Houston Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Houston Search Engine Marketing (SEM).

Search Engine Optimization is the process of obtaining optimal search engine and directory placement for a search engine query through regular manipulation of META tags and descriptions, titles, body text content, graphics and page format. All search engines use unique algorithms in their indexing process. With extensive knowledge of the algorithms used by the search engines, Compass Web Site Design is able to configure your web pages to "optimize" where they place in the list of search engine query results.

Our search engine optimization service is closely integrated with the design and development of a web site. Based on our detailed understanding of optimization methods of search engines and directories, we ensure that the web site has the proper web address, layout, content, graphics and coding to be readily indexed by the major search engines and directories. This includes hand submission of the web site to the major search engines and directories. Compass Web Site Design's search engine optimization service prevents web sites from violating crawler, engine and directory rules that if not followed can have a significant negative impact on search engine optimization efforts.

Additionally, our search engine optimization service identifies the target audience and keywords/phrases currently being used by that audience on the Internet to find your product or service. Utilizing search engine optimization techniques, the web site design strategically incorporates these keywords and phrases so the target audience readily finds the site. This will often result in high search engine and directory rankings.

Click here to learn more about the differences between search engines and web directories.

The Importance of Search Engines
Search engines and directories are the primary tool used by Internet users to find web sites. Forrester Research estimates 81% of browsers use search engines to find web sites on the Internet.

It is imperative for a web site to be listed near the top of search engines for their keywords and phrases. ZD Net reports that "the majority of people (around 60-65%) will select their information out of the top 10 matches on any given search engine. Another 20-25% will click on a site ranking between positions 11 through 20. The bulk of the remaining traffic flows to sites in positions 21 through 30 with sites after position 30 sharing the last 3-4% of the remaining traffic." Strategic and high search engine and directory placement serves as a major source of traffic to a web site.

There are three primary reasons web sites fail in attracting significant traffic through search engines and directories.

• Most web sites fail in the search engines and directories because of serious web site design flaws. (i.e. load time violations, software incompatibility, keyword spamming violations, layout errors, coding flaws, etc.) The Compass Web Site Design team designs quality, fully functional web sites that do not sabotage the Internet marketing efforts and provide the web sites a distinct competitive advantage in the search engines and directories.
   

• Other web sites fail because of improper or incomplete search engine submission. Many web designers and Internet marketing firms use automatic search engine submission software to register a web site with the search engines and directories. The problem with the use of search engine submission software is that it does not verify the successful acceptance of a web site by the search engines. Many are not accepted.
   

• Directories are often ignored and web sites are not registered. DMOZ, the open directory, feeds 111 different search engines, including Yahoo and AOL. It is astounding that so many search engine submission services ignore the directories.

Web sites' search engine rankings, positioning and ultimate indexing by the search engines and directories can vary widely because of constant changes in the indexing methods used by the search engines, changes in the competitive environment and errors made in the search engine databases. For a web site to maintain its search engine ranking placement, it must have a search engine and directory specialist monitor it on a regular basis, stay abreast of the changing technology and competitive landscape and ensure their web site remains competitive.

The services and expertise that is required to keep a web site ranked and properly placed in the search engines is not easy to obtain. Consequently, an average of only 13% of web sites are indexed by any one search engine. Compass Web Site Design offers the services and expertise required by web sites to maximize their search engine and directory placement and generate significant traffic to the web sites.

Proven Process
Our search engine optimization services are delivered using a proven and tested methodology that ensures high quality, well designed web sites that meet search engine and directory parameters and ensure that the web sites perform as well as possible in the search engines and directories.

Compass Web Site Design has developed and refined the search engine optimization process based on years of Internet marketing experience, client and customer feedback and by always searching for ways to improve and streamline operations.

Click here to learn more about the process used to optimize your web site for the search engines and directories.

Maintenance
Once a web site is optimized and properly submitted to the search engines the fight to differentiate you from the competition is not over. Compass Web Site Design has to continually monitor and update the web site for a fast paced, volatile Internet environment. During the winter of 1997/98, many of the major search engines went into a state of constant change. These unpredictable changes continue today. What was acceptable last week may not be acceptable today. A page that had a high search engine ranking yesterday may be completely removed from a search engine tomorrow.

Many businesses do not have the appropriate knowledge, resources or tools to keep up with the constant changes of the search engines and maintain high traffic volume to their web sites. This requires a very detailed understanding of how each of the major search engines work and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the latest search engine changes taking place. Compass Web Site Design Internet marketing experts will monitor search engine and directory changes and maintain the search engine optimization of your web site.