View Full Version : Need Help?
Big Tuna
01-22-2002, 07:54 PM
Hello!
Just a quick note, anyways I'm new but i do have a "bit" of computer experience, so anyone needing some help with wesite design or hosting issues feel free to drop me a note.
Bob
John Bridge
01-22-2002, 08:25 PM
Bob,
I've just finished explaining meta tags to flatfloor. It's probably the blind leading the blind. There are a few of us here who won't turn down your offer. Hang around, pal. :)
Big Tuna
01-23-2002, 01:48 AM
Hi Folks!
Great posts, basically everything everyone has to say is correct, getting listings, or getting indexed into all of the search engines etc is a specialty act on it's own but everyone should ALWAYS include the minimums on ALL of their pages.
Every search engine "robot" is looking for something differant but a good start is to always include the same text in your title, meta description, meta keywords, body text, and a link to your home page, ALL including the SAME text, for example...
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>Outdoor-Canada</TITLE>
<META NAME="description" CONTENT="Outdoor-Canada">
<META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="Outdoor-Canada">
</HEAD>
<BODY>
Body text that includes the words Outdoor-Canada
<A HREF="http://www.outdoor-canada.com">Outdoor-Canada</A>
A link at the bottom of the page to Outdoor-Canada
</BODY>
</HTML>
Big Tuna
01-23-2002, 02:13 AM
More....
Basically, focus "each" page of your website to a specific topic, your first page or "index.html" should mention your company name and where you are for instance. Then each other page of your website, focus on another topic, like say "custom design" put these words in ALL of the area's mentioned above.
Also, another good thing to do is "name" your pages, don't call them page1.html, page2.html, page3.html, etc. call them what they are, for example, custom_design.html
Also, as already mentioned, "popularity" is starting to become very important in getting listed. Exchanging links with other sites so that the URL to your site is in as many places as possible on the web is important!
Bob
flatfloor
01-23-2002, 02:54 PM
What about these companies that submit your site to search engines for a fee, are they actually doing something that is effective?
Big Tuna
01-23-2002, 05:06 PM
Hi;
Basically, NO! Over the past few years I have used the same software that a lot of them are using and it has basically no results. They charge you x number of dollars and stick your URL into a program and push the submit button, takes tehm all of 10 secs and basically you get nothing.
Taking the time to get your meta tags, title etc set up properly and submitting to the top ten search engines manually (which is the only way that they take submissions) will yeild you far better results.
Like everything, there really is no quick easy route to fame and fortune.
Bob
WooHoo Thanx BT, Now I gots to go back and rename all my stuff..
It is true that you can bribe the search engines to put your name above other names?
flatfloor
01-23-2002, 06:43 PM
Don't they charge for submittals?
Big Tuna
01-24-2002, 01:00 AM
Hi Guys;
Yes some charge, yes you can bribe anyone with enough money, but I doubt that is the way you want to go.
There are still some of the bigger/medium sized search engines out there that you can get listed in without paying. My point here is that if you work at it a bit, make sure your basic pages are up to snuff, take the time to look around and find where you can submit your site to for free, trade links with other related sites, you can get some good traffic.
Another thing is to think "local". Most people have a website up to "advertise" their business, seek out local websites etc and get listed on them, like your local service provider, lots of them have a basic search engine.
Another thing lots of people forget to do is get your website to be known by including it on other forms of advertising. Make sure that you have your website on your business cards, include it in your newspaper ads, fliers you mail out, if you have an office/storefront, get a banner printed up and put it in the window, get magnetic door signs on your trucks etc etc.
A good example of a basic website I did for a friend, no "paid" listings, nothing real special other than a few hours of basic work getting it listed with other "local" websites etc is http://www.basincharters.com The first year his site was up he had 66 extra confirmed bookings from his website last summer.
Nothing is real clear with this internet stuff, I hope I'm just giving you a few tips that will help ya all out!
Bob
John Bridge
01-24-2002, 06:45 AM
Paying search engines goes against my better judgement. Yahoo wants money now, but if you can get to a certain point in "popularity," Yahoo has to index you anyway or they lose.
Don't pay anyone. Submit and re-submit. Most of the engines are automated -- you're not dealing with real people. Directories (Yahoo, etc.) do have people screening their listings, though.
flatfloor
01-24-2002, 03:18 PM
That's 19,000
leisu
01-26-2002, 07:45 PM
For you folks who aren't so good at HTML coding, there are some download programs out there that you can drag & drop images and text to build a website.
CoolPage is one I have found. Seems okay.
Thing is, it is free so of course there are catches. They make you keep a little box on your page that links to their website. They also keep a little "search" box which will also take visitors to thier pages. These two annoyances are pretty small, and easily ignored.
The last catch is more annoying. Everytime you link to another page and a visitor clicks on the link, a box will pop up on their screen. It is to download CoolPage on the visitor's computer. Clicking "Yes" starts the download, and "Cancel" goes to your link.
Other than that, this website builder is easy. Nice way to build a page if you don't know HTML. I think if you get their pay version these annoyances go away altogether.
BTW I have no connection to CoolPage.
kdzgon
02-06-2002, 09:38 AM
Bob,
I never seem to get past trying to figure out the whole hosting issue, never mind moving on to design!
Went to that site you had linked, but didn't get far - what is with the Comet Cursor stuff? Spyware is not cool for a surfer - are there advantages to the website owner?
Laurie
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