There is no real secret to proper SEO regardless of what your current web developer tells you.

Sure, search engine optimization is an art and a true professional can help you boost your search engine ranking quicker than the average Joe, but for those who self publish, or even those who want to keep tabs on the web development company that is managing their site, there a few time-tested techniques that will certainly make a difference.

I offer the following advice:

Proper Search Engine Optimization is the Key to Successful Web Development

While many web development firms will try and convince you that pay-per-click advertising and banner campaigns are the way to go when it comes to increasing your online presence among popular search engines. Although these methods help, proper search engine optimization for your website, from the very early stages of your web development project, is the key to success.

A Good Website Design Should Be More than Just a Pretty Picture

As I noted above, proper professional SEO work begins during the initial phases of web development which is why it is imperative that you know the keywords and phrases that you wish to target before your site gets off the ground. In doing so, you or your website developer can develop your website around your key phrases.

Don’t be Afraid to Spice up your Website with Flash

Don’t let anyone talk you out of adding a Flash component to your website.

Historically, sites heavy in Flash fared rather poorly when it came to search engine rankings. However, a good graphic design firm, with expertise in Flash video and animation, can actually utilize multimedia to increase search engine ranking and make your site more visually pleasing as well.

Links are Important

When it comes to linking, links from your site are actually just as valuable for good search engine ranking, if not more, than links to your site. However, there can also be too much of a good thing.

The difference between having a couple of links on each page of your site to having ten or more is astounding. The latter can actually hurt your search engine rankings, so you want to be wise about linking to other sites.

Also, when linking to a site, be sure that it is relevant and trusted.

Follow these simple rules and you will see your search engine ranking dramatically improve.