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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | SlyRhyno.com

Q: Do you suggest Google to really jump-start a site out of all the options? How do you go about doing this and what's the associated costs?
A: I suggest using ALL you can to get listed. They are free, so it is only a matter of submitting the URL for your sitemap.xml to each. As mentioned, Google's Webmaster Tools is probably the most comprehensive of the bunch when it comes to monitoring how each URL is indexed and your clickthrough rate, etc, but there is nothing to stop you from using all of them. I just emphasize Google's tool because the vast majority of search is through Google and monitoring your site through Webmaster Tools frequently and tweaking based on that feedback will also improve your site for other search engines to index.

Q: Is this a free tool? How do I set up?
A: Yes – Google Places and most other local directories through the major search engines are free. Each has their own method to “claim” your listing and customize, so you'll have to read your way through each. I haven't checked into it yet, but it might be worth looking into MapQuest or any other directory you hear of – just keep in mind there are a ton of them out there and if you listen to the sales people you can easily burn through your advertising budget just with paid listings so I'd recommend sticking to whatever the free option is.

Q: Where do I even start?
A: Great question – that's why link-building is the most time-consuming and I think the most difficult. There are several different link-building strategies out there, but one I mentioned was fundraising. Basically, if you have or will give someone something (like the opportunity to earn funds) then it might be worth it to just ask them to create a link to your site as part of that partnership. The worst they could say is “no” (or ask for even more in turn). Additionally, you'll want to request they use keywords, such as “BBQ Restaurant in [your city here]” instead of a link like “Click Here” or “Visit their website” which don't add much value in being indexed for those particular keywords (although that type of link is better than nothing). You might also consider asking business partners, colleagues, vendors, local chamber of commerce, or others who have a legitimate website to link to you. The more “trustworthy” the site, the better. What I mean by trustworthy is how highly regarded the site is by search engines, and not necessarily by people. So for example, a college, government, or newspaper site has a higher level of authority or “trustworthiness” than a small business site in most cases. So if you have an opportunity to get a link from CNN.com's home page or the whitehouse.gov (whether or not you trust either), those are considered to be highly authoritative and are very valuable links to have. There are volumes written on this subject...