15 Search Engine Optimization Tips for Beginners - Part 2

 See part one of beginners tips for search engine optimization

9. Optimize image descriptions

Every image can include a description called the "alt text." Make sure the alt text describes the image and includes the relevant keywords where appropriate.

10. Optimize Site Structure

Every "important" page on your site should link to every other "important" page on your site.

Many times you don't need to link pages under the home page together as the navigational menu does that. But if there is important information on one of the sub-pages - then link to that page.

Example of good linking structure:

11. Two Levels Deep

Make sure your site structure is only two levels deep (two clicks away from the home page).

This is very important because even if your landing page is deemed to be relevant, the deeper pages are buried in your site the less relevant they are deemed by search engines.

Here is an example of good website structure that's two levels deep.

www.yourdomain.com

1 page deep: www.yourdomain.com/products

2 pages deep: www.yourdomain.com/products/product1

2 pages deep: www.yourdomain.com/products/product2

1 page deep: www.yourdomain.com/services

2 pages deep: www.yourdoamin.com/services/service1

You want back links that point to each of your web pages to build your PageRank. However, even if your main page has a high PageRank of say 5, each page under the main does not also get that page rank automatically. This is explained in further detail in offsite SEO.

12. Optimizing Outbound Links

From your key content pages, include links to the best and most relevant content sites. Linking to related authority sites shows you are trying to help users find the best content and helps you with SEO. If you are an affiliate and are linking to your merchants sites, you can use a no-follow on the link.

13. Optimize for a keyword phrase

Don't optimize for a single keyword, optimize for a keyword phrase.

When you optimize for a single keyword that word is usually highly competitive and your chances of being on the first couple of search engine results pages (SERP)are minimal.

By focusing on a keyword phrase, this can actually increase your chances of ranking well and ultimately helps you towards your goal for the single word you originally chose.

14. - First 25 words/Last 25 words

Place your keyword phrase within the first 25 words of text and also the last 25 words of the page.

The h1 tag can be used for developing a headline on your page and emphasizing your keyword phrase within the beginning of your page text (search engines love h1 tags). Then use your keyword phrase in the last 25 words on the page.

15. - Off-Page SEO

Now that you have optimized your web page, it's time to start doing some off page search optimization. As with on-page SEO having so much information, off-page has just as much so that information is best left for another article.

Creating a website can seem like a complicated task for beginners as there seems to be so much in the process.

But learning these basic search engine optimization tips, helps cut down the frustration when you create your own website.