Hluska Talks Google Voodoo III: Why?

By Greg Hluska

In my previous installments, I have introduced search engine optimization and the three most important optimization tools at at your disposal.  This is an oversimplification, but if you want to get good search rankings, write good content, get good links and write good titles for your articles.  But what does this have to do with the Regina Streets Magazine?

The RSM is a street publication, founded in the tradition of great street publications like the Nashville Contributor and the Edmonton’s Our Voice.  I helped start the magazine and remain heavily involved – I write articles, edit articles do the layouts and work with/recruit our vendors.  So, once again, why am I writing about search engines?I have always pictured myself working with non-profit organizations, especially those that are involved in the publishing industry.  And this series, which I affectionately refer to as ‘open source activism’ is the first step in what I hope will be a career of service.  My goal is to educate and support – to help non-profits take their first steps into the internet and to stand behind them to assist them with any issues that they may encounter.

So, what does that have to do with search engine optimization?

Search should be the first thing you think about when you plan a website.  Google is unbelievably powerful – if you build your site properly, Google will introduce you to the world.  But too many people do not build their site properly and they sit back and wonder why nobody comes..

Over the weeks and months to come, I hope to introduce all aspects of search optimization – from the simple to the difficult.  I also hope to answer some questions, walk people through some open source tools and give you enough information to start your own ‘publishing company’.

Be peaceful.G