Google Now Crawling Flash Code - SWF!

Google has indexed Flash files for several months, despite the persistent "don't use Flash" mantra of search optimizers. Indeed, Flash might be a poor idea for numerous reasons. But now it appears that Google's spider is able to see into Flash code more effectively than before, and rank Flash elements in the index rather than merely refer to them.

It looks like there were some minor changes across the "Google Info for Webmasters" minisite recently. One thing that caught my eye is an explicit mention of the search vendor indexing SWF: "At Google, we're able to index most types of pages and files with very few exceptions.

A sampling of the file extensions we're able to index includes: pdf, asp, jsp, html, shtml, xml, cfm, doc, xls, ppt, rtf, wks, lwp, wri, swf, cfm, and php." So now when people write to a mailing list saying "Google doesn't index SWF", there's now explicit information to the contrary on the Google site itself.

Does Google Really index Flash content?

Yes, Google can parse through the text contained within a .swf file and present that information in a Google search. But due to the fact that an entire website can be contained in a single .swf file, whereas a traditional HTML site may consist of hundreds of individual pages, the weightings and rankings given to certain pages may not be accurately portrayed in Google's results.

What is "White hat methods"?

White hat methods of SEO involve following the search engines' guidelines as to what is and what isn't acceptable. Their advice generally is to create content for the user, not for the search engines; to make that content easily accessible to their spiders; and to not try to game the system. Often, webmasters make critical mistakes when designing or setting up their websites, inadvertently "poisoning" them so that they will not rank well. White hat SEOs attempt to discover and correct mistakes, such as machine-unreadable menus, broken links, temporary redirects, or a poor navigation structure.

Because search engines are text-centric, many of the same methods that are useful for web accessibility are also advantageous for SEO. A detailed case for this common ground, cited by the W3C with respect to Developing a Web Accessibility Business Case, is SEO A Positive Influence on Web Accessibility. Google has brought the relationship between SEO and accessibility even closer with the release of Google Accessible Web Search which prioritises accessible websites.

Methods are available for optimizing graphical content, including ALT attributes, and adding a text caption. Even Flash animations can be optimized by designing the page to include alternative content in case the visitor cannot read Flash. - Google has new solution for this matter now. Should be mentioned later.

Some methods considered proper by the search engines:

Using unique and relevant title to name each page.

Editing web pages to replace vague wording with specific terminology relevant to the subject of the page, and that the audiences that the site was developed for will expect to see on the pages, and will search with to find the page.

Increasing the amount of unique content on the site.

Writing quality content for the website visitors instead of the search engines.

Using a reasonably-sized, accurate description meta tag without excessive use of keywords, exclamation marks or off topic terms.

Ensuring that all pages are accessible via anchor tag hyperlinks, and not only via Java, Javascript or Macromedia Flash applications or meta refresh redirection; this can be done through the use of text-based links in site navigation and also via a page listing all the contents of the site (a site map).

Allowing search engine spiders to crawl pages without having to accept session IDs or cookies.
Developing "link bait" strategies. High quality websites that offer interesting content or novel features tend to accumulate large numbers of backlinks.

Participating in a web ring with other quality websites.

Writing useful, informational articles under a Creative Commons or other open source license, in exchange for attribution to the author by hyperlink.

Search engine optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a set of methods aimed at improving the ranking of a website in search engine listings, and could be considered a subset of search engine marketing. The term SEO also refers to "search engine optimizers," an industry of consultants who carry out optimization projects on behalf of clients' sites. Some commentators, and even some SEOs, break down methods used by practitioners into categories such as "white hat SEO" (methods generally approved by search engines, such as building content and improving site quality), or "black hat SEO" (tricks such as cloaking and spamdexing). White hatters say that black hat methods are an attempt to manipulate search rankings unfairly. Black hatters counter that all SEO is an attempt to manipulate rankings, and that the particular methods one uses to rank well are irrelevant.

Search engines display different kinds of listings in the search engine results pages (SERPs), including: pay per click advertisements, paid inclusion listings, and organic search results. SEO is primarily concerned with advancing the goals of a website by improving the number and position of its organic search results for a wide variety of relevant keywords. SEO strategies may increase both the number and quality of visitors. Search engine optimization is sometimes offered as a stand-alone service, or as a part of a larger marketing effort, and can often be very effective when incorporated into the initial development and design of a site.

