Top 5 Ways to Top the Google Charts.

There are lots of search engines, but Google is still top dog on the internet, so staying on top with them means staying on top. Master hit makers, Google is always finding new ways to make sure only the best rise to the top. Here are this month's Top 5 tips to keep you rocking and rolling online all the time.

1. What You Say Is What You Get (Content)
What you say and how you say it is what the world gets from you when they visit your site. Monitoring you content is one of the most important things you can do to stay successful. Classic tips:

1. Quality. The more relevant and well worded your content, the better your response. Humans and search engine spiders love a good read. Give it to them!
2. Keywords. Search engines thrive on keywords, so use them when you can. Work with a professional content writer to integrate keywords in naturally. You don't want to drag down your site by overstuffing it with keywords.
3. Eye of the Spider. Search engine spiders love text and HTML. Be sure to include lots of both. Use your photos to create your image, but don't forget the liner notes.
4. Freshness. Keep it new, keep it fresh. Update your content frequently. Your credibility will expand and keep everyone coming back for more.

2. The Hook Up (Links)
To stay on top online you have to stay in the loop. You've got to get found and be seen, so know who to link up with and how to draw a good crowd.
New Tips:

1. Quality. Backlinks to your site had better be good, because Google's watching. Make sure all your backlinks come from industry-related sites of authority valued by Google. You may have to woo!
2.  Submit. Bow down to the power of Yahoo and DMOZ. Request a listing in both directories, but be prepared to please. DMOZ is slow and Yahoo charges, so be nice and be patient. It's worth it.
3. My (G)URL. How to find you, your URL should be simple and readable at glance. Include your site name and keywords if possible, but too many parameters confuse the spiders. So, keep it simple and easy for spiders and people too.

3. We Built This Site on R&R (Site Architecture)
If your foundation is solid, you're built to last. The organization of your website is essential to your success. Work with a professional designer to develop a well organized, high functioning site that uses all the technology and tools available to make you a hit on the web with the spiders and the humans.
R&R Tips:

1. Respect. People are the man and woman in the machine. Give them a well constructed website that is accessible and easy to navigate. Include a site map and index to keep their visit on track. But  honor the machine-- Talk with your web designer about the proper use of Robot.txt.
2. Recognize. A Title Tag appears in your link that pops up in a search result. This is what people see and click, so make it succinct and accurate. Include your company name and be sure to tag each page. Keyword(s) can be used when useful but keep it simple.

  4. Be a Star. (Blogs)
Personal charm and wisdom can go a long way. Creating and maintaining a blog that is relevant and useful to people interested in your industry is a great way to cultivate a following. Stay in the public eye and you will stay at the top of the charts.
Solo Tips:

1. Voice It. Blogs give you and your business a voice, helping establish you as an authority in your field. Make sure your blogs contain only accurate and useful information.
2. Keep Up. Maintaining a blog regularly is an excellent way to help keep your site content fresh. New blog entries will make the humans and the spiders return every time.
3. Be Cool. Only include relevant content and legitimate linking in your blog. This will help you avoid being a spam blog. Take time to be of use, and your ratings will soar.

5. Power to the People (the Human Factor)
Machines may connect us to the internet, but we the people drive it. If you want to succeed on Google or anywhere online, you must remember to factor in the humans. In fact, you should work with your web designer to develop a site that is user-centric with people in mind, and accommodate the search engines as you go. After all, the driver buys, not the engine.
Back Up Tip:

1. Having trouble pleasing people? Consult Jakob Nielsen for advice on how to make your website user-friendly while still giving Google what it wants.

Change happens quickly on the web. Keep your site from being a one hit wonder by following these easy tips to topping the charts month after month. You know what Google wants, so give it to them. Being a chart-topper has benefits that last!

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