First, let me introduce you to the latest new web site from Dog Star Media: www.smilestudioweb.com. Congratulations to two great Texans, Guy and Jena Waldron!
Okay... there has been a lot of chatter about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in the last few weeks. Dog Star Media has a new SEO partner (which we will introduce formally to our clients and friends later this month) and, together, we will give you the definitive word on the latest in the changing world of SEO.
I thought it might be fun to start with a little myth-busting. So, here are 3 truths our DSM team learned in a little coaching session we had with our new partner this week.
Truth #1: On major search engines, linking is more important to search engines than site content.
How about that? With the growth in content that is viewed or heard... not read... the major engines have been raising the value of external linking in search algorithms (the way search engines rank sites) for years. Myth-busted: HTML is superior to Flash for SEO. The fact is that the value of all that HTML code has been shrinking in the eyes of the search engines. If you are hanging onto your HTML site for that reason, you have permission to explore what Flash can do for your.
Truth #2: Changing your web site or web server does not affect your prior organic ranking. At least it doesn’t have to affect it.
All of the organic ranking history (or what is called “trust” in the industry) you have built up over the years can be transferred by anyone who knows a very common SEO procedure called a 301 Redirect. Just like forwarding your mail when you move, a 301 Redirect is the Internet way of giving you the freedom to manage your site as needed. So, if you want to move your site down the street to another server and paint it a new color, the search engines will know where to find you. Myth-busted: Feeling trapped by a server with rising costs or bad service or hanging onto a bad design is a worthwhile trade for your organic ranking. Feel free to make the web more beautiful with a redesign and improve your tech support by shopping it around. Just remember to ask us for that 301 Redirect. And, come on... you know a good looking site when you see it. If you don’t have one, admitting you need a new look is the first step....
Truth #3: Flash can be optimized for SEO.
While HTML has the potential for more readable keywords because it is code-based design, Flash sites can be built to take advantage of the same keyword strategy. Flash sites can be designed to “call” files outside of the main Flash page. This is how DSM has created Flash sites since we converted to Macromedia Flash (the industry Gold Standard in Flash design programs) years ago. By naming the called files carefully, Flash sites can implement the same keyword strategies as HTML sites. Myth-busted: Flash is bad for SEO. Simply untrue. It is more about knowing the best keywords for your particular field and local market, than the volume of code on your site. Much more.
There is a lot more and I think all our clients and friends will benefit from our new partnership with... Gotta wait one more week. We are almost ready.
If you got anything out of this blog, I hope you feel the freedom to explore what a superior presentation on the web can do for you. It will not hurt your SEO, so why not look at Flash or Flash video? Check out our portfolio at dogstarmedia.com to see some more examples.
And, stay tuned. Dog Star Media will have yet another major announcement to make after Memorial Day. If you are new to my blog this week, you may not know that you can email me at donald@dogstarmedia.com. Many of you know if you ask me directly by email, I will tell you early if I allude to a big surprise. Let’s just say, this new concept is the first original product in cosmetic dental and surgical marketing that has been introduced in a long, long time.
