Search Engine Optimization - Topical Relevance

Search Engine Optimization - Topical Relevance

Author: Terry Dunford

Search Engine Optimization will always remain the most vital websitepromotion and marketing method. Search Engine algorithms establish which factorsdetermine the sites that obtain top rankings. These algorithms are relentlesslyaltering which is the reason search engine results are continuously changing.Understanding how search engines work by learning about the fundamental aspectsof search engine optimization can give your website the utmost potential forunremitting exposure and high rankings. Because search engines generate over 90%of traffic to all websites, it becomes evident that achieving top rankingsshould be a site owner´s top objective. On-site optimization such as proper METATag content, keyword use in the body text, keyword use in H1, H2, and H3 tags,proper navigational structure using text links, etc... is very important inachieving top rankings; however, off-site optimization is equally, if not more,important. In this article, I will discuss the most important off-siteoptimization factors, especially the importance of topical relevance.

One of the most important off-site optimization methods is to exchange linkswith topically relevant websites. Topically relevant websites are sites thathave similar or related content. For example, if you sell shoes online it wouldbe extremely beneficial for you to get a link to your site from another shoesite, or a site that repairs shoes, cleans shoes, and the like. The searchengines, especially Google, are including these "relevance" factors in theirsearch algorithms. Because of this, all site owners should thoroughly search forand request link exchanges with topically relevant sites.

Another off-site method that is probably the most important off-site searchengine optimization factor is to ensure that the linking site has high PageRank,and preferably site´s with topical relevance. Your rankings will sky rocket tothe very top of the search engines as you continue getting links to your sitefrom high PageRank sites. Constantly confirm the PageRank of the sites youinvestigate. Getting your link on high PageRank (preferably PageRank 4 and over)sites is extremely imperative and will be an influential aspect in getting highrankings.

Not only is topical relevance and high PageRank site linking important, butanother essential factor is incorporating your primary keyword as the anchortext in the hyperlink. The anchor text is the evident, clickabletext in a hyperlink. For this reason, drop a line to topically related sites andexchange links or ask if they could provide a link on their Links Page. If asite approves your request, then it´s imperative that you request that they useyour primary keyword as the anchor text. A short description with your primarykeyword and a few additional keywords would also be helpful.

The off-site optimization factors listed above just scratch the surface.Explaining the others will require several more articles because the list isextensive; however, I will provide you with the basics so you can prepare for asuccessful search engine optimization journey. First, what is Off-pageOptimization? Off-page optimization refers to factors that have an outcomeon your website ranking in natural search results directly associated withoutside circumstances. The most important examples of off-page optimizationinclude the following:

• The amount of websites linking to you
• The PageRank and Link Popularity of the websites linking to you
• Topical relevance of the sites linking to you
• Link popularity of site in topical community
• The Anchor Text used in the links linking to you
• Whether or not the websites linking to you are considered an authoritywebsite.
• The Page Title of the websites linking to you
• The amount and quality of links linking to the website that´s linking to you
• The total amount of links on the website that is linking to you
• The quantity of outbound links on the website that is linking to you
• Directory Submissions
• Creating proper robot.txt
• Google Sitemap Creation & Submission
• And many, many more factors

When beginning the search engine optimization process, always remember thatoff-site optimization is vitally important in achieving top search enginerankings. Focus considerable time locating link partners from topically relevantwebsites. Also, keep in mind that contacting high PageRank sites to exchangelinks would be the most efficient and profitable approach. I hope that thisadditional knowledge will help direct your path to achieving your utmost goal oftop search engine rankings.