Hello, Dr. Durbin,
First, let me explain that as a Researcher, I'm an independent
contractor for Google Answers - not a Google employee. I don't have a
special "in" at Google that'll be able to shortcut any of the normal
steps in the listing process. However, using my research skills and
sitebuilder's knowledge of Google, I can explain the likely cause(s)
of your lack of listing, and offer suggestions that will help address
the situation.
I've looked carefully at your website coding. The most likely reason
your website is not included in Google is because the HTML coding does
not conform to Google's quality standards. Near the bottom of the Home
page, a table listing keywords is coded to appear in small white text,
against a white page background. This practice, known as keyword
stuffing, does not comply with Google's allowed practices.
Google's Information for Webmasters lists reasons why sites may not be
included in the index or why they may be removed, including:
"...certain actions such as cloaking, writing text that can be seen by
search engines but not by users, or setting up pages/links with the
sole purpose of fooling search engines may result in permanent removal
from our index."
Google.com
Google Information for Webmasters
://www.google.com/webmasters/2.html
Google's advice for the recovery process is also stated:
"If you think your site may fall into this category, you might try
'cleaning up' the page and sending a re-inclusion request to
help@google.com. We do not make any guarantees about if or when we
will re-include your site."
The table and hidden keywords should be removed from the page, and you
should write Google, asking for inclusion in the index, acknowledging
the error, and vowing to keep the site within the Google "straight and
narrow" guidelines.
Next, let's look at do-it-yourself strategies that can improve search
engine rankings.
Study Google's website submission guidelines and information,
including their list of allowed practices. The left sidebar contains
useful links to the Webmaster FAQ, and Google Facts and Fiction.
Google.com
Webmaster Dos and Don'ts
://www.google.com/webmasters/dos.html
Your web pages should be checked for standard HTML coding, using an
HTML Validator. Either of these free, online tools will point out
coding errors, and provide advice about the use of standard markup
tags that can improve pages findability and readability.
W3C HTML Validation Service
http://validator.w3.org/
Web Design Group
HTML Validator
http://www.htmlhelp.org/tools/validator/
Employ the best use of HTML Meta tags. This tutorial by Danny
Sullivan, THE Internet search engine guru, explains how Meta tags
should be written and used to obtain advantageous search engine
results.
Search Engine Watch
How To Use HTML Meta Tags
http://searchenginewatch.com/webmasters/meta.html
Your website includes many images. Pictures are indeed, valuable sales
tools for human visitors, however, search engines do not interpret
images. Every picture needs a full text description, plus an HTML ALT
tag and/or an HTML TITLE tag.
All Things Web
The Art of ALT
http://www.pantos.org/atw/35534.html
Learn from experienced webmasters. JimWorld's Search Engine Forums are
an excellent place to study, read, and ask questions about your search
engine listing and rankings. The Google forum offers a wealth of
information specifically about Google listings.
Search Engine Forums
http://www.searchengineforums.com/
The Web equivalent of the Real Estate Location axiom is: Content,
content, content! Jill Whalen and Heather Lloyd-Martin of RankWrite
teach content copywriting optimization.
Rank Write Search Engine Optimization
Successful Copywriting and Search Engine Marketing
http://www.rankwrite.com/
Improve your website with tested techniques for search engine
optimization (SEO). You'll find step-by-step instructions at:
SelfPromotion.com
Creating and Submitting Search Engine Friendly Websites
and
Jim World
Website Promotion and Search Engine Marketing
http://www.jimworld.com/
In addition or as an alternative to do-it-yourself techniques, you can
hire a Search Engine Optimization specialist to assist you in
promoting your website. Search Engine Pro offers a comprehensive
directory of SEO professionals, along with Buyer Tips, a statement of
Best Practices within their industry, and an online tool which can be
used to obtain Member bids on SEO projects.
Organization of Search Engine Optimization Consultants
U.S. Consultants Database
http://www.seopros.org/search/Subcountries.asp?Country=United%20States
Best Practices Standard Draft
http://www.seopros.org/members/practices.htm
What You Should Expect From A Search Engine Marketing Campaign
http://www.seopros.org/articles/expectations.htm#best-practices
Google Search Terms
search engine optimization
website self promotion
html validators
keyword optimization
Best of luck to you. I hope your site is listed with Google shortly.
Should you have any questions about the information provided, please,
feel free to ask.
larre-ga |
