(By Megan Walker and published in The Courier-Mail on 30 April 2012). When you search for any word or phrase in an internet search engine such as Google, that term is filtered through a system known as Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

How does it work?

Google, for example, takes your search query and scans billions of websites at lighting speed before giving you a list of results. The results show web pages that Google has determined to have the most relevance to your search at the top of the list.

How do I get found on the first page of Google?

The goal for any business is to be found by popular search engines and appear on the first page of the search results.

You can do this by making sure your website includes as many of the popular search engine words (the words that people use to search for your business, product or service) in the content on your website, page titles, descriptions and captions while still making the information sound like it is written for a ‘person’ not a ‘robot’.

Google has produced a brilliant, free document for you to use as a DIY checklist to enhance the SEO of your site. Ironically, just Google “google search engine optimisation starter guide” and follow the steps.

What if I don’t have time to do my own SEO?

In addition to following all of the steps in the Google SEO Starter Guide, you can engage the services of an SEO expert who will add “back links” to your website and increase your ranking. Look for a provider who:

• Provides you with an in-depth analysis of your website and the keywords relevant to your business
• Has a clear pricing structure and tells you what they will do for the monthly fee, what service levels you can expect, how often they will communicate with you, how long your commitment is and when you can expect to see results
• Gives you advice on how to improve your website before you get started with SEO
• Provides you with clear reports on what action has been taken and what you are getting for your money

It’s also a good idea to ask to speak with other clients to see what results they are getting from the service provided by the SEO company.

For more information on getting on the first page of  Google, please call me on 07 3899 8335 or email megan@marketsavvy.com.au.

Kind regards
Megan Walker