SEO News Bytes December 2004

By Shelley Murphy

Yes another year has quickly gone by with several changes happening in the world of search engine optimization, Google danced for us a few times, Yahoo launched their new search algorithm, MSN will follow suit in 2005 with their MSN search.

So what's all the buzz about around MSN? Well not too much is known at this point in regards to their algorithm and how to optimize for MSN for both on and off page factors, currently MSN is beta testing their new search engine, the beta focuses on tweaks to the relevancy ranking of results and on minor changes to the site's user interface. As we are all aware MSN has been riding on the heels of Google for several years and are now stepping up to the plate for a game of catch up and yes even the big guy himself, Mr. Microsoft, Bill Gates admitted in saying "Google is Kicking our butts".

It's Still Too Early To Tell.

With any new search engine especially one as grand as MSN everyone is asking how to optimize my site in order to rank well, what do they look for? Everyone wants to know how to improve their result position will the engine put more onus on in-bound links or on-page factors? So many questions, but so few answers, MSN started their own Blog where you can view up-to-date information from the insiders at Microsoft where you can read all the current postings and feedback on the MSN beta testing.

What I was able to find out from the MSN help pages the MSN Search ranking algorithm analyzes factors such as page content, the number and quality of sites that link to your pages, and the relevance of your site's content to keywords.

You cannot pay to boost your site's relevance ranking; however, they offer advertising options for site owners. Each time the index is updated, you may notice a shift in your site's ranking. As new sites are added and some sites become obsolete, previous relevance rankings are revised. Although you cannot directly change your site's ranking, you can optimize its design and technical implementation to enable appropriate ranking by most search engines.

Microsoft also said "Use only well-formed HTML code in your pages. Ensure that all tags are closed, and that all links function properly. If your site contains broken links, MSNBot may not be able to index your site effectively, and people may not be able to reach all of your pages.". Not surprisingly HTML validation is key measure of a web site's overall quality and value for it's visitors. 

Once the new MSN search is live, we will do a complete analysis in our SEO Studio tools on the aspects of both on and off page optimization statistics.

If you have any questions or would like to offer your opinion, please go to our SEO forum.

SEO Studio Ranking Analysis.

In our quest to compare ranking results against the MSN Beta Search, we are providing screen shots of our analysis performed in the SEO Studio Ranking analysis tool, you be the judge...

New Features Coming in SEO Studio...

• Slated for release in late December are a new Scheduling Tool to allow unattended execution of Submission, Ranking, and Top 10 Spy Reports.
• New Ranking Reports with customizable sorting features such as sort by keyword, website, and search engine. In addition, the Ranking Tool now reports the number of competing pages and keeps a history of previous ranking results.
• The Keyword Analyzer reports now can be saved for future reference in the Report Manager. New Google API search is added to the ranking and Top 10 Spy Tools to comply with Google's Terms of Service.
• The LinksPlus+ Tool link page creation feature now can create a directory page broken down by your main and sub categories of Link Partners.
• New export features are available in all SEO Studio tools, including PDF, Microsoft Word and Excel formats.
• Good news for those who are not yet SEO Studio registered users, the Ranking and Submission Tools are now available for free with limitations to export and email reports only.

TrendMetrix Software Inc. is branching out.

With the ongoing success of our software, SEO Studio, it has given TrendMetrix the chance to grow into other areas of Search Engine Optimization, one we are excited to embrace in the New Year.

We not only provide one of the best SEO software's on the market, but now wish to extend our expert knowledge to the web world by helping businesses grow and increase traffic.

TrendMetrix Software Inc. is pleased to announce their new division Optimized Design Services, a full service Search Engine Optimization, and SEO Consulting Company. For further details visit our site or you can contact us at 1-877-867-1030.

It has been the philosophy of TrendMetrix we all have a place on web and as Internet continues to grow; we are here to help provide that growth. Wishing you and your Families a Safe and Happy Holiday.