When a search engine is used to find information there are often many sites that match the search criteria. These are sorted in order of the most and least relevant sites that match the query and returned as a list to the user. The most relevant listing will be at the number one position. Search engines use complex algorithms to decide which sites should be considered relevant and these algorithms are updated quite frequently.

In general, your search engine position is influenced by factors such as the quality of your site content, the type of listing you have, the number and quality of external links into your site, your industry, your online competition, the keyword phrases targeted and the different search engine ranking algorithms. As you can see there are many aspects to consider.

Having a search engine friendly, optimised website with good quality content usually does the trick but if your online competition is fierce, there could be many sites competing for the same keyword phrases.

Link Campaigns To Improve Position

One of the most effective ways to raise your search engine position (particularly in Google) is to increase the number of external links to your site. Links from industry authority sites are considered the best. To increase the number of links into your site from other sites, look for sites that share the same target audience as yours and request a reciprocal link that will benefit you both. Avoid swapping links with low-quality sites or ‘link farms’ as these are generally not beneficial to your site.

Maintaining Your Search Engine Position

When competition is tough you will often see your online opposition changing their strategy to find ways to maintain their position and this might bump your site further down the search results page. If you absolutely must have a number one position then prepare to review your strategy regularly.

Measuring Success with Website Statistics