How to Succeed Online and SHINE: September 2011

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Basics of Search Engine Optimization

Just last week my brother-in-law asked me to look at a website and see what needed to be done to increase his search engine optimization. As I took a look at the code and other aspects for him, I came across a lot of little things that add up to a big thing that could cost him page ranking with the search engines. Since this is always an important subject to all website owners – I have decided to write an article on the basics of Search Engine Optimization.

This article is not talking about off page SEO – meaning back-links, social media strategies, etc. I am talking about on page SEO what you must do on your website to get higher ranking on search engines.

There are some fundamental things that need to be done before you submit your website to search engines. These things should ALWAYS be a priority.

If you have a web person taking care of your website make sure they have done these things.

First 11 Steps to Search Engine Dominance…

Indicate page titles using title tags – so important that each page has a title that is unique and descriptive.
Create accurate descriptions of your business using the description meta tag. Write a description that would both inform and interest users if they saw your description meta tag as a snippet in a search result

Example:

Source Code Looks like this. <html> <head> <title>Marketing-Information and Advice on Marketing Strategy</title>

Use mostly text for navigation. Controlling most of the navigation from page to page on your site through text links makes it easier for search engines to crawl and understand your site.
Put an HTML site map page on your site, and use an XML sitemap file.
Create content that is useful and compelling. Use a good mix of keyword phrases.
Write text that users will enjoy that is well written and easy to follow
Break your content up into logical chunks
Make sure each page has relevant and unique copy – do not copy the same text from page to page
Format links so they’re east to spot –choose descriptive text to link with.
Optimize your use of images – be sure and use the alt tag with a descriptive keyword related to your page.
Use heading tags – these are what you may consider the title text on your pages. Use headings sparingly across the page

Once these basic rules are in place you know you now have a great foundation to launch the rest of your marketing plan…

For more insight or if you have any questions what so ever please contact me!

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

801-910-4825

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Do You Need Outside Help to Achieve Success?

I recently sent out a newsletter and received an interesting comment. In my newsletter, I talked about a goal-setting program that is called. "The 100-day challenge" it is an amazing program that I had taken twice.

My subscriber stated: If you’re relying on someone other than yourself to achieve your goals, I’d suggest re-evaluating your own desire for success…

Obviously, this person is very driven and excited about his business. I am thankful he took the time to read my newsletter and connect with me.

Nevertheless, I was taken back by the comment. I even felt a little defensive, like I had been perceived as weak for needing something other than myself to achieve my goals.

This response was unusual for me. I normally love to receive comments good or bad - and constructive criticism always helps me to make what I do even better than before.

As I thought about this, it occurred to me, there may be many people out in the business world who felt this way. They do not need outside help to achieve success – they know what to do and how to do it.

Do you believe this in your own life and business? It doesn’t make sense to me. I believed no matter what you know, or think you know there is always room for improvement.

As successful as my business is I know that the learning never stops. The more I know, the more I need to know. That includes better ways to motivate myself and hit the ground running.

Life also throws curve balls, with the death of both my parents last year I needed something to prop me up and give me a good push to get me back on track. In life we will all go through some challenging times.

The moral of the story if there is one?

Everyone no matter how proficient or successful they are can always learn through others. Putting money out for quality programs that improve and motivate is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business.

If you would love to be motivated, inspired and learn a better way to achieve your goals – I strongly suggest you take “The 100-Day challenge” Gary Ryan Blair has developed 100 days of videos thoughts and actions that will propel you to achieve your goals faster than ever.

Check it out Click Here…

Until next time may great success and happiness come your way.

Pamela Jacob “Artista Design”

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results