Using Search Engine Optimizers

Optimizing a website to achieve the most favorable Google ranking can be a very time-consuming process, especially if you're not technically inclined. For that reason, many website owners choose to enlist the aid of a search engine optimizera software tool, web-based service, or company that optimizes your web pages for you.

SEO Software

For many users, search engine optimization can be accomplished via a software-based tool that analyzes your web pages, makes appropriate suggestions or changes, and then submits your pages to Google and other major search engines. There are many different types of SEO programs available, for all levels of websitesfrom personal pages to commercial sites. Pricing typically runs $150 or more.

Some of the most popular of these programs include

• Internet Business Promoter (www.axandra-web-site-promotion-software-tool.com/top-10-ranking.htm)

• OptLink (www.optilinksoftware.com)

• Search Engine Optimizer (www.se-optimizer.com)

• SEO Toolkit (trellian.vendercom.com/seotoolkit/)

• Web CEO (www.webceo.com)

• WebPosition Gold (www.web-position-gold-pro-software.com)

SEO Services

If you run a large website, you may want to engage the services of a firm that provides custom search engine optimization. Pricing is dependent on the services rendered and the size of your site; some firms charge by the number of clicks generated.

Some SEO services you might want to check out include:

• High Rankings (www.highrankings.com)

• Priority Submit (www.prioritysubmit.com)

• SEO Logic (www.seologic.com)

• SiteLab (www.sitelab.com/organic_seo_optimization.html)

• Submit Express (www.submitexpress.com)

• Submitawebsite.com (www.submitawebsite.com)

• Submit-It (www.submit-it.com)

• SubmitToday.com (www.submittoday.com)

• TopRank (www.toprankresults.com)

Commentary: Too Good To Be True Beware search engine optimizers that promise you specific results, or that claim a "special relationship" with Google. There is no way to guarantee a number-one ranking in Google's search results; all anyone can do is follow the good design practices detailed in this chapter. Search engine optimization, unfortunately, is an area that attracts a number of scam artists. And, given that the topic of search results and optimization is confusing even to experienced web designers, it's easy to be taken in by false claims and unrealistic promises. A legitimate search engine optimizer only promises to do what can be donethat is, optimize your site to attempt to achieve a higher page rank. Legitimate firms will not and can not promise specific results, nor will they try to sell you position or placement. How can you tell a legitimate SEO from a fraudulent one? There are some warning signs to look out for; in particular, beware any SEO that Guarantees ranking Doesn't distinguish between actual search results and sponsored ads that appear on search result pages Gets traffic from fake search engines or spyware Puts links to their other clients on doorway pages Offers to sell keywords in the address bar Owns shadow domains (these are registered domains that funnel users to another site by using deceptive redirects) Is not itself listed in the Google index, or has had domains removed from the Google index Operates with multiple aliases or falsified WHOIS info No legitimate SEO will attempt to falsify results, generate phony results or traffic, or use deceptive spamdexing methods. When it comes to improving your Google search ranking, there is no magic formula; if a firm's promises sound too good to be true, they probably are.