How CMS affects SEO

One real concern many web-site designers have is how a content management system will affect their SEO efforts. In the past, CMS applications often published content with long, complex URLs or created multiple copies, which search engine crawlers, were likely to look down on. Today, however, CMS applications are much more SEO-friendly.

SEO has become a large part of owning any kind of web site. Even individuals now consider how they’re going to get their sites to rank well in search engines, and small or even micro-businesses need more and more technological assistance, including SEO assistance. So CMS companies have listened when customers demanded a management system that plays well with search engines.

Today, most CMS applications are designed to improve your SEO rather than to hinder it. Still, it’s a factor that you should consider as you’re looking for a CMS. Ask very specific questions, like “How does your software or application help with my SEO efforts?” and “What specific elements of your application or software will help to improve my SEO efforts?”

In looking at CMS applications, you should also consider the structure with which it will help you develop your content. Because a CMS is designed to maintain your content in an orderly manner, it can help to solidify your content strategy and your web-site structure.

When you’re looking for a PPC program, Qualifications to Keep in Mind

When you’re looking for a PPC program, remember that you’ll probably use more than one, and some companies use several to reach both broader and narrower markets. Which company you choose and whether you choose to work with more than one company should be determined by your needs. But when you’re considering PPC agencies, here are some qualifications to keep in mind:

Length of Service: How long has this company been around? If you’re considering a new agency, use caution. New companies aren’t necessarily stable and you might find that you get your campaign started only to have the company gobbled up by another — or could just fall off the face of the Internet.

Industry Participation: The PPC industry has been around a while, but as with anything on the Internet, it changes often. Find out how invested your target company is in the industry. Industry investment usually means long-term plans and goals within an industry. It also means that the company is more likely to stay in good standing with customers.

Features and Feature Combinations: Your Company might have different requirements from other companies. Look at the different features and feature combinations that are offered by your target PPC provider. Some of the services that should be available are bid management, education, reporting, link submission, copywriting, and even some elements of research. Determine what features you must have and then find the vendor that can provide them.

Number of Campaigns: Some PPC providers have restrictions on the number of PPC campaigns you can run at any one time. Others have restrictions on the types of campaigns you can run (that is, global versus local). Be sure to ask about limitations in this area, because you’ll find later on that it’s an important issue to address up front.

Average Spend: Can your prospective PPC company give you an estimate of the average spend for companies that use their services? This average helps you to quickly determine if your budget is sufficient.

Client Referrals: Client referrals are an often overlooked aspect of PPC company research. What are other clients saying about the service? You can look for these comments online or ask the company specifically for referrals. However, if you’re asking the company to provide referrals, keep in mind they will point you only in the direction of good referrals.