I have recently received this question from a customer for whom we provide hosting services:
Have you put me on any search engines?

It’s an interesting one as it touches on much of what we can do for customers in terms of search engine optimisation and visibility.

This is what I replied:

We host your website and emails.
This means that we have a space on one of our computer dedicated to storing your information. These “servers” are in the public domain, so they are accessible to the search engines.

Once a site has been created, it will not be noticed unless you tell people and search engines it is there.

The first step is to submit the address (URL) to the main search engines, which is usually done by the creator of the website when it goes ‘live’ (i.e. made visible to the general public).
This process is just a matter of visiting Google, MSN and Yahoo and following the online instructions.

A quicker way of getting the search engines to know your website exists is to have links form other people’s websites to your own. A simple way of achieving this is to get listed in online directories – some of which are free. Other ways is to get suppliers, friends, associates to put a mention on their website (and you perhaps can mention them on yours).

Finally, it’s important to note that if you want to be found through the search engines you really need to think about ‘optimisation’. This is a process by which you (a) identify which keywords you want to be found for and then (b) use those words throughout the site. You need to put the words in the page title, description, headings, content, links, alt text etc.

If you’re going to do this properly you will review your keywords (and therefore the words on your site) on a regular basis. Also, adding content to your site on a regular basis will keep the search engines, and your visitors interested in your website.

What are your ideas for making your website visible to the public and search engines?
Do you think that this should be bundled into the design and development of the site or do you consider it a separate activity?

I’m very interested to hear your opinions as we’re currently working on providing more valuable information that answers questions like this for our customers.
Post your ideas here!

And if you want a more personal response, email me on cat@solve-the-web.co.uk.

Warm regards,

Cat Young
Solve the Web