Following on nicely from that explainer we did recently on search engine optimisation, USA Today has a starter piece based on the advice of Google's own search guru Matt Cutts. Inevitably, much of it is common sense but from the horse's mouth:
• Label your site logically. Cutts cited a San Diego chiropractor who complained his site didn't get picked up - yet he didn't describe himself as a San Diego chiropractor anywhere on the site.
• Tag your site properly. The site must be given relevant title and description tags which are usually the phrases picked up by search engines.
• Get linked to. Google assesses more than 100 criteria to determine ranking but linking is one of the most important. People need to link to your stuff.
• Blog a lot. Cutts said blogging is a good way to build presence and readers, and will help your profile.
• Use free tools. Google offers its own tools to improve the visibility of your site including the business directory, but you can also try uploading a free text site map.
