Introduction to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

by Alyssa Ast

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an online skill that involves using keywords and key phrases to increase online visibility and profit making capabilities. SEO involves strategically placing keywords/phrases within content to create the ideal keyword density to ensure your online content ranks on the top 10 results of a search engine's results page (SERP). While this skill may seem a little complicated, it is actually quite easy to understand after you comprehend the basics. SEO knowledge is absolutely essential to acquire because numerous benefits result from an increased online presence. This introduction to search engine optimization will allow you to understand how this skill benefits you and your writing career.

Benefits of Search Engine Optimization

The benefits of search engine optimization are easy to acquire once you have learned how to properly optimize content. The benefits of search engine optimization (SEO) include a boost in your online presence. This boost allows you to make more money in a number of ways. An increase in your online presence increases your online content traffic; thus, increasing your profit potential. Your profit potential increases because your page per views (PPV's) increase, which often companies and clients pay you for. An increase in traffic and visibility also allows potential clients to find your writing services easier, which will allow you to potentially land lucrative clients. Plus, your readers and fans are able to find you and your work with ease.

Not only does search engine optimization knowledge benefit your online traffic and profit capabilities, but it also offers you a specialized niche to offer clients. With the Internet becoming an increasingly popular tool used for marketing and online content, clients are looking to those that are able to increase their online presence as well. With a firm understanding of SEO, you can then offer clients your services as an SEO specialist. The opportunities for an SEO specialist increase everyday as the world becomes more and more reliant on the Internet. This special skill offers numerous and high paying jog opportunities.

When you combine the benefits of search engine optimization (SEO) with the benefits of search engine marketing (SEM) the income potential and online traffic can double. These two skills combined can be just what you need to sky rocket your writing career to the next level.

If you have prior knowledge with SEO, interested in finding out how well you are optimizing your content? Visit the SEO review services page for FREE SEO content reviews.

Should You Use Hashtags in URLs?

by Alyssa Ast

Just about everywhere you look, you will see hashtags (#) used. They are the latest SEO trend to hit the web. Hashtags are highly effective with Twitter because they index status updates. The same is being said with their use on Facebook, but should you use hashtags in URLs? They are effective else where, so why not right? Well, truthfully, hashtags really don't benefit URLs at all, unless you're using javascript. Plus, search engines rarely pay attention to any information in a URL that has been placed after the hashtag.

Although hastags in URLs don't generally serve any purpose, there are times they can be beneficial. For example, if you have duplicate URLs for content or website pages, a hashtag will e beneficial.

If your URLs are htttp://www.alyssaast.com/services, one could be changed to http://www.alyssast.com/services#prices

This would take care of the duplicate URL and will help with indexing both pages.

Does it hurt to use hashtags? Not necessarily. You can use them if you wish and won't be penalized; however, don't expect drastic results if you do use them.

Do you use hashtags in URLS? What has your experience been like with the use of them?

Don't forget to follow the Fundamentals of SEO on Facebook!

Easy Direct Traffic Tips

by Alyssa Ast

The traffic your website receives should come from a variety of sources, such as search engine traffic, direct traffic and referring traffic. If your traffic is lacking in one of these areas, your bounce rate and overall site traffic can suffer. If your direct traffic is less than ideal, there easy direct traffic tips you can use to increase your website's performance.

1. Email Signature-- Every time you send an email, you have the opportunity to promote your website and increase your direct traffic by utilizing the signature option. Create a signature that includes an anchor link to your website.
   
2. Social Networking-- Social networking sites are great for increasing your website's direct traffic. Just by simply posting the link to your website on social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and Google +, your direct traffic will increase.
   
3. Forums-- Participating in online forums are also great for increasing your direct traffic. Post the link to your website in online forums where ever it's relevant. However, be careful not to spam the sites because it could result in banning from the forums.
   
4. Comments-- Comment on blogs, websites and discussion boards with a backlink to your website to increase your direct traffic. Again, be careful you only post on relevant sources so you aren't spamming the site. Plus, it will lower the likeliness of the traffic bouncing as well.

What are some easy direct traffic tips you use?

SEO/SEM Articles

Are you interested in learning more about search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM)? Maybe you're looking for SEO and SEM related content for your business? Alyssa can fulfill your needs!

Whether you're interested in learning more about SEO/SEM or purchasing SEO/SEM content, the articles below will help you out! Alyssa has created a series of SEO/SEM articles that are available to download as learning material, or can be purchased for usage or full rights.

Not finding the topic you're looking for? Email Alyssa today to request the topic of your choice!


Introduction to Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization
Search engine marketing professional organization (SEMPO) refers to the use of the combined methods of search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). When these methods are combined, the potential success of a business increases as traffic is driven to websites be relevant sources.

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The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe

By Alyssa Ast
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'The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe' is a valuable resource for increasing web traffic and profit potential. Author Alyssa Ast provides the basics of SEO (search engine optimization) in a clear and concise format. This resource also explains how SEM works to improve traffic and SERP's ranking. The combination of these methods ensures website visibility and profit probability.


'The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe' is an inclusive and easy-to-understand explanation of SEO and all of the related topics. Author Alyssa Ast is an SEO and SEM expert and shares her knowledge in a clear and simple way that nearly anyone can understand. This is a valuable resource that any writer who produces online content in any form could use to increase not only website hits, but also income. Highly recommended!
Angela Atkinson
Freelance Writer and Editor

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