What are the Priorities for Site Optimization?

[karlseidel]

I'd like to solicit opinions from pros on site optimization with an explanation why "this thing" is better to concentrate on now rather than "that thing."

I am already working with some people but I'd like to improve some processes and knowledge of what's working and what can change.

Ideally your opinion will come with an approximate cost/time factor. For example I hired a neighbor kid to change tags, links and headings on one of our sites and that worked out well. But this is work I would not pay a lot to get done; nonetheless I need to hire someone for that piece of the puzzle.

BTW I'm not asking for exercise...I am informally interviewing you to see if you would be good to work with for our variety of sites.

Anybody that contributes 'cuz you have an opinion - even if you're not a pro looking for work - thank you!

[RichFinnSEO]

Hi "karlseidel",

I noticed your post and had to at least make some mentions.  First I would say that for a best first approach for seo techniques really depends on what your focus market is.  If you are trying to create an immediate social stir than that will require different efforts than for the "onsite" or "onpage" optimization the neighbor did for you.  So some discussion would be required to appropriately help you.

As for what I would do with on-page optimization I would have to say images and anchor links are the most important in my experience after metatags and such.  Also, if you are not good with the code directly then I would recommend a CMS of some sort, Joomla and WordPress are the two I would recommend.  For the most part they package in a lot of the on page seo stuff.

I welcome further questions and look forward to seeing any other opinions on this.

Ciao,

Todd Richard

203-293-6329

todd@richfinn.org

[karlseidel]

Hi Todd,

Thanks for your reply. We have multiple sites in various stages of optimization. I have a variety of vendors optimizing, writing blog entries, key word ranking among other efforts.

What needs to be done is the sorting and prioritizing. I need to learn more to qualify my vendors better so each piece of the process is better defined.

Going forward, as I better define each piece, I'll get smarter and more proactive. I'll know more so I'll hire better.

In the meantime a comprehensive overview, by someone who's more knowledgeable than me, is what I'm after.

It seems what I'm running into now are consultants who offer aggregate knowledge and pitches to do the work. What I'm looking for is a detailed breakdown of what needs done in a priority order. While I understand the order can change based on a variety of factors I hope to find someone who can grasp our situation, and with this understanding in mind, show us the most efficient and economical path to success.

A fair-minded intelligent cost-conscious consultant/vendor will show up and lead the way. I'm confident of that.

When I know more I'll hire people for this site and others I need to manage.

That's the gist of it.

Thanks again for your response.

Karl