The strength (SEO Value) of your domain name was reported in Search Engine Ranking Factors V2 by SEOmoz in 4/2007. The study was completed by 37 of the top SEO professionals in the world. They report that using a top/strong keyword in your domain name is rated 3 out of 5 important and effective. Next, you’ll want to know this; it’s rated 2.8 important/effective to have keywords in page URLs. read more…

As someone who gets to spend a lot of time comparing notes with owners of search marketing firms, as well as referring a lot of people seeking SEO services, I have a somewhat strong grasp on the pricing & cost structures of the SEO business. That said, it’s a very big world out there in search, and while my knowledge comes from a few dozen companies and a couple hundred referrals, there’s no scientific or survey data contained in this post – it’s all experience and intuition. read more…

You all have a corporate blog, right? This is how modern companies communicate with their customers and stakeholders. Tag it (digg, del.icio.us, stumbleupon, etc.), submit to Google Blog search, and extend your reach for Web searches on Google.

This is also known as Google Local, a vertical that has been included in Google search results for a while. Give your site a local presence through the Google Maps Local Business Center where local businesses can get a frëe basic listing to extend their reach in the SERPs.

Here’s where you can submit your press releases for display as “news” and subsequent indexing. Issue press releases containing current information about new products and events your site is involved with and Google News will likely pick it up.

As with optimizing images, use descriptive, keyword-rich file names for your video files. Also create a keyword-rich title tag, description tag, and video site map. Create a Web page to launch your video, optimizing content for SEO and using anchor text wherever possible. Besides submitting to Google Video, also include Blinkx and other social networking and search sites like YouTube and Podzinger (audio and video search engine).

It has always been a good idea to use images on your site for illustrating your products and services. Now, this becomes a way for your customers to find your site via Google Image Search. Optimize your images with descriptive, keyword-rich file names and ALT tags. Use accurate descriptions of your image files for the benefit of the vision impaired and others who might need to view the site with text only.

Here is a list of some places to list your blog for free.

Blog Directory
IceRocket
All-blogs
BlogCatalog
Blog Collection
Google Blog Search

More links will be added as found.

A great way to promote your website and/or business is write articles that are in some way related. In each article be sure to include you website address which should contain all the articles you write archived. Educating your consumers and/or clients in your specific field is the best way to get and keep visitors coming to your website and returning in the future.

Free Directory

Check out Google’s Webmaster Help Center for information on understanding the best way to get your website listed in the right way and right search area in Google.

Google’s Webmaster Help Center