Optimize a Web Page 101

Learning how to optimize a web page is not that difficult. Not that difficult? Well it is just like anything else that you put your mind to, you can do it.  Now, even though you can do it, it does take skill, luck, but mostly hard work.  You will need to make sure that you follow proper SEO rules when optimizing your pages, and the most important thing is to provide good content.  And not just any content, but content that is appropriately written on topic, in the proper quantities, in specific locations, and within specific tags.

Determine what the page is about

Once you know what the page is going to be about you have to think about optimizing the page to tell the search engine that the page is about this topic.  One primary way to tell the search engine about your page, is to great a good title for the page that is packed with keywords. 

Pack your page with keywords

Each page should be optimized for no more than three keyphrases.  Now within those three keyphrases, you will want to stem, include both singular and plural versions, and more.

You don't want to overdue it though, by including too many keywords, this is called keyword stuffing.  Keyword stuffing will get your page penalized and out of the search results, so be careful.

Use the Heading Tags

You will want to make sure that you include your targeted words with heading H1, H2, and H3 tags.  The H1 tag is the most important tag, so be sure not to leave it out.

To Image or Not To Image?

Deciding whether to use an image or an HTML tag is a decision that each site owner must make.  Just like anything else decisions have consequences, that you must be willing to accept.  The decision to use an image in place of an html tag will likely decrease your search engine rank, because a search engine doesn't give value to an image.  A search engine can not tell what a picture is unless you use a ALT tag.  Even then an alt tag, while descriptive, will not get as much weight as an H1 or H2 tag.   So, with that said, be sure to use a heading tag at the top of each page, it will help you ranking.

Repeat Your main Keyphrase multiple times.

Repeating your main keyphrase is very important, and you should do it exactly as it is spelled.  This will provide the most targeted value to your web page.

Plan out your incoming links

If you have any control over the incoming links to the optimized web page, then make sure that you take full advantage of it.  You will want to ensure that your incoming link text is packed with keywords that are on topic.  You will also want to make sure that the referring page, is on topic with the themeing for your overall site, and that your linking structure is in line with this as well.

Mix in a few external links...sparingly

External links are important as they help to define the content for your site.  Some people argue that external links are devaluing to a web page, and we believe this also.  So, you will want to make sure that you include some external links to expert web sites, but don't overdue it.

Less than 100 links on a web page

No matter what you do, keep the total of all links on a page to less than 100 links.  Not only does it just make your site more attractive, but it is a SEO best practice of all of the search engines.  You can read about it in the search engine guidelines.