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Web masters have now oftentimes taken to using any links whatsoever, as long as
links added have
appropriate Page Rank. Little thought seems to be given at times, to
theme of a links page or
relevance of links that have been added, leaving visitors to some sites confused and frustrated. This will in all probability lead consumers to turn to
Search Engines and direct navigation even more in
future, not less.
This could have dire consequences for many Web sites down
road, as those at
bottom of search listings could conceivably be forced out of business.
There are methods however that can aid in
retention of top rankings and listings with
Search Engines, in and above linking campaigns. These methods would also hold greater appeal for consumers in general, as they would add quality to a Web site, as well as content, something that will add "longevity of appeal" to a Web site:
1. The writing of good, content oriented copy which imparts value to a Web site. Good copy has always been utilized to establish good overall traffic and conversion patterns. Even Search Engines seem to understand this and routinely rank Web sites with good pertinent content, higher than other Web sites.
2. The placement of ads on high traffic sites. Just one good ad, placed on another Web site with good overall traffic, will significantly increase rankings and placement by
Search Engines.
3. The submitting of a Web site to all possible, pertinent directories. Directories were always a good method of increasing rankings and placement, and they still, to this day, are a good choice.
4. The optimization of all other aspects of a Web site, from
meta-tags to
design. Meta-tag optimization, like directory listings, continues to be a good overall optimization technique. The design of a Web site can also enhance rankings and placement, as
site needs to be "readable" to
Search Engines, and some flash and other enhancements, can prevent "readability", thus hampering rankings and placement.
5. The enhancement of traffic by offline marketing campaigns. This is one facet of Web site traffic management that many individuals neglect, but that can successfully increase rankings significantly.
6. The use of PPC (Pay Per Click) campaigns. While these can be expensive, if care is not given to
bidding, they can also enhance traffic to a Web site, as "traffic begets more traffic", establishing a ranking pattern for
Search Engines.
7. The addition of keywords that are relevant to a site, throughout
copy,
title, and
meta-tags and any other text, such as articles and reports. Keywords are
"guides" that
Search Engines use to find a site and rank it. The addition of good relevant keywords always enhances rankings and placement.
Linking campaigns, as you can see, while having their overall place in effective rankings and placement within
Search Engines, are not
"be all and end all" of optimization or rankings. Many various fundamentally sound methods of optimization still exist, and should be utilized in any well-rounded Search Engine Marketing campaign.

Vishal P. Rao is the editor of http://www.home-based-business-opportunities.com - A website dedicated to opportunities, ideas and resources for starting a home based business. He is also the owner of the http://www.work-at-home-forum.com - an online community of folks who work at home.