SEO efforts

David Abernathy · 08-31-2007, 07:16 PM

I have been trying to balance my efforts targeting placement in Google and decided to inquire and see if others would share your perspectives.

I try and balance my efforts helping websites get placement between the following:

1) Onsite optimization (page titles, internal linking, keyword density, misc.)
2) Creating on content (adding pages)
3) External Blogging/Forums efforts (REW, Active Rain, others)
4) Onsite Blogging – (blog on the target domain)
5) Directories – (REW, RealEstateABC, others)
6) Links from relevant websites (contextual link exchanges, Article writing, PR web type services)

When I first started several years ago - I focused mostly on link exchanges. Recently, i have focused more on content creation and external blogging to drive placement and traffic.

My current thoughts would be that time should be spread between the 6 areas with new sites putting most of their emphasis on 3, 5 and 6 to be able to drive traffic to their sites until they age. And more mature sites (1 year +) should probably spread their time out between all 6 areas. Leading each keyword targeted for placement would start with content creation, followed by some onsite optimization, followed with external blogging to bring Google to your new content, add some links from other sites. Over time as the sites become more of an authority site - then start migrating to more onsite blogging...

Anyone care to share your perspectives?

Thanks

Jade456 · 09-01-2007, 02:53 PM

I wouldn't concentrate on directories too much. There really aren't that many out there that will benefit you. Google search directory criteria and you'll see what I mean. So I would make it the lowest priority and spread your time over the rest of the list, especially to content generation. Just my two cents.

avonreal · 09-02-2007, 09:33 AM

link exchanges can have a negative effect on your site, i'd keep it at a minimum and concentrate my efforts on getting oneway links.

David Abernathy · 09-02-2007, 09:41 AM

Thanks for the feedback...

Jade456 - I had been ignoring all but the core Real Estate directories. Then, one of the agents that I work started focusing on directories and has suprised me with his climb in the SERPS? Thought I would get others feedback...

Avonreal - I am with you on the link exchanges - we had a number of the REW sites that were impacted by the state pages penalty. I still do not want to stop getting external links - just working at new approaches.

Bigtoe · 09-03-2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jade456

I wouldn't concentrate on directories too much. There really aren't that many out there that will benefit you. Google search directory criteria and you'll see what I mean. So I would make it the lowest priority and spread your time over the rest of the list, especially to content generation. Just my two cents.

I don't understand this. If I advertise my business in a business directory, how is this not helpful?

Micheal Pannell Realtor · 09-03-2007, 08:15 AM

That is what i did

VRI · 09-03-2007, 08:23 AM

It's the age old story isn't it... what good is content generation if you don't have the links to support it? If that content is garnering natural links because of it's quality, then it's certainly the way to go... but this is doubtful in most cases.

When G was kind enough to show us the supplemental designation outright, this point was easy to validate. Keep adding pages with no additional links and you saw right where they went (regardless of the quality of the content).

They still go there now, they're just not showing it to ya.

erogers · 09-03-2007, 09:43 PM

I think your strategy is sound.

Quote:

link exchanges can have a negative effect on your site

Besides the hand job that happened a few months ago, I don't believe this to be true. They certainly won't give you as much of a boost as a one-way link from an authority site. But even Mr. Cutts has stated that reciprocal linking, done correctly and in moderation is fine.

Directories can be a good option if you make your choices carefully. I get traffic regularly from directory submissions - I'm not talking about SERP boost - I'm talking actual traffic. There's a lot of junk directories out there - make your choices carefully.

Eric Blackwell · 09-04-2007, 02:09 AM

@Dave;
I think your approach is essentially sound. There are parts of every approach that we are less comfortable or more comfortable with. I do think the key is balance over time. I really Disco's word for it...holistic. If you are lopsided in one type of links or the other, good idea to right the ship with a diverse link portfolio...

@VRI-Yep! Now we gotta add quality content AND make sure we link it in and buckle it down. Twice the fun to prove the relevance!

Best;

Eric

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