As the name implies, search engine optimisation is the way of making best use of the search engine - a tool (in this case a website) which users tap to find vital information about a certain product or topic. They do this by typing in keywords or key phrases related to the topic or, the topic itself. These are then cross-referenced with a database of listed sites which produces a list of possible matches. The user is also provided with a link that he or she can use to go directly to the listed website.

Here are a few Internet marketing tips to get your website noticed:

• Your website must be ready. This means that once you submit your website for listing, it must be up and running. Nothing is more irritating than typing in a key phrase, getting a set of good links and eventually finding out that these do not work. Or that all you get when at the site is a page that says “this site is under construction”. What does site readiness mean, you ask? Site readiness means it has enough content to make it informative. At the same time, it allows users to navigate around it easily and find all the information they need - without those “dead links”.

• Your site must help fill a need. Most people who use search engines are looking for vital information. These range from research for school and work to buying birthday presents and wanting to know about their favorite rock band. The needs are usually quite urgent otherwise they wouldn’t bother browsing through thousands of entries. The sites that are most often visited are the ones that provide the information for free. This is something worth taking note of.

• Use the proper channels in submitting your website. Most search engines provide a “search box” where website developers look for sites similar to theirs. Then they can inform the people who maintain these search engines that they have a site that could also be part of this category. This of course undergoes some scrutiny. Just make sure that you are filling in correct information about your site. Otherwise, it’s the “waste bin” for you.

More than just making your site attractive, it has to have substance. The right content will definitely help you land a spot in major search engines. And hopefully, a lot of visitors.