Search Engine Optimisation tips for new businesses

[www.optimalwebsite.co.uk]

I've added a loads of free search engine tips and advice for new businesses to my website. I'm already getting stick for this from SEO companies for giving out so much help. Briefly:

Search engines rank sites higher the longer they have been online. As soon as you have finalised your core business activity and contact details set up a website as quick as you can, or at least purchase the domain name to make sure others do not use it.
For an optimal website, give your business a name which contains words likely to be searched by prospective customers. A patio firm that specialises in granite patios should be called Granite Patios. Avoid calling your business after you personally or unusual names unless you are sure clients will use these words as search terms.
When choosing a domain name for your website, use the extension .co.uk if you're doing business solely in the UK. Extensions such as .net or.com are more expensive with less availability and imply a worldwide customer base. .eu is newer and many popular domain names are available.
www.optimalwebsite.co.uk is better than www.optimal-website.co.uk. Aim to purchase a domain name which is all one word as people confuse underscores with hyphens and spaces.
If your pages show a copyright date, keep it current. New visitors from search engines scan the first page for signs the business is alive and well. For the website to be optimal it needs to retain viewers, Google, MSN, and Yahoo are all suspected of monitoring how long it takes users to return to their search engine. Long time = useful content = optimal website.
NEVER send unsolicited emails from your company email address. Search engines are also significant email providers and your ranking will suffer severely if they find out. For new business ring first and get a name.
Successful online businesses grow rapidly. It can be very difficult to anticipate demand. Be prepared for major changes in direction, or for excessive demand in an area where you thought none existed. A good axiom is: "Make hay while the sunshines." Don't borrow against predicted website earnings.
Never sell advertising on your website. Ad-sense boxes will link to your competitors.



If anyone thinks I've missed something important, please send me an email and I'll be sure to add it.

Kind regards,


OptimalWebsite

[PC Supporter]

Hi OptimalWebsite,

Welcome to Small Business Forums. It's a great forum with great members!

Cheers,

Jon (PC Supporter)