Google and Blog and Site Linking... Why???

   "But WHY isn't my website or blog ranking on Google?" you ask.  "What am I doing wrong?"  Well, you may not be doing anything wrong.  It just might be that there are things you're NOT doing...

   Now EVERYBODY knows that Google and its algorithms are as fickle as the day is long.  You can have page rank here today, gone tomorrow.  The good news is, there are some simple things we can do to get our page rank up and KEEP it there!  It's so simple it isn't even funny, so please don't go running for the newbie/techie hills, lol!

   What Google wants to see on your site is simple and twofold.  Well, actually three.  Google ranks websites and blogs by relevant, original content and linking most, along with meta tags/keywords.  The ways to accomplish these are really easier than you think.  I'll explain one at a time:

1. Relevant, Original Content.

In a nutshell, relevant, original content is exactly what it says.  Content, as in articles or posts, that pertain to your site topic.  In this case, anything real estate, mortgage, home inspections, foreclosure, etc..  Original, as in PREFERABLY your own articles, written fresh, by you.  Absolutely you can re-post articles or posts, WITH the writer's permission and a link to their site.  Ask them for a link back to your site also, I'll explain why in a moment.  (Do NOT re-post without permission, or it will be considered plagiarism, or theft of someone's content, and it's illegal!)  Google LOVES original, useful, relevant content.  It considers you an "authority," having useful information on your website.

2. Meta Tags and Keywords

Using meta tags and keywords is how Google allows people to find you and your blog or website.  By posting keyword rich articles, you not only appease the Google Gods with content, but when someone types "Short sale 123 my listing address," into a Google search bar, your page on your website will be at the top of the Google search page.  So when you make your website or blog, make SURE to use the "tag cloud" widget, and the "meta" widget, as your keywords will all appear on the front page of your site and make things easy for the Google bots to spider your pages, allow your page to show up in the search engines and get you ranked quickly!

3. Linking

Linking is one of the most important factors for Google rank.  Why?  Well, Google thinks in a "hierarchy" frame of mind.  Google thinks that if your site is related to real estate, and you have other real estate sites, mortgage sites, title company sites, etc. linking back to your site, well, you must be smart, important, and an authority at what your site is about.  So thusly, Google will give you page rank.  See, you can go linking with other sites, like your friend's crafting site, your other friend's mechanic site, etc., but it won't get you rank, because the links aren't between "relevant" sites.  So, how do we accomplish this?  Simple!  By sharing or trading links with other real estate minded people, like everyone here!  Networking at its finest.  By linking with EACH OTHER, you have what is called "reciprocal linking."  "You link to my site, I'll link to yours."  Now don't just go posting links on your home page, or worse, putting up a "links" page.  Google will actually penalize you if you do.  Put different links on different pages, so that they will ALL get ranked.  If you make a post or a page, if you can, put a link to someone else's post that may be related to your topic on that page.  If that's not possible, just go to the bottom of ANY page, and type, say, "For a great article on avoiding foreclosure, see: http://www.joeblog.com/howtoavoidforeclosure (obviously the link to someone's article page.) Make sure Joe has a link to your site back from his!  CAN YOU have just a one way link, as in, you linking to another site?  Sure!  It just won't carry as much weight from Google.  That being said, ladies and gentlemen, if anyone here is willing to exchange links, whether to just web addresses (home pages) or specific pages, posts or articles, post it here!  It WILL get you some Google luuuuuv!

CG