PART I:
The Barebones of Search Engine Optimization

Learn the difference between a META description versus a META title and find out why content rules in search engines like Google.

Based on the way websites are cataloged, search engine optimization is the process of obtaining optimal placement in a search queries. Search engine optimization is executed via manipulation of:

• META titles



• META keywords



• META descriptions



• Content and page layout

In general, most search engines follow distinctive criteria, algorithms, or change their indexing process. A general understanding of the way search engines work can make it possible to optimize a web site. The core objective is to make your site assessable via Google and Yahoo search engines. High ranking in search engines is based the following criteria:

• Page Content



• META TITLE



• META Description



• META Keywords

Example:

NOTE: Google is the only exception to the ranking game. Google extracts site descriptions based on page content.

About the Meta Description

The META description is the statement below or next to the hyper-linked title of a search result. (Look at the above example). While the META description does not determine search engine positioning, it is important because it is the marketing message. The META description details the value of the content that will be accessed on the page. The best marketing message persuades the click through without employing marketing hype. Compose normal sentences. Try to use the keyword phrase at least 2 times in the description (separating like phrases). In order to be effective, the META description should be customized for each pages of a site. It is verisimilar to the META title tag. While many engines index up to 1000 characters, two sentences and 200-400 characters in total is efficacious.

If you exceed the character count in your description, your site may still be accepted. If an engine does not accept more than 1000 characters and your description tag is 1100 characters long, there is not penalty; however, the listing will be cut off at the 1000 character mark

Following the META title, content is the second most relevant aspect of search engine optimization. It's the lifeblood of search engine spiders. Spiders search for content with consistent themes in the keyword phrases. The more focused and targeted keyword phrases are, the better the chance a site has to make it in search engine results.

Learn More about Search Engine Optimization