SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Usability Tips for Authors Looking to Sell - By Hajni Blasko, Search Engine Optimization Specialist

With the Holiday book-buying season on our doorstep, online publicity efforts are more important then ever. A Search Engine Optimized Website will increase the number of target-marketed visitors / book buyers, enhancing the profitability of your Internet efforts. Due to the highly ephemeral nature of Search Engine Marketing, once your title is not within the TOP 10 listings of major Search Engines, your online exposure is essentially six feet under.
The following tips were prepared by Search Engine Optimization Specialist, Hajni Blasko, and are listed in order of priority.

1. No SEO (Search Engine Optimization) cheats of any kind.
If your website's SEO campaign is handled by someone else it's still up to you to assure this rule applies. Feel free to search your favorite Search Engine to learn more about unethical "Black-hat" SEO techniques.

2. No Flash based intro. / splash homepages.
Flash content is still not indexed properly by Search Engines. Flash should only be used to enhance a site, as a visual element. If you are suspecting Flash content to be a factor in your site's low SERP (Search Engine Ranking Position), request a free evaluation of your site.

3. No .net, .org, no nonsense.
A .com site will bring you larger global exposure through Search Engines compared to the same site with any other suffix.

4. Great SERP (Search Engine Ranking Position) can only be achieved with Search Engine Optimized content.
Whether writing a novel or writing for Search Engines requires different skills and levels of experience. Hire a professional SEO copywriter, who knows how to balance writing for online readers, for sales and writing for engines. To ensure that your site is ranked higher in Search Engines, use the recommended range of 200 - 1500 words on your homepage. If you suspect this to be a factor in your site's low SERP (Search Engine Ranking Position), request a free SEO evaluation of your content.

5. Use good usability techniques otherwise your Search Engine Optimization efforts will be fruitless.
High usability level can transform unique visitors into actual book buyers. If you suspect usability to be a factor in your site's low SERP (Search Engine Ranking Position), request a free evaluation of your site.

6. Use PPC (Pay Per Click) or PI (Payed Inclusion) even if it is for a small amount.

7. Be social and compound your publicity power.
Two hours a week of focused social networking can build a fanclub of readers who will further recommend your titles.
Here is a list of free networks we have created:
Online Book Publicity Network: http://online-book-publicity.ning.com/

Follow Substance Books on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SubstanceBooks

Join Hajni on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hajni.blasko

Facebook Group Women Authors, Writers and Publishers of Substance: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86135521885

8. Track your ROI (Return On Investment) along with the unique visitors of your site.

9. If content is King, targeted linking is Queen.

10. No need try to do it ALL on your own.
The power of networking on the Internet is undeniable. Strategic and relevant reciprocal link-exchanges and networking opportunities are a must in the promotion of any Website. Networking with genre-related sites will not steal away book-buyers, but rather increase sales for everyone. Join a few online networks and take advantage of the compounded publicity power. If you are considering a Search Engine Optimization campaign, hire a professional service-provider specializing in your industry or better yet, your book's genre. You may also find it beneficial to join an online Search Engine Optimization network to boost your Search Engine Marketing efforts. By listing your book with Substance Books, you can take advantage of all these ideas. Substance Books is an Online Book Publicity network and also a Search Engine Marketing and Advertising network.

Hajni Blasko, Online Book Publicist
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