Off-Site SEO - Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization includes many functions that are applied both on-site and off-site. Off-site Optimization is the exact opposite of On-Site, in that it deals with all of the optimization functions that are external of the website.

Off-Site SEO optimizes the website from exterior sources and mainly include generating Backlinks. Backlinks can take many forms. Essentially, the quality and quantity of backlinks to the website help optimization the website and generate a higher PageRank. Consider this example: Suppose the website focuses on technology. Getting other high-end, quality websites that deal with technology to link back to it means other sites are giving the technology site their "seal of approval". Consider this as receiving votes. If a major technology website (such as PC World) links back to it versus a small-scale website from a friend, the link value derived from PC World will hold much more value.

There are some different ways to achieve quality backlinks. The following represent proven methods that can be used to "gain votes" for a website from the outside –> in

• Commenting in Blogs / Wikis / Forums – Real-time linking includes commenting in blogs, wiki's and forums and referencing back to the website. The more popular the entity, the stronger value the webpage will receive from these quality inbound links.
• Directory Listings – Having links in directories point traffic back to the website and gains value depending on the value of the directory. There are reputable directories online that will deliver higher value to the website with the quality of backlinks.
• Distributing Press Releases – Including backlinks to the website in press releases gains much exposure. In doing so, media outlets (the more popular, the better) that backlink to the webpage, providing higher SEO value.
• Submitting Writing Samples – Writing articles and posting them on "guest bogging" websites will also return value, as long as the author is including backlinks within the text. Choosing topics that hold relevancy to the website is important to do, and matching that up with relevant blogs is equally important.