New research has highlighted the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO) and paid search-engine links for firms looking to boost their online presence.

Harvest Digital found that nearly half of all internet users spend a third of their online time searching, and 43 percent of users are likely to click on links because they are on the first page of results.

“Users don't seem to be influenced very much by brand or a familiar URL, as long as what [they] click on is relevant,” said Mike Teasdale of Harvest Digital. “I'd hope web managers are on top of [SEO] by now because being a big brand is not enough to deliver success in the marketplace.”

The survey also found that most people search using three or four keywords, highlighting that they are probably looking for deep links into content, so web managers must be sure they provide navigation tools for users to return to a site's homepage, he added. It also underscores the need for SEO efforts to look beyond two-word or single-word search terms.

Links are increasingly critical to achive good search engine positions, particularly for Google. However, not all links are the same - look for quality links, with some relevance to your site.

There a re a number of business directories that are worth using for links. These include Yahoo, Business.com, JoeAnt, Now2Business and ODP.

If you are looking to boost your search engine position, call us - we can help.

No, paying for inclusion only means the search engine or directory agrees to review your Web site and include it in their database if you qualify. Once you are included into their database, it is up to their algorithms to determine how your website will rank.

Key phrases are search terms people use when they are trying to find information on the Internet. They enter key phrases in the search box hoping they will receive a listing of relevant websites that have the information or product they are looking for. You need to understand what people are searching for and the key phrases people are typing into their search box in order to compete against other competitive websites. We conduct thorough keyword analysis as part of our search engine optimisation service. Don't leave your ranking to chance.

Not always. Some pay for inclusion search engines such as Inktomi and FAST do guarantee inclusion when you pay. Others, such as Yahoo! do not guarantee submission, even though you are required to pay £199 to be considered. That is why it is very important to work with a professional Internet marketer to ensure you receive all the benefits available when you pay for inclusion.

Not yet, but that can change at any time. In order to remain viable, most search engines and directories have determined they need to charge for submission. Each one handles their charges differently. But, suffice it to say, if you want to be found these days in search engines and directories, plan on paying for your submission.

Relevancy is a huge determining factor for rankings. Search engines use various methods to determine the relevancy of your Web site for the key words being searched on. If they determine that your site is highly relevant to a search, they will be more likely to rank your site high in their listings. Many factors determine relevancy of your site. Knowing what helps boost your relevancy factor is key to achieving high rankings. Our professionals are certified in Advance Search Engine Optimisation techniques to help you achieve high rankings.

Yes, certain technologies can be detrimental to search engine optimisation. Most search engines are unable to read technologies such as frames, dynamic pages, flash, and java script. It is best to work with a company that understands how to overcome these issues or work with you from the beginning to understand your goals for business and your website and how technology can affect your plans.

No. Each search engine and directory uses their own algorithms to determine rankings. That is why your website may rank well on some search engines and not quite as good on others.

Pay per click is actually a form of advertising but it accomplishes results similar to search engine optimisation. With pay per click campaigns, you bid on search words to determine your ranking. Your ranking depends on how much you are willing to spend for each key phrase you bid on and in turn for each lead to your business. Normally, the more you are willing to spend on a bid, the higher you can rank in the search engines and directories. (This is not exactly true with Google Adwords since they also take other factors into consideration.) You only pay when someone actually clicks on your advert - hence the "Pay Per Click".

SEO is a more permanent form of optimising your website without paying for your rank position. Both Pay Per Click and SEO will allow you to obtain high rankings. Pay Per click is more imediate and flexible - SEO gives longer lasting results.

A search engine indexes website by sending "spiders" or "crawlers" to your website to review its coding and content for relevancy. These computer programs read the coding of the website and determine its ranking according to how the coding, content, and links match up with their algorithm.

Directories, on the other hand, have real people review your website for relevancy. They look at the overall site from a human point of view. They still have algorithms to help rank a site, but the human factor is also involved. In addition, you must submit your website to a particular category set up within the directory.

Understanding the most appropriate category and what the editors will accept or reject for titles and descriptions is very important. Once you are entered into a directory category with a title and description, it is very difficult to ever get it changed. Make sure it's done correctly the first time!

No. Meta tags are important to SEO, but Meta tags alone won't help you rank high when you are in a competitive market place. There are many variables involved in achieving high rankings.

Simply submitting your website to search engines without having it optimised first is like throwing a pebble into a large rock garden and hoping someone else will be able to find it later. Your website needs to be programmed correctly in order to be found in search engines. Make sure it's done right the first time.

No. Many people have the mistaken idea that resubmitting your site to search engines will help boost your rankings. Actually, it can hurt your rankings since many search engines consider multiple submissions spam.

No. Search engine optimisation is a science. Very few Web developers have been trained in the unique strategies of search engine marketing. Using Meta keywords and submitting to search engines will achieve little. You need to work with an expert who has been trained and who continues to keep up with the constant changes that are always occurring in the search engine world.

Our search engine experts have advanced certification in search engine optimisation through the Academy of Web Specialists. In addition, we stay abreast of all the changes in the industry that will affect your business and your website.

A good search engine optimisation strategy helps to position you well with search engines and directories, and provides strong marketing strategies to entice searchers to click through to your site.

Some of our clients have experienced a dramatic increase in business through our internet marketing services.

No. Recent statistics show that over 95% of all search engine traffic is directed through the top 8-10 search engines and directories. In addition, many of the top search engines have put in safeguards to block automated submissions. Most of the automated submissions to the "thousands" of search engine simply result in a mass of email "spam" since many of the other obscure search engines are designed to collect email accounts and sell them. If you want to be found in the search engines, make sure your Web site is submitted correctly!

Search engine registration is simply a means by which your website address is submitted to search engines for indexing. It does not ensure that your website will be found. In fact, if your submissions to directories such as Yahoo! are not done well, your rankings for your website can suffer.

Search engine optimisation includes:

Research, development and analysis of keywords and phrases
Understanding the proper use of Meta tags
Strategic development of your website to ensure it is search engine friendly
Professionally written, compelling content that turns visitors into customers
Identification and implementation of affiliate links