Long gone are the days when you could simply and effectively launch a new website and not have to worry about the technicalities behind increased traffic flow and search engine rankings.  Search Engine Optimization has changed the way you approach a new website launch.  However, recently some have questioned the fact that even the best SEO on brand new sites is still not as affective on the top search engines such as Google, as the older, more established site.  In no way does this mean that your best option is to take a risk and skip out on SEO altogether.  In fact, a good search engine optimization company should still be able to help a new website achieve significantly better rankings than those who do not have SEO.  From the very beginning, you must have a long term strategy in place in order to achieve the goals that you set for your website.  Therefore, instead of taking any unnecessary risks, let us discuss in depth the issues at hand where SEO and new websites are concerned.

The major issues that new websites are facing now, are (but not limited to):

Lack of Links & Link Building – Due to the many questionable trends where links are concerned, new websites are placed between a rock and a hard place, in that they need the links, but are limited where links are concerned.  Your search engine optimization company should ensure that your site is included in all the major directories, as well as directories that are specific to your industry.  This is an important step toward achieving higher rankings within search engines and benefiting from more targeted traffic.

The Google Sandbox – Unfortunately, there’s seems to be a conflict within Google’s practices.  Though link buying is against Google’s terms of service, it is very hard to police.  And while Google does not condone this practice, it appears that some websites are benefiting from this practice regardless.  There has been some conjecture that perhaps Google is, at the very least, making sure these companies are paying a high price for their rankings, though they are receiving the ranking boost nonetheless.  Another issue within the Sandbox is that newer domain names are struggling to establish themselves, while older domain names appear to elude the penalties suffered by their newer counterparts.

Established Trust – For a time, search engines placed a higher priority on the content of the home page rather than the interior pages.  Because of this, early SEO included the creation of several sites for a single company, with each centered around one keyword or phrase.  It wasn’t long before search engines caught on to this practice and changed the way they scrutinized each site.  The result is that, while it is relatively easy to launch a new website, websites today face very skeptical search engines and are forced to prove themselves and earn their rankings.

Thankfully, solutions exist!  But there is plenty to consider before you begin to build your new site:

Hire a Team – Find the right SEO company for your needs from the very start!  Before you begin to design your new site, your SEO team can help you write out a precise outline regarding design, content requirements, and linking architecture.  A well though out plan can help to deter many of the regular stumbling blocks that occur with website building and launching.  It is important to remember that while you may think you know best, hiring your SEO team after you launch your site can actually set you back further, as much of what has been done will need to be redone.

Suitable Phrase Targeting – Your search engine optimization company should help you to choose a less competitive target phrase in the very beginning.  For instance, if your company specializes in “ladies shoes,” which is a highly competitive phrase, you SEO team can help you find target phrases that are more specific and less competitive, giving you a boost in the very beginning and until you’re ready to tackle a more competitive market later on.

Keep it Fresh – It is hard to keep new content fresh when there are so many websites popping up daily.  However, your SEO team should be able to help you with this, as they understand the importance of fresh and effective web content.  And even more important, you must continue to ensure that your textual content continues to reflect a fresh take on the latest information out there.  Search engines are more likely to consider sites with updated content for higher rankings; therefore, your SEO should be continuous process in order to achieve your ultimate goals.

Become a Source – By becoming a resource, your website can attract inbound links without effort on your behalf, in addition to building credibility among customers.  You can become a source of information by providing articles and educational and informational links about the service or product you are representing and/or providing.  This is an excellent way to show potential customers or clients that you want them to be more than just a customer; you want them to be an educated customer.

Patricia Montes is the co-founder of WorldWide Optimize LLC., a Berkley, Michigan based SEO firm.  Patricia is an industry leader in Business Web Design, Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.

This article regarding SEO practices, issues, and solutions, may be reprinted for use as content on any website or in any publication so long as the article is kept in-tact with all included links, all original text, without modification or exception, and the resource at the conclusion of the article must also remain with the article.  The article may not be sold for profit or included with a consumer product without written permission from the author.  Thank you, and enjoy!