Search Engine Optimization

Every search engine optimization (SEO) strategy begins with the basics: search engine friendly site design and architecture, and the fundamentals of keyword research and content development. Take your SEO strategy to the next level by implementing best practices and staying on top of emerging optimization tactics.

Organic SEO

Articles from Our Expert Columnists

Eric
Enge

Mark
Jackson

Selling SEO Projects Against PPC Campaigns

Search advertising is familiar and attractive to budget managers, like a trusted old friend. So how are you going to get some of that PPC budget for your SEO proposal? Jun 30, 2009

Top Signs Your Site Isn't Ready for Prime Time

Many things have changed in the last few years, but the real foundation for SEO success hasn't changed much at all. Before you put time and effort into the SEO flavor of the day, try the tried and true SEO basics in this two-part series. Jun 23, 2009

Combining Trust and Relevance

When search engines measure the level at which they trust Web sites, and that trust is topic-specific. What's that mean for new sections of a trusted Web site? Jun 16, 2009

Advanced Keyword Research Checklist: Using Multiple Datasets

Search behavior has long provided marketers with useful data for informing their search and other online marketing campaigns. But in 2009, there are additional datasets available to marketers, using mash-ups of analytics, paid and organic search, and social media.

Selling SEO During an Economic Downturn

In a down economy, business development for SEO becomes increasingly important. As an agency or consultant providing marketing advice to clients, you're missing a crucial opportunity to provide long-lasting ROI at a still relatively cheap cost if you aren't pushing for investment in organic search.

SEO During E-Commerce Application Development

E-commerce applications for Web sites can take thousands of hours to build, and require patience and determination on the part of the organization. As with large-scale Web site designs and redesigns, putting search engine optimization off until after the fact can be a costly mistake.

Common Problems with 404 Error Pages

Misconfigured 404 error pages can affect your search engine rankings. The last thing you need in the Google index is an error page, but even worse are multiple URLs that were mistyped being returned as "OK."

Rehabilitating SEO

Search marketers are some of the most passionate and dedicated people I've ever encountered. Those seeking to advance their position within search results can easily become obsessed (to the point of addiction) with checking results and positioning. When considering how your SEO time is spent, what's important and what isn't so important? What kinds of things are OK to obsess over? Are there ways to improve or correct obsessive SEO behavior?

Look Out PageRank, There's a New Algorithm in Town

Microsoft recently published research on a new algorithm it calls BrowseRank, which is based on user behavior instead of linking patterns. Microsoft thinks this could be the answer to increased relevance in search results. But is it?

SEO Basics: Effective Iterative Keyword Research in 2008

The value of any SEO effort lies in the keywords you choose. It's really that simple -- you can't overestimate the importance of strong keyword research.

SEO Baseline: U.S. Presidential Election 2008

Now that the Democrats have finally picked Barack Obama to run against Republican John McCain in the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, it's a good time to examine the two candidates' Web sites from a SEO perspective.

Google Sitelinks - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The addition of sitelinks to the top listing in certain Google searches can be a boon to site owner. Unfortunately, as with all tests of new technology, this feature has some pretty serious bugs. Some are Google's fault and some are a combination of Google and Webmasters' fault.

Top 5 Non-SEO Ways to Increase Your Search Rankings

Contrary to what some search marketers may think, marketing is not all about search. By branching out into other areas, like usability and PR, you can increase the effectiveness of your search efforts.