use hundreds of factors to rank their listings where the weight each factor carries and the factors themselves may change continually.  Algorithms can differ so widely that a webpage that ranks #1 in a particular search engine could come in at #200 on a different search engine.

Brand new websites need not be “submitted” to search engines to be included.  A simple link from a well ranked site will get the search engines to visit the new site and begin to examine its information. It can take a few days to several weeks from the referring of a link from such an established site for all the biggest search engine spiders to commence visiting and indexing the new site.

The keywords you select for your website will have a huge impact on your potential to rank well on the search engines.  You have to select keyword phrases that are competitive, meaning there are a fair number of people searching for them, but not so competitve that your chances of ranking are practically nonexistant.  The Google Keyword Tool is a great way to check for relevant keywords in your niche and see how many searches they’re generating.  If you’re still unsure on keyword selection, hiring a professional would be your best bet.

Experienced Search Engine Optimization and Keyword Research Companies will formulate a plan for your site and make recommendations to heighten your search engine ranking and website traffic.  They can also provide continued monitoring and updating of your website and make suggestions for changes and other improvements that will keep your website’s popularity growing and your search engine ranking high.

Search Engine Optimization experts either build your website or work with your web designer to formulate an inclusive plan from the beginning so that all aspects of design and on-page optimization are addressed at the same time.

New Media Marketing is more important than ever. Statistics show small business need to have an online presence in order to remain competitive. Contact us today to see how we can help you bring your business online!  Video created by Home Video Studio – Portland for Beech Marketing.

We have all been hearing a lot about new media and social media these days. It seems to be everywhere, but understanding what it is and how to leverage it has some people scratching their heads. This is a brief explanation of how I interpret New Media and why I strongly suggest your business get involved.

Cone, Inc. a strategy and communications agency, defines new media in their 2009 New Media Study as:

dialogue among individuals or groups by way of
technology-facilitated channels, such as social networks (e.g., Facebook);
blogs; microblogs (e.g., Twitter); online games; mobile devices; photo-,
audio- and video-sharing sites (e.g., Flickr, iTunes, YouTube); message
boards; etc. In some instances we also include Web sites and email.

To me, new media means being able to communicate with a vast network of people through many mediums. Some people question whether social media is simply a fad. I, along with many others, believe it is a true paradigm shift in the world of advertising and marketing. The days of corporations telling us what we want is over. The days of consumers dictating what they want and searching it out to get it, is here, and here to stay.

Erick Qualman, author of “Socialnomics,” has put together a very compelling video on social media statistics and practices. It, along with it’s predecessor, Social Media Revolution, offer thought-provoking examples and statistics of who is using new media, how it has contributed to business growth, and how rapidly the trend is expanding.

Your brand is your company, your business, your persona. How is it being portrayed online? Is it being portrayed online at all? It reminds me of the Ken Kesey metaphor, “You’re either on the bus, or you’re off the bus.” Can you afford to miss the ride?

Still unpacking our seo, blog design boxes!

Please pardon our dust.  We are open during construction!  We’ve been so busy getting our clients businesses online, we haven’t had a chance to work on our new site!  Please be patient, our beautiful new digs will be ready very soon.  We’ll be bringing you all the latest about who we’re working for and all kinds of tasty tid-bits related to seo, new media marketing, the ins and outs of page ranking and more!  Technorati code:  V4GJHR7BB7TG

If you or someone you know is in need of new media marketing, send them our way!  We have packages for every budget.  Get online, get noticed, get more clients!