Ethical Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization, often called SEO for short, is the adding of key words in patterns, combinations, and density to improve their web search rankings and odds of being considered a hit for different key word searches. When thinking about the ethics of search engine optimization, it is easy to recognize unethical SEO. A common example is the use of key words such as free or freebie, that lead to work at home scam websites. Another way is to use keywords like Christian and dating, and having it lead to porn sites. Someone might use keywords for job hunting to target those most at risk for gambling addiction, and lead them to a Website promoting poker or gambling.

Unethical search engine optimization is the adding of key words, HTML tags, and terms that have no relationship to the actual content or intent of the web page. What was promoted in the web search results is unrelated to the site. In essence, it is lying. How do you then do ethical search engine optimization? You can use plenty of key words, but ensure they are at least some what related to the intent of the Website. A high density of key words related to the subject or target audience is always acceptable. For example, don't include sex, poker, or work at home in your key words if your Website is not about those topics. It is the misleading and misrepresentation that is unethical. It may also lead to many hits, but none of those visitors will stay long or become a customer.

You should add more content related to key word searches that will bring in your audience, rather than commonly hit key words. A FAQ, or Frequently Asked Questions section, will generate matches on queries similar to the questions in the FAQ as well as hits for topics in the answers section. You can also add key words in a side bar in as many variations as you want. Even add misspellings of common words related to the content of the web page if it assists with users finding what they may be interested in - your site. This is not unethical.