For competitive, high-volume search terms, the cost of pay per click advertising can be substantial. Ranking well in the organic search results can provide the same targeted traffic at a potentially significant savings. Site owners may choose to optimize their sites for organic search, if the cost of optimization is less than the cost of advertising.

Not all sites have identical goals for search optimization. Some sites seek any and all traffic, and may be optimized to rank highly for common search phrases. A broad search optimization strategy can work for a site that has broad interest, such as a periodical, a directory, or site that displays advertising with a CPM revenue model. In contrast, many businesses try to optimize their sites for large numbers of highly specific keywords that indicate readiness to buy. Overly broad search optimization can hinder marketing strategy by generating a large volume of low-quality inquiries that cost money to handle, yet result in little business. Focusing on desirable traffic generates better quality sales leads, resulting in more sales. Search engine optimization can be very effective when used as part of a smart niche marketing strategy.

-From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What is SEO?

Search engines display different kinds of listings in the search engine results pages (SERPs), including: pay per click advertisements, paid inclusion listings, and organic search results. SEO is primarily concerned with advancing the goals of a website by improving the number and position of its organic search results for a wide variety of relevant keywords. Search Engine Optimization strategies may increase both the number and quality of visitors. Search engine optimization can be offered as a stand-alone service, or as a part of a larger marketing effort, and can often be very effective when incorporated into the initial development and design of a site.

One of the main things to understand is the difference between search engines and directories.

Crawler based search engines rely on automated software agents called spiders. These spiders grab information like page titles, and textual content to be included in the search engines index or database. Search engines determine relevancy by applying a set of rules known as an algorithm. This algorithm determines whether to include a specific page in the results, based on the items captured by the spider. Google is a good example of this type of search engine.

The other types of search engines are those that have a directory. The main distinguishing factor here is the human element. Directories are organized by actual people who visit the submitted site. They basically decide the categorization of the web site and the wording of the titles and descriptions that will be the basis by which searchers will find the web site. LookSmart is an example of human powered directory. Search engines like Yahoo and MSN, present both crawler-based and human powered results, and are known as hybrid search engines.

For competitive, high-volume search terms, the cost of pay per click advertising can be substantial. Ranking well in the organic search results can provide the same targeted traffic at a potentially significant savings. Site owners may choose to optimize their sites for organic search, if the cost of optimization is less than the cost of advertising.

Not all sites have identical goals for search optimization. Some sites seek a wide array of traffic, and may be optimized to rank highly for commonly used search phrases. A broad search optimization strategy can work for a site that has broad interest, such as a newspaper or magazine, a directory, or site that displays advertising with a CPC revenue model. On the other hand, many businesses try to optimize their sites for large quantities of specific keywords that indicate readiness to buy. Overly broad search optimization can hurt your marketing strategy by generating a large volume of low-quality inquiries that cost money to handle, yet result in little business. A better focused plan concentrating on desirable traffic generates better quality sales leads, resulting in more sales. Search engine optimization can be very effective when used as part of a smart niche marketing strategy.

SEO MIO Company Information

Founded in 2003, SeoMio is profitable and growing due to successful relationships with a dynamic network of domestic and global corporations. Our headquarters are located in Los Angeles, CA. Comprised of designers and SEO experts from around the globe, we bring our collective experience and a unique perspective to search engine optimization. SeoMio has quickly become a world class provider of Search Engine Optimization and innovative Internet marketing solutions.

We are a full service SEO agency, offering a broad suite of integrated marketing and engineering services designed to build your brand and improve your online presence. Our internationally recognized experts in development and online marketing campaigns impact every Website we optimize. Your success is measured and managed, in order to optimize your business potential on the Internet.

We uniquely approach search engine optimization from a consultative perspective. By consulting with the marketing department, the sales department and the IT department, we can effectively determine which tactics will yield the best results for your campaign. Our process is not a "one size fits all" implementation. We customize and tailor our programs to meet the needs of your company, your audience, and your marketing goals.

