The Elusive Practice of Search Engine Optimization

by: Jay B Stockman

Search engine technology has completely revolutionized the way we retrieve relevant information. Mastering the algorithms that drive these marvels of technology is the challenge, and assures the webmaster complete marketing success. In 1990, Alan Emtage at McGill University developed the first search engine, named Archie. Its purpose was to create a database of web filenames that could be queried, and retrieved by any user. Archie helped address this data chaos by integrating a script-based data collector with a standard expression matcher for relevant user query retrieval. Contemporary search engines use software 'spiders' that go out into the internet, and retrieve content and data. Armed with this retrieved data, search engine algorithms rank content based on the relevance of what the user is searching for. It is the job of the webmaster to optimize a web site based on relevant keywords, so that search engine algorithms list their URL as close to page one as possible. This is the practice of Search Engine Optimization, determining how search engines think, and if successful could lead to very lucrative returns.

The process of search engine optimization is plagued with unscrupulous scammers, spammers and deceptive practitioners. This is referred to as Black-Hat Search Engine Optimization, and it hurts the search engines as well as the users who query them. Black-Hat techniques employ techniques that trick the search engines with thousands of meaningless articles loaded with keywords carefully chosen to draw traffic, and generate quick revenue. In addition to link farms that artificially inflate the importance of an otherwise irrelevant web site. Some black-hat hackers attempt to negatively influence competitor’s rankings by exploiting various search engine vulnerabilities. All these practices dilute the true value of legitimate web sites, and realize only short term gains. Gradually search engines started recognizing these techniques, and have taken proactive approaches. Algorithms have been developed to uncover and ban sites that employ those practices. Search Engine Optimization is a long term goal that requires astute and careful planning. White-Hat optimization is the ethical means to this end.

"Give the public what the public wants", this is the mantra of any successful search engine. If a user places a query, and receives very relevant data, the user will most likely return for future inquiries. The objective of white-hat optimization is to provide the user with a content relevant search result. White-hat search engine optimization is the practice of improving the design and content of websites to draw more search engine traffic in an ethical manner. Content is king, it is important to have content that's relevant to your visitor’s expectations, otherwise they will just hit their back button. It is important that your pages are well structured, using descriptive page titles and other page text. Further, keyword rich inbound links must be built, and submitting original articles will accomplish this goal. Providing fresh new content will assure repeat visits with the opportunity to expose more products to your users. White hat SEO techniques can take some time to implement however their results tend to last for a long time.

As the web continues on its exponential growth path, the need for better search engines becomes more vital. These are the challenges that face the search engines, as well as the experts that contribute to their success. Search engine optimization is an art that requires skill, and creativity, a synergy of original content, efficient marketing, and site analysis. These are the foundations for a successful search engine optimization campaign.

About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Free Search Engine Submission Service. Visit http://a-search-engine-submission.com/ for more information.

The Lanyard Legend

The lanyard can be traced back to the late 19th century. It was originally a piece of cord, used to secure a jack-knife, used as a weapon in war. The lanyard was worn on the left shoulder with the end containing the knife tucked into the left breast pocket. In 1920 the lanyard was moved to the right shoulder, simply because of the problem of trying to remove the knife from the pocket underneath the bandolier. In 1933, the knife was removed completely, and the lanyard became a straight cord, worn purely as an ornamental item of dress. The basic lanyard was a simple piece of strong cord, but it was gradually turned into something a bit more decorative, smartened up with colors and styles, ultimately taking its present form.
Contemporary lanyards are constructed from polyester, nylon, or cotton, and are of a flat braided tubing. This flat tubing allows for the placement of names, logos, or any other promotional printing. Custom printed lanyards are extremely popular items, and are relatively inexpensive. Printing techniques vary from a hot stamp to a more costly dye sublimation process. Additionally, printed lanyards are available in seemingly endless patterns, colors, styles, and lengths.

The lanyard is designed to secure small objects, such as badges, keys, cell phones, and other small items. It is fairly common to see ID badges dangling from a lanyard, custom printed with the name of a company, or event. This promotional lanyard is an ideal marketing device to promote the business, or event. In this manner, the lanyard serves as an inexpensive form of advertising, making it functional, as well as profitable.

Beyond its commercial use, commonly misplaced items can be secured using a lanyard. Keys, cell phones, eyeglasses, bottle openers just to name a few. In addition to wearing a lanyard around the neck, it is not unusual to see lanyards attached to the wrist, waist, backpacks, and others.

It is clear that lanyards had their place in history, and have evolved through time. While the original lanyard materials were completely different than the materials of today, the main functions have remained constant. To secure an object prone to misplacement, and display the personality of the artist that created it.

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Custom Printed Lanyards Visit http://custom-printed-lanyardsonline.com/ for more information.