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.