keyword search questions

which way is better?

[jmwebguy]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I need to ask to help me better understand.

I am trying to figure out how to better optimize my keywords.
On YAHOO, if I type in "rental property mystate" (without quotes) I come up first and third, and others.

On Google, if I type it in without quotes, I show no where. If I use quotes, I show up on the first or second page.

So, how should I use keywords on my website? Here are some of my questions.
1) For anchor text, should I specifically use the exact phrase I want Google to find me under, or does it matter?
2)In the text on the website, should I use the exact phrases, or is that important?

There are about 10 phrases I'd like to show up under but I guess I just don't understand why on Yahoo I show up #1 without quotes, but I have to use quotes to show up in Google...

Guys, any help is appreciated. We are launching a new design of our website soon, and I'd like to know what I need to do.

THANKS!

[mona]

For anchor text, should I specifically use the exact phrase I want Google to find me under, or does it matter?.

Yes, it matters and you should. Anchor text is very important to Google. (Just don't over do it or you could get penalized)

In the text on the website, should I use the exact phrases, or is that important?.

Yes, use the exact phrase. Get it as close to the top of the page as you can. Also, use it in the achor text of an outgoing link.

There are about 10 phrases I'd like to show up under but I guess I just don't understand why on Yahoo I show up #1 without quotes, but I have to use quotes to show up in Google.

If you're ranking well in Yahoo, but not Google, you should put your focus on the anchor text. Good luck! (Also, this should have been posted in the Google forum, probably why you didn't get a quicker response)

[edited by: mona at 3:48 pm (utc) on Aug. 24, 2004]

[jmwebguy]

Mona,
What do you mean by the text in parentheses? Don't ever do what?

Yes, it matters and you should. Anchor text is very important to Google. (Just don't ever do it or you could get penalized)

[benihana]

think mona means dont OVER do it
:)

[jimbeetle]

There are about 10 phrases I'd like to show up under

After you get your initial set of phrases set, give it about a month, then check your logs to see how people are actually arriving at the site.

The differences between what phrases you think people should use and what phrases they do use can be quite enlightening.

[mona]

Sorry about the confusion, jmwebguy. That was a typo. Thanks, benihana;)