How can small businesses ensure their website will be on the first page of Google?  Most believe they must line the pockets of the search engines to receive this top placement but this is not so.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a combination of many factors including how old the website domain is, how many individuals are visiting your website, how many contexual links your website has, and how relevant is the information your website has to offer.

To get started:

1. Track your metrics: use free tools such as Google Analytics to establish benchmarks you want your website to achieve.
2. Determine keywords: decide which keywords you want search engines to rank your website for.  Include keywords and phrases you want associated with your brand
3. Create Content: Once you have decided your keyword set, new content must be created on an almost daily basis that incorporates contexual links for those keywords.

Top placement on any search engine requires a sustained effort and will not yield instant gratification but given time, and SEO strategy will become the most important component of your marketing strategy.