A Super n00b, Please Help with SEO Suggestions!

Hello everyone,

I'm brand new at SEO and just getting started. My wife and I own a military site (as well as a few other online businesses) that helps veterans. I wanted to see what you thought I should use to start ranking higher in Google? We are a non profit so I don't make any money as we just help people, so I cant spend tons of money but I can invest some on SEO tools.

Someone told me a few things to do were.

Make a YouTube video and link back to my site
Use Link Emperor to manage link building
Use something called Scrape Box?

Again, I am sure I will sound like a total idiot and have NO IDEA what I'm talking about. So if any pros have time to comment it would be great! I just need to know what to do and the steps to do them in. If I should read something please link me and I will learn. But please explain like this if you have a moment.

EXAMPLE
1) Onsite SEO - Do this first and read this to find out how to do it correctly - LINK
2) Start building links to your site with proper keywords, use this to build links - LINK
3) Find keywords to use here - LINK

Etc, Etc

So if anyone could be kind enough to help me get in the right direction I'll get started. I just havent been able to find out exactly what I need to read or where to start, seems the internet has way to much info. Thanks!

You are on the right path

Get good quality content for your site that is optimized for your keyword.
Make sure your keyword is worth the effort by using google adwords keyword tool and selecting "exact monthly search volume"
Start building quality links to your site with various anchor text
Diversify the backlink types.
Make it all as natural as possible.
Take care of your social sites,videos,bookmarks,videos etc etc

reinie has you on the right path, I would simply add that if you don't know what scrapebox is, don't use it to build links. You'll only get yourself into trouble.

reinie said:

You are on the right path

Get good quality content for your site that is optimized for your keyword.
Make sure your keyword is worth the effort by using google adwords keyword tool and selecting "exact monthly search volume"
Start building quality links to your site with various anchor text
Diversify the backlink types.
Make it all as natural as possible.
Take care of your social sites,videos,bookmarks,videos etc etc

Click to expand...

Hi Reinie,

I have a few writers I use now that create great content so that's no problem, I can do 400 to 1600 words and articles are no issues.

I always check keywords using adwords, thanks.

Whats the best way to build links? How do I find sites, use the keywords, what tools should I use? A bit lost here.

Again, with backlinks typs, what are the best to get?

I'm not sure how to make it natural, larger articles or one line with link back?

Social sites are ok, we have 40,000 FaceBook users, 30 YouiTube videos (linking to the site)

I would advise against Scrapebox in your case. You won't know how to use it and you'll most likely penalize your own site with it.

As for links, it would depend how difficult your keywords are and how old your site is.

Here's a few services I've researched that are cheap and would do the job. However, I can only vouch for the first one since it's the only one I've personally used:
- http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...earch-engine-dominating-system-only-25-a.html
- http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...titor-all-one-backlink-package-only-19-a.html

There was one more but I can't seem to find it at the moment. Anyway, here is one service that is offering a 1 month free package. I can't vouch for it though and it might be iffy. Use this one at your own caution:

- http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...long-lasting-results-even-google-updates.html

Also, if you're willing to spend a little bit more, I would recommend using these guys:

- http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...earch-engine-optimization-results-50-off.html

I've only been using them for two weeks now so I can't vouch for anything long-term, but they've been doing a very good job so far and got a highly competitive keyword of mine ranked at around #60 or so when I've had no prior link building done to it and it's a relatively new site.

If you choose to use them and would like to be nice, here's my affiliate link for them

- http://whitelabellinkbuilding.com/client-area/aff.php?aff=003

Anyway, I hope I helped you a little bit. Also as for your "which links are the best" question, there's not really much of an answer to that. High PR contextual links are the best of course but you also need a lot of diversity.

Edit: I have been given a heads up that I am not allowed to post affiliate links or threads from a different forum. I'm not sure about this but if it really is against the rules, may a mod just remove this post please? Thanks in advance.

Agree with reinie bro. Will add some more things.

Create some high PR links, such as top 20-40 web2.0 and push them with wiki,elgg and other type of links. Diversify anchor type. You will be safe. High PR article directories w ould be helping you as well.

Thanks for the reply PandaDomo, I tried one of the links you posted, the first link actually.

shaggy93 said:

Agree with reinie bro. Will add some more things.

Create some high PR links, such as top 20-40 web2.0 and push them with wiki,elgg and other type of links. Diversify anchor type. You will be safe. High PR article directories w ould be helping you as well.

Click to expand...

What's the best way to "Create some high PR links, such as top 20-40 web2.0 and push them with wiki,elgg and other type of links" ??

Well always try to take a marketing approach instead of a link building approach.

In other words, start with the usual marketing recipe. Press releases, articles, videos, blogs,guest posts etc etc as if you were marketing, not link building.
Then start bookmarking what you have done. Submit your site to directories, local listings and bookmark all the above.

PandaDomo said:

I would advise against Scrapebox in your case. You won't know how to use it and you'll most likely penalize your own site with it.

As for links, it would depend how difficult your keywords are and how old your site is.

Here's a few services I've researched that are cheap and would do the job. However, I can only vouch for the first one since it's the only one I've personally used:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

There was one more but I can't seem to find it at the moment. Anyway, here is one service that is offering a 1 month free package. I can't vouch for it though and it might be iffy. Use this one at your own caution:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Also, if you're willing to spend a little bit more, I would recommend using these guys:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I've only been using them for two weeks now so I can't vouch for anything long-term, but they've been doing a very good job so far and got a highly competitive keyword of mine ranked at around #60 or so when I've had no prior link building done to it and it's a relatively new site.

