Search Engine Optimization - Not just for Google

When reprogramming websites for Search Engine Optimization purposes, it is often done in such a way as to favour the Google search engine. This is understandable given that Google is the most prominent search engine, in terms of the number of searches performed. However, this balance of power may well change in the future, and the other engines still deliver a huge amount of web traffic, so it is imperative to perform Search Engine Optimization for all the major search engines, Yahoo!, Live.com (formerly MSN search), and of course Google.

Differences in the algorithms of the big 3 search engines, and indeed the algorithms of smaller engines, mean that different Search Engine Optimization techniques must be employed within your pages.

For example Yahoo! does still give consideration to the content of the Meta Tags, in particular Description and Keywords. Whilst you must not Spam the Meta Tags, it is advisable to have your key phrases contained in them for successful Yahoo! Search Engine Optimization.

Yahoo! also looks for different percentages of keyword density in pages than Google, so it’s always important to read up on particular site’s Search Engine Optimization requirements before setting out to reprogram your site.

Whilst the results of your Search Engine Optimization can never be guaranteed, as algorithm changes happen regularly, one factor that will reflect well for your site rankings, will be fresh content. So remember to add new content regularly, but observe differences in the Search Engine Optimization techniques for the different search sites when you do this.

Mike Irving
ASP Web Developer

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