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Search engine optimization is the process of making your Web site appear at or near the top of popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN. This is not done by luck or knowing someone working for the search engines but by understanding the process of how search engines select Web sites for placement on top or on the first page. This article will review the process and provide methods and techniques to use to have your site rated at the top or very near the top.
Key words: Search engine optimization; SEO; Web sites; Internet; practice promotion; marketing; Web site development
Like many medical practices, you have developed a Web site that contains information about the practice such as contact information, office policies, discussions of the most common conditions treated, and information about the doctors. But all tins useful information on your Web site does little good unless you can lead patients and potential patients to it.
So how do you direct others to your Web site? Welcome to the world of search engine optimization (SEO). It is SEO that increases the traffic to your site and that will increase the likelihood that Internet surfers will land on your site. In this article, we will discuss the concept of SEO, how SEO works, and what you can do to make your site rise to the top of the search engine page.
CONCEPT OF SEARCH ENGINES
Suppose you walked into the library and asked for information about global warming. You would probably receive a look of "Are you kidding me?" However, if you go to the Internet and one of the search engines like Goggle, Yahoo, MSN, AOL, etc., you can get over one million suggestions on the topic of your choice. By refining your search, you can narrow (down) your search to several hundred options. Your goal as a doctor with a medical Web site is to be on top of those search engine pages when the visitor inserts words related to your areas of interest and expertise.
SEO is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a Web site from search engines. Typically, the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search results list, the more...