This article is under the assumption that you currently understand what Search Engine Optimization is and why it is very important. It also goes into great detail describing the On Page factors of SEO. There are three factors listed below.
1. It is essential that you use meta tag descriptions and keywords
For every page on your site you should have meta tags unique to that page. Meta tags are HTML code found between the tags near the top of the page when you are looking at the HTML code.
If you wish to have a keyword meta tag you must create a comma-separated list of keywords that relate to your Website to increase SEO. These keywords or keyword phrases need to deal with the content on that page.
For a descriptive meta tag you should try describing your website that would attract people to click the link going to your page. Search engines will use meta tag descriptions for the text that describes what your website is about. However, this does not just benefit the search engine itself since it is very likely people will see it and click on the link to your Website instead of another one. This will aid to advancing your SEO.
2. Anywhere you place images on your website, be sure to put in an alt tag.
The HTML code for placing an image on your page has optional and additional attribute known as an alt tag. This literally means alternative text. This was at first meant for those that could not view pictures while surfing the web or had their images turned off so that they could know what the image is portraying or is without being able to see it visually. Search engines will use this to describe what your page contains and increases SEO.
You want the alt tag to contain keywords relevant to your site and the image they are describing. Instead of just putting “header” in the alt tag for your header image, use the opportunity to tell the search engines what your site is about, with something like “Puppy Training Header”, if your site is about puppy training. Don’t overdo it though, you want this description to be concise rather than stuffed with every keyword relevant to your site.
3. Use header tags wisely.
Header tags like H1,H2,H3 and so on, will be used by search engines to deduce the most important keywords of your Website. By using style sheets you can always change header tags if you so wish so it is always better to use standard HTML tags rather than custom ones. Now all that you need to do is put in relevant keywords in the headers you use. An H1 header should contain the primary keyword with the H2 having the secondary keyword for SEO.
We’ve covered just a few basic, but very important, aspects of on-page SEO in this article. This is a very good place to start if you want to improve your sites search engine optimization. The next step in the SEO process is to get quality back links to your website.
Learn more about Search Engine Optimization in St. Louis and your local area. Website Marketing St. Louis is a St. Louis SEO and internet marketing company helping local businesses become an authority in their online market.
Posted under SEO
This post was written by David Hoffman on June 29, 2010
