StoneRaven Media - SEO Questions and Answers

SEO Questions and Answers

Below are typical questions we receive about the mysteries of our SEO services, and our thoughts.

Some companies told me that they will "guarantee" immediate top search engine placement for $X, why don't you make the same guarantees?
We too can ensure you attain a «temporary» placement on the first page of search results.  This technique utilizes Google AdWords, which is a pay-per-click program utilizing select keywords that you select.  A budget and timeframe need to be determined.  The higher the price you agree to pay for each click, the higher your page ranking.  Once you stop paying for clicks received, you will drop off the search engine rankings completely. 

We believe in building your web site to work efficiently with search engines.  Using your guidance, your site will be built with a structure that encourages search engines to find your site -- and rank it consistently.  Over time, you should reach the desired level utilizing a natural search approach. 

Furthermore, here is what Google says about ranking guarantees:  "No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google. Beware of SEOs that claim to guarantee rankings, allege a "special relationship" with Google, or advertise a "priority submit" to Google. There is no priority submit for Google. In fact, the only way to submit a site to Google directly is through our Add URL page or through the Webmaster Tools and you can do this yourself at no cost whatsoever."

How long will it take for my search to reach the first page of Google search results?
It really depends on what search terms are being entered, and how relevant your site is to the search term.  If your site is called «greendogsofthesahara.com» and a searcher keys in «green dogs of the Sahara», your site would stand a good chance of coming up #1 immediately!  If the search term was «dogs» it would be nearly impossible to build a site to display in the first 10 pages of rankings.  This would be due to the high number of sites that list the word dogs, and the non-unique nature of the word searched for.  Additionally, the longer a site exists, the more frequently the site is updated, and a continual increase of site visitors, all contribute to ongoing betterment of site rank.  Bottom line: 90 – 180 days is the minimal timeframe to expect a search engine to rank a new site.

Can't we just copy the #1 site or its content, and then appear in the top rankings?
Using content without an author's permission is illegal, and also unethical.  Equally important is how a search engine treats content.  A good search engine attempts to provide unique and relevant results for a search.  It wouldn't do any good for a search engine to show 5 identical sites.  Therefore a search engine will eliminate redundant content in its results.  It is always better to be the original content publisher, than to do the copying.

What kind of keywords should I use?
Think specific.  Where are your potential customers located, where are you located, and how do you want to be found?  Use a location within a keyword string to help bring visitors to you.  Use a smattering of highly used search terms, but make use of keyword strings that consist of 3 or 4 words.  Think specific, be unique, draw qualified visitors to your site, and give them what they are looking for.

It's 180 days later, and we still don’t show up.  What's wrong?
Utilizing Google Analytics, we can see who is finding your site, and how they found you.  We can see which sites are sending you visitors, and even if they were referred to your site from an e-mail.  We will even know what keywords were used.  Using this information, we can tune your site to be even more effective.  Sometimes, it's just trial, error and some experimentation.  Have patience.

We made it into the top page!  Now what?
To remain in the top positions, the web page should be updated, and as often as possible.  A search engine views a page that is updated, as an active page, with valid content.  We will work with you to put an update schedule in place to help secure your new top ranking.

We're getting traffic to the site, but we're not getting any leads from the site?
If your site has received an increase in traffic and unique site visitors, and you're still not receiving leads from your site, it's time to address the site content.  Is your site offering a compelling reason for someone to make the effort to contact you?  Is there a call-to-action, encouraging someone to fill out a contact form?  Try adding a special limited time offer, a percentage off your product or service, or some other reason to persuade a visitor that they need your product or service immediately.  Experiment, until you find the hot button that works...then change it, and continually better your offer.