Ask the SEO expert

Author Shari Thurow answers questions about search engine optimization

I get a lot of questions about search engines because, to be perfectly honest, many of the ranking answers you get from Google and Bing searches are not accurate or true. Most SEOs are not usability professionals. Most SEOs are not information architects. Technical SEOs tend to focus on the technical aspect of site optimization without insights into searcher goals and behaviors.

Therefore, to help people understand this industry, just email me, call me, or fill out my form and ask. I am more than happy to answer questions. Below are answers to questions in the past from some book and column readers.

• Absolute links, relative links, and search engine optimization (SEO)
  Do absolute links or relative links lead to higher search engine rankings?

• Avoiding search engine spam penalties
  How to avoid search engine spam penalties.

• Download time - does it really affect search engine visibility?
  Does download time really affect search engine rankings? Get the real answer.

• Frames and search engine visibility
  Learn about the inaccurate and erroneous statements SEO professionals make about frames...as well as frames solutions.

• Image maps and search engine visibility
  How and when to use image maps to get and retain search engine traffic.

• Importance of search-engine friendly web site design
  Search engine optimization (SEO) professionals have a wide variety of search engine strategies. Some emphasize link development over all other ranking factors. Where does search-engine friendly design fit in?

• Keyword repetition for search engine optimization - how much is too much?
  How often should you repeat keywords on your web pages? This article will give you more insight.

• Search engine submission - how often?
  Since search engines change their algorithms 100s of times per year, should you submit your web site 100s of times per year -- the answer is no. Read the reasons why.

• Stop words vs. filter words and search engine optimization (SEO)
  Is there a difference between a stop word and a filter word, and, if so, what is it?

• Web site content and search engine visibility
  General tips for writing search-engine friendly web site content without having to sacrifice sales and conversions.

• What is search-engine friendly web site design?
  Many search engine optimization (SEO) professionals have different interpretations of the term search-engine friendly web design. Learn the elements of search-engine friendly design...and what SEO professionals forget.

• What is search engine marketing?
  Learn what search engine marketing really is...and isn't.

• What position-checking software do you recommend?
  As a search engine optimizer, my opinion about position checking software might surprise you.

For more information about our search engine optimization, search usability training, inforrmation architecture (IA), and site design services, please fill out our contact form or call us at 847-426-4256.