Top Of The List SEO Technology FAQ

Questions about SEO Technology? Here are answers, in non-technical language!

Some of the most often asked questions we've received are answered in the Top Of The List SEO Technology FAQ.  If this FAQ doesn't answer your SEO question, contact Top Of The List and we'll be happy to answer it personally!

What exactly is SEO?

SEO, search engine optimization, is a variety of techniques that "optimize" a website for search engine visiblity. When the correct techniques are applied, it improves the site's search engine placement when search queries are made on site-related terms.


Will I have to redesign my website to encourage search engines to give me priority placement?

Probably not. While some changes will be required to your website, especially for Top Of The List Organic Search Engine Placement, initial changes are generally to the words and content on a website, not the design. In instances where your site was created entirely in Flash or is frame-based, either a redesign or some signficant technology tricks are necessary to place well in organic search. Another option for those instances is to achieve first page placement using Top Of The List PPC Management services.

Can you guarantee I'll be on the first page of Google™ or other Search Engines?

It depends on the service you desire. For PPC Management, which is much like an auction, we can bid high enough for your site to receive top placement on search engines. However, for Organic Search services, which are more strategic, there are no guarantees. Search engine algorithms continually evolve, are quite complex, and parts of them will always remain a secret. Top SEO firms know a lot about search algorithms and discover new facts, tips and tricks every day in an effort to bring their clients to the top of search engine result lists. That said, the majority of Top Of The List organic search clients have experienced first page search engine listings. Our record was 2 days for the number 1 spot, but in general, organic search first page listings take from 3 to 4 months.

How can I tell if the SEO efforts are working?

There are several ways to determine if SEO is working:
  1. Check your keyword placement order when manually entering keywords into search engines. For organic search results, Top Of The List offers a keyword placement report if you do not have the time to tediously check your placement on the keywords you're targeting.
  2. Implement a traffic measurement tool on your site, such as Google Analytics, to measure everything from number of site visitors, to keywords queried, search engines used, or pages visited. By viewing these results and comparing them with data before and after SEO, you can see it working.
  3. Realize an increase in conversions. 
Keep in mind that increased traffic may or may not result in an increase in conversions. Also, an increase in conversions may be related to efforts other than SEO, especially if you adjust more than one area of your marketing mix at the same time.

What is a conversion?

A conversion is a measurable objective you have for your website. Your site not only needs to bring visitors in, but also entice them to call, email, buy your product, download a document, or whatever it is you determine the objective, or conversion, should be.


How long will it take for my site to move to the Top Of The List?

It depends. Moving to the top of the list for organic search results involves many factors, some that can be applied sooner than others. For instance, age of site is something you cannot change, while seeding more keywords or adding more interesting content is something you can control. The majority of Top Of The List clients move their site visibility to the first page of search engine result lists on from 3 to 10 keyword phrases within 3 to 5 months after initiating a basic organic SEO package.

Is SEO a one-time effort?

The primary factors that affect SEO - search engine algorithms and website marketing - continue to change, so logically, SEO will also require monitoring and updating. That said, there are several techniques applied in organic SEO that increase the site's visibility for the lifetime of the site.

Would hiring your company essentially replace my current web designer?

Your Top Of The List SEO specialist can certainly update your website for search optimization, but web design is not something we offer.  There are several web designers we can recommend if you are looking for a change. Our recommended list of designers are adept at coding sites for optimal search engine visibility, which can improve your site's placement order.

I like to tinker with HTML. Is there some SEO work I can do myself?

Absolutely. Our training and consulting services can be tailored to your needs. You can ask for a one-time consulting, site analysis, ongoing consulting, or take a class to learn what needs to be done for optimal site visiblity.

Is your work specific to any one search engine?

Search engines use different algorithms, so some SEO techniques generate better results on one search engine than another. Obviously Google has the highest market share and is usually a goal, but targeting several search engines ensures you're reaching more of your target market. We've seen situations where some markets tend to be biased toward a specific search engine too, to the complete surprise of the client. In summary, it's important to consider more than one search engine for SEO.