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Can search engine optimisers (SEO’s) guarantee a first page position?  No.

Everyone wants to be on the first page of Google search results.  And for good reason being on the first page gives your  business credibility and potentially massive visibility.

But beware, anyone claiming they can “get your website to page one on Google” are either really naive or just lying.  Search engine optimisation is process orientated and it take time to achieve results.

The first part of the process is establishing keywords.  These are keyword “phrases” used by everyone using a search engine to find goods. services, advice or just information.

Finding the right keywords is about gaining the right visitors to your website for the right reasons.  For example someone search “plumbing a dishwasher” is probably not looking for a plumber.  Whereas, someone searching for “emergency plumber mytown” is almost certainly looking for a local plumber and needs one very quickly.

What does an SEO look for in a keyword?

The first thing we need is high traffic.  Getting to page one for an obscure long tail keyword is as easy as it pointless.  So establishing a keyword must support your business objective.

At Services Web Design we calculate search volume over competition to give us an initial share estimate.  We then scale that to relative search results positions from being on the top 5 pages (50 results) through to page 1 (top 10 results).

This involves competitive analysis to establish strengths and weaknesses of existing competition.

We then calculate the average conversion rate and times that by, our clients, average sales price and margin.  This provides estimated revenue and profitability for each keyword.

What we end up with is a table of competitive keywords rated for revenue, profitability and, using the competitive analysis, timescale estimates.

The next task is to work on the client’s website.  The structure is cleaned to validate to W3C standards.  By doing this we avoid “bounce rate” penalties as the website will look as good on a mobile device as it does on a state of the art computer.  Next we address the content structure ensuring we have good page title, meta descriptions, good use of H tags and text formatting, alt tags, targeted content and address canonical issues.

This process may involve a complete re-write of your website.

Off-site activity is just as important as on-site seo.  It is essential to have a few good links to your website.  Page rank is becoming less important but having good references to your website remains important.  The best links are probably available from your suppliers, associates and clients.  All links need to be relevant to your content.

Link exchange schemes, reciprocal links (unmanaged), link purchasing or general free directories are all pointless.  Social networking now add “rel=”nofollow” tags or redirect links so that they do not pass page rank points either.  So do not go signing up to every social networking site out there.  Having a “bio” page is not worthwhile.  But participation on these website’s will help to drive traffic.

Having said all that your seo will recommend / implement a good quality link building strategy.

With both on and off-site activity complete it is now a waiting and measurement game.  Your seo will monitor performance and make adjustments as necessary.

It is also important that a “keyword” is not for life.  Trends change, as do search engine technologies / methodology.  So choose your seo carefully they should be an important asset to your business.

Given the above “Guaranteed first page on Google” cannot be true as there are far too many variables.  So do not waste you money on any kind of scheme that makes any such promises.  As said Search engine optimisation is a process and can take 2-3 months before any real improvements can be measured.  But it is the only way.  Anyone suggesting they have an immediate or fast track solution are being less than truthful.

figured website such as correcting canonical issues or removing duplicated pages titles / content etc.  But competing for high traffic keywords is a science and take time.

So now you know you may be interested in How much should I spend on my website?

June 2009 Google is the search engine of choice for 7 out of 10 Internet users. In actual fact it accounts 74% with the nearest rival. Given that there are 60 search engines available there seems nothing can be done to threaten Google market dominance.

Three years ago, June 2006, it was already accepted that Google was dominant but in reality it had just over 50% of the market. So are there any challengers? Bing is receiving a lot of attention, launched in June 09, it almost immediately took the number 2 spot away from Yahoo. But the competition at this level is too close to call as since the launch Bing and Yahoo are playing leapfrog for the number 2 spot.

Bing is a Microsoft product and the search engine they have developed has been adopted by Yahoo in a 10 year deal. So the battle is not about technology, it is the same, it is about the user experience.

Microsoft are exploiting their expertise in the “user interface” area providing greater levels of convenience for the user most notable, on first glance, is their website preview.

This allows you to view website content before launching the website. This is a great time saver as so often we have to wade through a lot of rubbish websites before finding one that actually satisfies our need. The preview also shows you similar pages that may be relevant on the website. See picture.

It is very clear that website optimisation will, for the foreseeable future, be Google. But Bing is certainly one to watch very closely.

If you cannot find your website on Google then 7 out of 10 people will not find it either. Website optimisation is focusing your content to the right market so the right people find what you have to offer. If you need help call us we can help.

Swindon to get free high speed wireless broadband

Through 1,400 wireless network point around Swindon the 186,000 residents will enjoy free broadband of 20mbps.

The scheme, led by the local council, is a joint project between Digital City UK and Swindon Borough Council.  Visitors to the town will be able to get access on a “pay as you go” basis.

This is going to save residents circa £180 to £480 per year and increase current availability bandwidth from less than 1mbps to 20mbps.  Although free access will be limited to 2-3 hours per day.  The “time” window has not been establshed neither has the cost for additional time.

Thumbs up for Swindon Borough Council.  Let’s hope this becomes a trend nationwide it would get my vote!