The best thing about SEO is that its largely free. I wouldnt profess that the cost is zero simply because it takes a lot of time to do correctly and time is money. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the development of website rankings for online search engines and keyword search terms. To properly implement a SEO strategy, there are four stages to help manipulate search engine result listings for specific keyword phrases.

Before undergoing any changes to a website, you must determine what keywords people are using to search for your programs. You want keyword terms that are frequently used but have little or no competition from other websites. This improves the chances of increasing web page ranking significantly. Marketing professionals can research possible keywords by talking to current students and using free online tools such as Adwords Tool which provides estimates of search volume and advertising competitiveness.

After choosing a keyword or set of keywords you’d like to optimize for, it’s time to do a little research. Do a search for the keywords you are considering and evaluate the websites in the first three positions of search results. Take a look at each website and determine their page rank, web site age, number of inbound links and other ranking factors. After doing a bit of research you’ll have a good determination as to whether or not you can out rank them based on your SEO efforts.

You can also learn more about a topped ranked website by researching it via Alexa.com for additional ranking information. Shoot for keyword phrases that have less than 2 million competing pages, less than PR 6, and less than 500 in-bound links. If the top competing websites are too large, you should pick a different keyword to focus on.

Upon deciding which keyword phrase is ideal for your search engine optimization campaign, the next step is to design your site in a way that is both easy to read and highly accessible by all search engines. Consider breaking up your search engine optimization campaign into on page optimization factors and off page optimization factors. By addressing both, you can quickly influence rankings in a positive way. Consider starting with site design that integrates SEO best practices including meta tags, headers, and typeface. Once complete, turn your attention towards building links to your web site.

By far the most important factor in Google rankings is a combination of Google page rank and the number of web sites that are linking to your own website. Referred to as inbound links, Google evaluates their authority and rewards your site with higher listings on search results. You are always better off receiving links from web sites that are established and popular than new sites that have neither a strong web presence or inbound links. When link building make sure that link text includes your keywords.

Succeeding online with SEO is your ticket to success. This is especially true if you can’t afford the large PPC advertising budgets that advertisers are spending to get their web site promoted. Consider on page optimization techniques and off page optimization techniques like linking building to enhance rankings and enhance your search engine presence.