Quantum's Thought'sQuantum Web Solutions Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why Quantum Web Solutions?

 

What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the science of designing web pages in such a way that search engines can find, index, and rank them according to the value of their content. There is an entire industry built around this science.

 

What is the difference between SEO and Pay-Per-Click?

SEO is what you term as the 'organic results' (those displayed on the left hand side of the search results). There is no fee paid to the search engines for your website listing to appear in the organic results. SEO rankings generally take longer to achieve, as these are based on natural progression and how Google sees your website.

Pay-Per-Click, is a generic term used for ads that display on the search engines, that are paid listings based on each time the ad is clicked on. Google have a pay-per-click programme called Google AdWords. In the Google search results, you differentiate between organic and paid listings, as the paid listings have a small heading above them stating 'Sponsored Links'. These will sometimes appear on the top of the page, as well as the right side of the page. Pay-per-click is a great solution for new websites, and websites in competitive industries as the results appear almost immediately after the ads have been setup.

 

Should I update the design of my website, or use SEO?

This is dependent on your current website. We will assess your current website and advise you on the best strategy for your particular situation.

If you current website is adequate for your needs, and you have budgetary constrains, we recommend Search Engine Optimisation as the first step we take. We take it your aim is to maximise your marketing and business opportunities in an affordable way. If you have a great looking website, you will not increase business if your customers' cannot find you in the first place.

 

Should I use animation on my website?

Animation can look great, but if you use too much animation, it can distract a customer's focus from the most important reason they came to your website in the first place - the content of your website. In saying that, a little bit of animation can be great to use to capture a persons attention with a sales message. Just ensure that you don't go over the top with the animation you are using.

Search engines cannot read the text in web programs like Macromedia Flash very well, so it is important to place the main text and key words in your website outside of the animated area.

 

What are "Key Phrases"?

Key phrases are the words and/or phrases that are used in Search Engine Optimisation to achieve high rankings in search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN etc...

 

What is Keyword Density?

Keyword density is a term used in Search Engine Optimisation where you have a number of key phrases through out the content of an individual page. The content in each page of a website should focus on a particular subject, and be relevant to that particular page. This way search engines give more weight to that particular page on a particular product. Take Chocolate Home Loans for an example. On the "Standard Variable Loans" page the following keyword density applies:

Phrase Count Keyword Density
standard variable loan 18 5.49%
standard variable loans 11 3.35%
variable loan answer 4 1.22%
standard variable rate 4 1.22%
borrow standard variable 2 0.61%
amount borrow standard 2 0.61%
fees standard variable 2 0.61%
variable rate loans 2 0.61%
weekly fortnightly monthly 2 0.61%
paying standard variable 2 0.61%
variable loans answer 2 0.61%

So when a search engine indexes this page it will give a much higher ranking to "standard variable loan" and "standard variable loans", than the other phrases listed below them.

 

How quickly can I get listed in the Search Engines?

This will vary depending on the search engine. Providing a link on another website that is listed with a search engine points back to your website, you can be listed with Google and MSN within a week. Yahoo typically takes one to two months for any type of listing to appear. Even though with Google and MSN a website can be listed in a short period of time , high rankings can take anywhere from four to six months on keywords.

Note: Be careful of unethical SEO companies that promise fast listings with high rankings on key words for your business. In many cases tactics used are frowned upon by reputable SEO companies, and more importantly, the main Search Engines. So while you may get high search engine listings quickly, once the search engines find out they have been "duped " then your listings will disappear and be very difficult to attain again.

The goal with SEO is to provide a long term sustainable - and honest - approach to building your listings.

For more detailed information on having your website listed in the search engines visit our article on Google, MSN and Yahoo Search Engines.

 

Why is continuous work required to keep my search engine rankings?

Whether your business is an online business, or a "brick and mortar" business, keeping your products or services fresh and up-to-date is one way to keep customers interested in what you offer and keep them coming back. In this same way, search engines view websites that have constant changes made to them with more interest.

Search Engines can determine whether you make just a small adjustment to your website, or a make significant changes or additions. By continuously making these changes to a well optimised website, you are likely to not only maintain your rankings in the search engines over time, but to increase your positioning as well.

Other reasons as to why this is required are covered off in Why do my search engine rankings fluctuate from day-to-day?

 

Why do my search engine rankings fluctuate from day-to-day?

Search Engine rankings can fluctuate from day-to-day due to a number of reasons:

Read our article on Search Engine Positioning Fluctuations here

Make your website effective!

Your website should look professional and appealing, but if it lacks a simple navigation system and SEO has not been performed then it may not be effective.

Contact us to find out more.