SeoMio's consistently high standards have allowed us to achieve continuing international acclaim and recognition. This in turn has rewarded us with a loyal client base extending across six continents.

At SeoMio, we are committed to providing an effective and productive online presence for your business or organization. Tailored specifically to online professionals, every SeoMio project will benefit from our responsive customer service, proven standards of excellence and our results-oriented vision.

SeoMio Services : Keyword Research

Keywords are called that for a reason; they're one of the keys to making sure your web site is seen by searchers who want what you have to offer. But how do you choose them, and how do you use them? SeoMio can do it for you.Keyword choice ranks very closely behind link trading as the number one SEO technique; keywords are the words or phrases that people enter into search engines in order to find whatever it is they are searching for.

If you want your site to be listed (and listed high) you need to think carefully about the words people could use to find your site, and use these keywords in appropriate and relevant places in your site. You also need to think about keyword density and keyword positioning if you are to use keywords successfully.If you're building a site from scratch, you should be thinking about keywords when creating the pages that make up the site as well as when producing content for the site.

Keywords need to be used in your page titles and in META tags as well as in the content. You also need to think about using keywords in heading text, bold text and in lists. Using keywords effectively, however, is far easier than choosing keywords effectively. Similarly, if you're working on improving the rankings of an existing site, you'll need to review not just the content, but the markup behind the pages as well.

Knowing what people are searching for is obviously a fundamental part of keyword choice. If you don't know what people are searching for when looking for something related to your product, service or company name, then you won't be able to choose effective keywords that will improve your ranking and ensure that people know about you.

Most general, non-technical people will rely on search engines to find any of the things that they buy online, and most people take search engine listings as recommendations, using sites that only appear near the top of their chosen search engines results.Choosing effective keywords is about making sure your site is ranked highly in returned search results for the most commonly used search strings.

You should focus on choosing keywords that not only focus on your products and/or services but also on your company's name and related subjects.

SEO MIO Services

Keyword Research

Content editing and rewriting

Competitive SEO Analysis

Organic search engine optimization

Pay per click management and analysis

Link popularity integration

Monthly Link Building Services

Submission sequence and order

Search engine partnering

Site navigation and architecture elements

Meta Tag compilation and insertion

Site maps creation and submission

Results measurement and evaluation

Link Building Campaign Analysis

Internet Marketing Consulting Services

On Page Search Engine Optimization

Product Feed Submission

Keyword linguistics research

In-Depth Web Traffic Statistics

Attorney & Law Firm SEO

E-Commerce listing SEO

Why SEO?

79% of searchers will discover a new brand through search.

56% of searchers will look at an unintended site provided it shows up in the search results.
21% of searchers will consider a new brand if it shows up in the results.

Targeting "loosly related" phrases can be good for brand awareness but the cost must be low per click or easy to target organically.

People have "disposable time" and spend much of that online. Entertain them during this period and they will stay on your site and become for familiar with your brand.

Search holds power as it grabs people when they are looking to complete a task. The job of the online marketer is to determine the task and insure that it is fulfilled on your site.

As opposed to offline, online the user is in complete control of their experience. Make that experience helpful and/or entertaining and you will have their business. Fail in this and they will go to the next search result.

Increases in conversion from PPC ads tend to increase when combined with TV (and logically other) offline ads.

Do you want more traffic on your website?

SeoMio's proven Search Engine Optimization techniques have exploded our clients search rankings, sales, sales leads and return on marketing investment. We employ the methods and procedures that you would employ for yourself if your organization had the expertise to undertake such an effort. This means we optimize your actual Website.

We do NOT use tactics that are external to your site whose benefits dissipate the moment our contract ends. After we've optimized your site and conducted a complete search engine positioning campaign, your results and traffic can last for an extended period.As with any business investment, in order to gain a high return, you must yield more than you spend.

Our search engine optimization campaigns offer that type of success and consist of several factors including:

Keyword linguistics research

Organic search engine optimization

Pay per click management and analysis

Link popularity integration

Submission sequence and order

Search engine partnering

Keyword saturation throughout

Site maps creation and submission