How the heck to deal with search engine-optimization!

How does one get a chance to get higher ranks?

[pwyll]

Right now I'm struggling with the considerations of how to optimize my sites for dealing with the famous "must-have-higher-ranking"-thing. How do I do that. I've recently discovered that the META tag is almost obsolete because every search engine today takes use of the bodytext a.o. rather than meta-information.

[pleeker]

Hello pwyll, and welcome to Webmaster World.

You're correct about the emphasis on page text and de-emphasis of hidden elements such as meta tags.

There are numerous aspects of search engine optimization, including HTML coding, copywriting, link building, and on and on and on. Entire books have been written on each individual aspect of effective SEO, so I don't think you'll find anyone responding in this thread who's able to provide the full and complete answer to your question.

I would respond only by saying this: you've come to the right place. Spend as much time as possible on this board, reading as much as you can, asking questions when you need clarification, etc. I've been here just about a year and my knowledge of SEO has grown exponentially from probably about where you are now to where our company can now offer effective, reliable, and proven SEO services.

So stick around and learn. You're in good company. :-)

[pwyll]

Thanks! It is really as I have expected: It is all about managing content, right? I am trying to get the picture really clear. I guess I'll use this service a lot. Right now I'll logoff and get some story-telling off-hand. See Ya :-)

[JamesR]

pwyll,

this thread should give you a pretty good foundation:

Successful Site in 12 months with Google Alone [webmasterworld.com]

I wouldn't worry too much about linking out right now, links in are what is crucial along with the other content related tips.

[creative craig]

Successful Site in 12 months with Google Alone

If you can follow that to as near as it says then you will have cracked Google I would say, the only thing I have problems with is adding new content everyday, I dont have enough time for that :(

Craig