Being found
Search engine optimization
How to be found on the internet - Chapter 2. The value of linking
2.1. Links to your site by others.
An ideal way to generate more visitors to your page are links to your page that others have incorporated in their site.
The more links on other sites, the better the page will be found.
To Google, these links (also known as back-links) are a measure of the importance of the page.
The fundemental idea that forms the base of Google's pageranking is not without value;
"If by others a site is found important enough to be linked to, then this site must have value of it's own"
This quote, of course, doesn't apply to all links. Many administrators of link- or directory pages don't care if a page is good or not. Based on the principal "It's a lot, so it must be something" they take on whatever links they're offered or can find themselves.
Often (intentionally or not) is forgotten that it's possible for these link pages to let the search engine robot know that this page should be added to the index. See chapter 1. section 4.3 - Meta-tag robots
Consequence is that your link is added but it will not be recognized by a search engine and as such it will not be part of Google's pageranking.
For a serious page it's important to link as many relevant pages as possible. Pages that are similar or related to the subject of your page.
Important to know is that a link on a page that has been added to the "Google directory" and/or the "DMOZ directory" is more valued than others. See chapter 2.3 The directory's
2.2. How to place your link
A lot of link- directory pages have an application form.
This form contains, besides your personal data, a number of issues they will want to know about you.
2.2.1 The adress (URL) of your site.
Important to the administrator of the page you want your link to be, is where they should link to.
The build-up is standard: http://vision2form.nl/
Google also checkes what file (ex.: index.html) is linked to from another page to yours, to grant a value to that page.
2.2.2 The text that aknowledges your link
Probably the most important one of all. Often domain names don't tell a user what a page is about. With a name as "vision2form.nl" you couldn't have suspected that this page is about mirrors, or even webdesign.
Google (There's that name again) also looks at how a link to your page is mentioned.
When a link is mentioned as "vision2form.nl" it won't tell the visitor what the site is about. If it also states "Design mirrors" a visitor will instantly know that on that specific site he will find information on mirrors.
2.2.3 A short description
Many times used as a check to the relevance of adding your page. Sometimes this text is literally used in your linking. Pay attention to what you state here. Texts that are simply based on keywords and that are nonsense not only will just annoy the visitor but also the administrator that has to place your link.
2.2.4.Keywords
A lot of the link-collecting pages have an enormous ammount of links. A lot of information in which a search function helps the visitor to find relevant links to the wanted information.
If on application the possibility is offered, please only use keywords that are relevant to your page.
By stating wrong or off the point keywords, visitors of the link-collection page can't find your site and you risk the administrator won't add your link..
More information on "Keywords" you can find in chapter 1, paragraph 4.2.1 "Keywords".
2.3 The directories.
Most important on the internet are two databases that map the world of the internet.
Both have set themselves the goal of giving the most complete overview of all the best websites in the world.
Given the enormous ammount of pages on the internet and the tidal wave of pages that are new every day, that seems like a mission impossible.
Meanwhile, the two are collaborating closely.
The importance of these databanks can't be underestimated. They offer an overview arranged on category. These categories are maintained by humans. An adding to these databanks means that your site was viewed and valued by a living person. This, in contrast with databanks that are maintained by programmes - the search engine robots.
And, what did you think? Right, Google (and other search engines) also value this very much.
Your page in these databases offers you much more value. Or to speak in Google terms: "Your page ranking rises".
Application is a matter of lots of patience. Often the apply programs are overloaded and with the tidal wave of new applications it will take some time for someone to look at your page and approve your application.
After approval it will take some time for your page to be added to the databank and for you to see it appear in the overview.
It's not possible to influence this proceeding, no matter what others tell you. Unless you work at Google.
Being found on the internet - search engines
A short guide on how to optimize your website, make it more usable and being found in searchengines.
- Introduction on being found.
How to make websites usable, well structured and being found on the search engines? - Part 1. Being found - Structure and logic.
Adding structure and logic is one of the means to optimize your internet page. Your visitor will appreciate this and it adds to being found on the internet and by the search engines. - Part 2. Being found - The value of links.
Links to your website are very important to be found. The quantity and quality are a measure for the search engines to determine the importance of your website. - Part 3. Being found - mistakes
What to look for when you hire outside help for optimizing your website or if you intend to do so yourself? - HTML structure
Make sure your documents are well structured. - Being found - documentation
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