is the process for getting your website to appear high on Page 1 or 2 of a search using unpaid ("natural" or "organic") methods.

Google, Yahoo, and Bing, currently the leading search engines, use different methods to determine search rankings. Search engines constantly change what bahaviors put websites higher on the list and what behaviors move a website down the list.

The best way to make a site naturally search-engine friendly (other than a "killer" domain name) is to include good content that allows search engines to easily understand the website's objectives and purpose.

Adding a blog to your site along with social links from Facebook and Twitter may help drive traffic to your site. However, you must have the on-going time to devote to "building the buzz" through those methods for it to give you a significant payback.

1. Each page will have a good title using identified key word phrases
2. The website will have an accurate and complete site map
   
3. Content titles will use identified key word phrases wherever possible
   
4. Content will effectively describe your business and products to attract potential customers
5. Images will have descriptive alternate text
6. Headings will use identified keyword phrases and reflect the content
7. There will be 2 menus per page
8. Keyword phrases will be utilized throughout the text of the site where they fit within the natural content
9. Meta descriptions will be created for each page utilizing your keyword phrases
10. Internal links will be used where appropriate

Note: Web-Wisconsin cannot warrant or guarantee any specific position on any search engine. This document is updated as best practices for SEO are modified. (updated 6/10)