If you choose to use them and would like to be nice, here's my affiliate link for them

- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Anyway, I hope I helped you a little bit. Also as for your "which links are the best" question, there's not really much of an answer to that. High PR contextual links are the best of course but you also need a lot of diversity.

Click to expand...

It's not wise to post links to other forums here, and affiliate links are definitely a big no no. Probably want to edit your post before the Mods see it.

OP. While I don't recommend using any "SEO service" if you really don't have the time or patience to learn this stuff make sure you do your research before you give someone else your money. It's difficult to tell you where to start, read these forums and maybe some of the ebooks in the Downloads section use them for guidance, don't expect a 1-click rank in Google overnight system to work EVER.

Scrapebox is a great investment and that's not true you're going to penalize your site. Just understand what it's purposes are for. It's much more than a blog commenter, you can use it to scrape Godaddy domains to build blog sites on different IPs to link to yours, scrape keywords, you can check which of your backlinks are indexed, want to check the PR of a 10,000 site list? Scrapebox will do that too.

Go Social Networking way!

Make plenty of friends and don't be afraid to tell them about your non-profit site created for a good cause. Invite them and ask them to spread the word around. FB may just be your road to success.

Get some great backlinks, pay a good reputed SEO firm (there are plenty of good SEO services on BHW) if needed, but study and select the keywords first.

Google+

Local offline publicity -- Newspapers, charity shows, carry a great friendly smile and lots of visiting cards!

Highlight all your shop's plus points and make sure people get some 'hints' about visiting it and for a cause too.

That's still the problem I'm having even with all these comments. What do I actually need to do and use? So many people say use this --- (link) and then others say dont. I'm really just lost here. I mean if someone like your (dad or mom) who knows nothing about SEO asks you whats the easy way to explain it to a person like that?

I'm just lost as to what to read and how to do it....... another forum I posted on ended up with 120+ posts and the SEO experts arguing over what to use and not to use, I never got any clear picture. =(

srb888 said:

Go Social Networking way!

Make plenty of friends and don't be afraid to tell them about your non-profit site created for a good cause. Invite them and ask them to spread the word around. FB may just be your road to success.

Get some great backlinks, pay a good reputed SEO firm (there are plenty of good SEO services on BHW) if needed, but study and select the keywords first.

Google+

Local offline publicity -- Newspapers, charity shows, carry a great friendly smile and lots of visiting cards!

Highlight all your shop's plus points and make sure people get some 'hints' about visiting it and for a cause too.

Click to expand...

What would be a good SEO firm here? We have spent over $1500 of our own money with no real results. :31:

Authentex3 said:

What's the best way to "Create some high PR links, such as top 20-40 web2.0 and push them with wiki,elgg and other type of links" ??

Click to expand...

I like the way you're approaching your SEO, mate. Good that you're taking suggestions from good people here And yes, stay away from Scrapebox initially.
Regarding backlinks, just Web 2.0 properties aren't going to be enough. Find some good bloggers in your genre and get them to post about your website with a back link. There are several services online that'll help you get in touch with bloggers from your region. And then back up those posts with Web 2.0 properties, Press Releases, and mentions on your social media profiles. Should be a good way. And if your site isn't in an ultra competitive keyword niche, you should be able to see movement through these.
All the best, and cheers

RankGeek said:

I like the way you're approaching your SEO, mate. Good that you're taking suggestions from good people here And yes, stay away from Scrapebox initially.
Regarding backlinks, just Web 2.0 properties aren't going to be enough. Find some good bloggers in your genre and get them to post about your website with a back link. There are several services online that'll help you get in touch with bloggers from your region. And then back up those posts with Web 2.0 properties, Press Releases, and mentions on your social media profiles. Should be a good way. And if your site isn't in an ultra competitive keyword niche, you should be able to see movement through these.
All the best, and cheers

Click to expand...

Thanks! Anyway to link me to some good bloggers to use?

Hi authentex

this is a useful little tool to find places to post your link: http://dropmylink.com/

In your links; just write a few words flattering the blogger and commenting on his article, and then fill in the name, website and email addresses with your name (try to include a keyword you are targetting), website (your website) and email address.

I think it was allowed to post affiliate links as long as you are informing people that they are. However, I guess I'll just write in a little blurb just in case.

Thanks for the heads up!

GiorgioB said:

Hi authentex

this is a useful little tool to find places to post your link:

In your links; just write a few words flattering the blogger and commenting on his article, and then fill in the name, website and email addresses with your name (try to include a keyword you are targetting), website (your website) and email address.

Click to expand...

Is it always better to use LIKE SITES? IE: If I'm speaking of boats should I use only sites about boats? Also how do I find good quality sites to post my links on? Arent higher PR sites better? Trying the tool now, thanks.

Authentex3 said:

What would be a good SEO firm here? We have spent over $1500 of our own money with no real results. :31:

Click to expand...

Authentex3 said:

Is it always better to use LIKE SITES? IE: If I'm speaking of boats should I use only sites about boats? Also how do I find good quality sites to post my links on? Arent higher PR sites better? Trying the tool now, thanks.

Click to expand...

How? lol I'm sorry man, that sucks.
Do you have super tough keywords?

Authentex3 said:

Is it always better to use LIKE SITES? IE: If I'm speaking of boats should I use only sites about boats? Also how do I find good quality sites to post my links on? Arent higher PR sites better? Trying the tool now, thanks.

Click to expand...

No the keywords are not hard at all, just seems I keep picking the wrong people to use.

You've got some good advice in here--just remember to take it slow, and make one change at a time, and give each change or addition time to take effect before you add or change something else.

It's a rollercoaster, lots of ups and downs, if you can hang with it, it will pay off for you