How to Get Listed in Google
By Nava Bromberger
Google is becoming the most important directory/search engine so understanding how it works and what it looks for is the key to getting listed.
First of all, here's what Google DOESN'T like: http://www.google.com/webmasters/2.html
Basically, what they're saying is they want real content and the more original the better. They don't like splash screens, dynamically generated pages, or doorways. They also don't like frames -- but I think we've all know that for a while.
They want to see that your site is real, has something to offer and is interesting enough for other sites to link to it. So, the more your site reflects each of these criteria the better you ranking in Google will be.
Here are some strategies giving Google what it wants:
1.) Google likes to see link popularity. That means other sites out there linking to yours. Just add a "links" page to your site and start trading links with complimentary sites. In fact, this is so important that it's how they want to find you. Google crawls every site in it's directory every 4 weeks and picks up links to new sites from that crawling trip. So, as long as you're linked to a site already in their directory you're home free. The more sites that it finds linking to you the better. The theory being if other great sites think you're important to link to then you must have something to offer and they'll give you a better ranking.
2.) This brings us to link relevance. Google doesn't just want to see alot of sites linking to yours, it wants to see high quality sites that are relevant. So, be selective with the links you choose for your link directory. If you link to a site that Google has banned or otherwise doesn't approve of it will hurt your ranking more than help it. It's better to have 5 links from sites that have great content and alot of traffic than 500 links from link farms and other sites that are completely irrelevant to yours. The key here is quality, not quantity.
3.) Google loves unique sites that offer original content. By providing a content rich site you'll not only be giving Google what it wants but your link partners a reason to want to link to your site which increases your link popularity. Filling your site with good content isn't hard. Here are a few ideas...
* Avoid free hosting and get a keyword rich domain name
* Make sure your site has a clear purpose.
* If you publish an ezine, create an archive page that links to all your past issues.
* If you write articles, create an articles page that links to each of them and allow others to link to them as well -- just make sure they give you credit and link back to you.
* Create an sitemap with text links to everything on your site. This will benefit your users as well.
* And, a new way is to have a blogger on your site. If you're not familiar with bloggers. They're basically online journals that people post online.
4.) Take the time to read Goggle's guidelines. They're very clear about what they like to see and even give tips about what to do and not to do.
While there's no point in obsessing about it since there are plenty or other highly effective marketing tactics, being listed in Google is a good thing. It's basically free targeted traffic and there's nothing wrong with that!
------------------------------------------------------------ Nava Bromberger publishes Marketing Twist ezine. Why do some people struggle to make money online while others just rake in the cash? You'll find out in each issue of Marketing Twist. If you make less money than you want to, you need a twist ... a Marketing Twist. http://www.marketingtwist.com
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