How to Use Google Website Optimizer
Along with the definition of common SEO/SEM terms I am constantly being asked how to use Google Webmaster Tools. Well along with the Webmaster Tools, Google also offers the Website Optimizer; I figure why re-invinte the wheel so I found this Google produced video that explains the whole process.
PageRank is not the only algorithm Google uses to determine relevancy of pages
I get questions all the time about Google’s page rank and ” how can I get a better rank, how do I get into/out of the sandbox, does linking to a lower ranking page reduce my rank?” All very good questions and all areas that we (me and you as site owners) should pay attention to. The truth of the matter is that Google is Google and they are the true gatekeepers. What I do know from researching is that PageRank can and is tampered with, so Google uses other strategies to keep us in check. Now not all the tools and tricks of Google are public knowledge but in this post I will disclose everything I know. A lot of this post contains links and quotes from other SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) in the area of Google. Take the blue pill and let’s bend some spoons!
PageRank is not the only algorithm Google uses to determine relevancy of pages. In this article we discuss two more publicly known algorithms, Hilltop and Trust Rank. Keep reading for some enlightenment on how the world’s most popular search engine ranks web sites.
Both algorithms are quite old in the search engine arena (2005), but are still in use, as is the initial PageRank algorithm (though much tweaked over time). You need to be aware of both in order to understand search engines better.
In this article we discuss Hilltop and TrustRank, the reasons behind those algorithms, and how to optimize better with each algorithm in mind. We also link to the official white papers that cover each algorithm and useful resources so you can learn and become more effective in SEO game.
Google’s Website Optimizer
Why is it that some web sites are golden, compelling visitors to buy while similar web sites, perhaps even offering the same products at similar prices, fail to make the grade? It may be dumb luck on the owner’s part, but a more likely explanation is that the golden site is the result of careful design, testing, tweaking and testing yet again. Testing has grown into a core search marketing activity, but strangely, it’s also an activity that many search marketers either choose to avoid or don’t even consider at all.
