Smart SEO | Search Engine Optimization | SEO

Seo or search engine optimization is more involved than adding a few codes to a web site, a few links and thinking you going to make tons of money. Smart seo or search engine optimization consist of developing your online presence in such a way that you dominate search phrases. Bureau 24 would like to cover a few strategies included in every seo or search engine optimization campaign that Bureau 24 runs.

1- Linkbait Target : The Media

Being picked up by CNN, Fox News, BBC or local television networks not only leads to plenty of traffic but also leads to other websites picking you up as a news source. Traffic, new readers, links from all over the digital web and links from highly trusted websites (AUTHORITIES).

It’s not an easy target to achieve, but you can get there by doing the following:

1. Network. before you can be recognized as an authority you need to make yourself known to everyone who matters.
2. Be first. Often just being the first person to break a story can lead you to winning dozens of links plus once you build a good reputation for being first, you’ll have reporters and bloggers turning to you for authoritive information.
3. Use All Available Resources. Linking to top news sources often brings in residual traffic and in many cases it will result in other websites and bloggers picking you up as a secondary source on the issue.
4. Offer Value. Whether it’s analysis, exclusive images or your own research. Just regurgitating the news isn’t going to be any help. Offer your on value to the target market you seek.

2- Contests and Giveaways

Ok, seriously people will probably get carried away with this. However, contest and giveaways are an excellent way to build traffic and links. Further, more established sites will find it a great way to reward and attract repeat customers. This is as simple as giving away a e-book in order to generate leads.

The key with such contests is to:

1. provide value to readers
2. break from tradition and do something more creative than an ‘article writing contest’
3. make a meaningful contribution to your website or Blog
4. engage the web, not just your existing visitors

3- Brand Yourself

How can you build your personal brand ? Quality, consistency, networking, and timing.

4- Linkbait on Steroids

Linkbaiting, despite the proliferation of absolute bs in its name, is a viable and valuable promotional and link building process. While linkbaiting - especially linkbaiting on Steroids will continue strong in 2008. There will be an increasing trend towards more viral content, such as Youtube videos and less dependence on traditional social media channels.

focus on creating quality instead of quantity, because as more and more people jump into the linkbaiting boat it’s getting harder and harder to promote your traditional linkbait. Either you’re already a celebrity, or you need to create something that smashes everyone elses effort.

5- Podcasting

Content is still the king, but alternative media like audio and visual media fast catching up in terms of attracting links.

6- Niche SEO

It stands to reason that someone who has prior experience in an industry will have more contacts and better inside knowledge than a newcomer. If you’re an SEO consultant, this is something you can use to your advantage. If you’re a site owner, learn to leverage your contacts and knowledge of what works to differentiate yourself from your competition and protect yourself against newcomers.

7- Prior Footholds in the Industry

If you’re launching a new website, having an established one in the same or related niche is a big power play. Buying an old established site can also give the same sort of legitimacy. In fact, consolidation for SEO is a great thing. Don’t buy a link, buy the site!

Expect to see more and more consolidation happen in 2008 - and if you’re already established in a niche, branch out now!

8- Offline Marketing

Offline marketing is a proven key ingredient for any online business and in 2008 you’ll see this as being one of the primary factors differentiating between businesses going to the top, fast and businesses going under, fast.

Use offline promotion. Attend conferences in your market. Get in the yellowpages and use the power of offline advertising.

9- Old School SEO

In case you’re wondering, all of it still works - smart site architecture, getting the right links at launch time, topical content, balanced internal linking, relevant link building, cherry picking links still works, so don’t stop doing it. However, knowing SEO basics isn’t enough to give you an edge in itself because as changes occur some areas become more or less effective. You need to take advantage of all the different link building opportunities available to you.