SEO Part I: Sites Vs. Systems

by John R. SedivycloseAuthor: John R. Sedivy Name: John R. Sedivy
Email: john@capecodbranding.com
Site: http://www.capecodbranding.com
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One topic that has fascinated me is that of search engine optimization, or SEO. Nearly everyone claims to be an expert on SEO and there is much conflicting information. In the past I have found the “Dummies” books to be a great starting point for a new subject matter. I am currently reading “Search Engine Optimization For Dummies” by Peter Kent. I have just started this book and have finished the first chapter, but there is so much good information here that I thought I would share a few new things that I had learned. As I progress through this book and implement the SEO techniques to this blog, I will share with you the major items that I had learned.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive discussion – there is simply too much in the book, I am really just going to touch upon the major aspects as I progress. It is also worth noting that Amy had read the first few chapters of this book early this year and began implementing some the recommendations with great results. I am reading it for my own benefit as well as to gain some new insights. In addition, with any book I recommend that you read it for yourselves, you will find new information that I likely missed as each person views the world through a different lens.

This initial discussion on SEO will highlight the first chapter of Peter Kent’s book. This is the first part of a three part series which will provide some basic tidbits on SEO that I had picked up. Since I have nearly been at this blog for six months I had picked up much of the information the hard way – by experience. However, the great part about this book is that there is information for everyone – regardless of your experience level.

Search Sites Vs. Search Systems
At first this distinction seemed fairly trivial to me but it’s important. A search site is a website that allows a user to search through a search system and returns results. The search site may or may not own the hardware/software/people needed to actually conduct the search and as a result, may use another search system.

A search system on the other hand is a collection of hardware, software, and people required to carry out a given search request. Google is a search system as it contains the site and infrastructure required to carry out a given search. On the other hand, AOL is not, it uses the Google search system and repackages the information for it’s audience. Google is a search system, whereas AOL is strictly a search site.

This distinction is important in that it explains why there are a large number of search engines, but only a select few really matter. A person who does not understand this will waste their time submitting themselves to all search engine sites, when in fact all are based on only a few search engine systems. If you submit your website to the search engine systems you are covered, no need to submit to all search engine sites.

So who are the big players? According to Peter Kent the following are the major search systems that you need to consider:

1. Google
2. Yahoo
3. MSN Live Search
4. Ask.com
5. The Open Directory Project

The Open Directory Project is unique to this list in that it is not characterized by a large number of users searching the site, but rather a directory system that feeds hundreds of search sites.

To Be Continued…
In SEO Part II, I will discuss the concept of ‘bots and spiders and debunk one of the largest SEO myths out there!

SEO is an important concept for getting your blog or website noticed!

-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding

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