19 replies to this topic

[rachellee]

Who can introduce to me which SEO tool is good for promote my website? Thank you

[chrishirst]

rachellee, this is rachellee

and welcome to HR




(we're not "big" on "tools" around here)

[twhittle]

I'm wondering the same thing, rachellee. I've been in the business for a long time, fell out for a few years, and am getting back into it now.
I've heard good things about Web CEO, but thought a few of you long-seasoned pros could perhaps chime in. Any thoughts?

I know rank-checking software is "iffy" at best, and will always be a little hesitant to use it...but what about keyword phrase research software?
I'm very familiar with WordTracker, but how does Web CEO's tool compare? Does it?

Also, what about density software, competitor review software, etc.? Am I missing anything?

I need to justify a purchase to management, and would obviously much rather spend one amount that "does it all" so-to-speak, rather than buy one piece of software for this and another for that.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Randy]

Software, no matter what its name, is no substitute for real SEO.

The bottom line is there is no formula that is going to cause every site to rank well. Since software can only work with formulas, at best they might be able to point out some deficiencies in the underlying code. But at the end of the day it's still going to take a real person making decisions and implementing changes to get the job done.

[jehochman]

Your brain and common sense are the best tools. The search engines are looking for pages that users like, so think about your users -- maybe talk to some of them -- find out what they like, and give it to them. Additionally, use a good web developer (or become one). Proper web development that observes accessibility and uses HTML elements correctly will give you a good start on SEO. Finally, scan the pinned threads on this site, especially the [url=http://www.highrankings.com/forum/index.php/topic/833-tips-for-new-seos/]Tips for Newbies[/url].

[Jill]

what about density software,

For what?

[twhittle]

Agreed...I totally agree with what you've both said...but in order to simply "check" for certain things PRIOR TO optimization...

For example...let's say I'm optimizing for PHRASE A. Well, should I not do a search in Google and see, not only WHO is ranking well, but common characteristics as to WHY (density, proximity, links in, etc.)?

Then, my plan was, based on these results, planning my implementation strategy.

See what I mean?

[Jill]

Well, should I not do a search in Google and see, not only WHO is ranking well, but common characteristics as to WHY (density, proximity, links in, etc.)?

You could if you want. But what makes you think that doing more of the same would get your site to rank well too?

If you work on making your site the best it can be and not worrying about what others may have done (who may or may not know what they're doing), you'll do much better over time.

[chrishirst]

For example...let's say I'm optimizing for PHRASE A. Well, should I not do a search in Google and see, not only WHO is ranking well, but common characteristics as to WHY (density, proximity, links in, etc.)?

Nope,

because these "tools" will come up with a load of percentages that are of no value and have no meaning, and if you try 3 "tools" you will have 3 different sets of usually conflicting results.

Then, my plan was, based on these results, planning my implementation strategy

And by doing this you'll spend a lot of time and effort chasing the wrong things and end up with little or nothing to show for it.

Basing your work on what the "competition" have ALREADY done will always leave you playing catch up.

[twhittle]

And hence the reason why I came here. You guys are the best!

Thanks for the insight!

[AndreaC]

Hi

I just read Rachellee's forum thread from the newest High Ranking Newsletter and I too agree with this method of SEO. Yet, I have researched some SEO Tools and found that having web anaytics, seo reporting, and other tools (Back Linking analysis and site submission) all in one place, sounds like it would save time and be more convincing to my prospects? I am confused and need some direction on this?

Also if SEO tools are not a good direction, then what benchmarking reporting do you reccommend that I use to analyze how my websites are doing and that I can show my clients.

Thanks

[chrishirst]

Welcome to HR

then what benchmarking reporting do you reccommend that I use to analyze how my websites are doing and that I can show my clients.

Sales / conversions.

[Jill]

Google analytics and/or Clicktracks are both good. See our log file analysis forum for more info.

[lgstarr]

I've heard good things about Web CEO, but thought a few of you long-seasoned pros could perhaps chime in. Any thoughts?

I know rank-checking software is "iffy" at best, and will always be a little hesitant to use it...but what about keyword phrase research software?
I'm very familiar with WordTracker, but how does Web CEO's tool compare? Does it?

[snip]

I need to justify a purchase to management, and would obviously much rather spend one amount that "does it all" so-to-speak, rather than buy one piece of software for this and another for that.

Not exactly a "seasoned pro" but I would like to say how much I love my new WEB CEO software!!!

I have used it to send several different types of very professional looking reports with my company's logo and it looks so great that one of my clients has asked me to charge her monthly for the ranking reports.

Great tech support too.

I highly recommend it (but I do use another keyword research program called The Dowser to supplement) and you could do the same using Wordtracker or something else.

--Linda

[btreloar]

I believe keyword research tools are helpful. A client may think they need good rankings as a "wedding venue", but good research reveals that people search for "wedding site" twice as often, and "wedding location" three times as often.

You still need to evaluate keyword focus and competitiveness, but some basic keyword research can save you from optimizing your site for keywords your customers never search for. I like (and have used) both WordTracker and Keyword Discovery. I believe Jill has recently endorsed Keyword Discovery.