In the spirit of Halloween, we’ve compiled a few chilling tales that we have seen over the past several years as a SEO agency. Usually we blog about SEO myths and scams, but this time we decided to share with you real horror stories we have uncovered for our Canadian clients or those targeting the [...]

According to Google, location-based searches and the use of geo-targeted keywords are on the increase. Currently one out of five searches on Google is related to a user’s location. Google’s local services have gained more visibility in the SERPs over the past year. We predict that the importance of Local Search will continue to rise [...]

Matt Cutts, Google’s head of web spam fighting team, has publicly stated that Google does not consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to be spam. According to Matt, there are plenty of good SEOs out there (also known as White Hat SEO). He explains that Search Engine Optimization basically means trying to make sure that “your [...]

If you are wondering if Google Analytics can be beneficial for search engine optimization, the answer is “yes”. Google Analytics (GA) is a web-based metrics tool offered by Google. It provides important SEO data – that can be used to optimize your site for search. And… there is no charge for this web analytics software.

Here at WebFuel, we love inviting guest bloggers. Why? Because they bring fresh ideas to the table, while providing great insights from a different point of view. Last February we invited Jill Whalen to blog about

Any solid link building campaign should include an ongoing review of external links pointing to your site. These backlinks not only send targeted visitors to your website, they also (if done right) improve your credibility with the search engines. Management of these inbound links is often the most overlooked aspect of a link building strategy.

As 2009 comes to a close, we would like to continue our annual tradition of identifying the top five SEO myths of the year. For those of you who are new to search engine optimization (SEO), it can be a complicated field to understand. Unfortunately, it is often also confusing, as there are numerous myths – many of which have become false truths. Just like old wive’s tales, they have been told so many times that somehow they have become reality. Also on the list are some beliefs that were true, once upon a time, but are not anymore.

There are two approaches to search engine optimization (SEO): White hat vs. Black hat. White hats (similar to the good guys in the movies) adhere to the search engine’s Webmaster guidelines, and are not in the business of attempting to trick them.

If you are somewhat familiar with search engine optimization, you may have heard the term “Black Hat”. Good topic for Halloween – no doubt. Black Hat is the name assigned to a search engine optimizer that practices unethical techniques to boost a client’s rankings in search engine results.

It is likely common knowledge that if you want to improve your rankings in Search, it all begins with keywords. A good strategic Search Engine Optimization and Marketing Plan starts with keyword research and analysis. On the organic side of search, these keywords are integrated into your website. This include SEO coding (what search engines can view rather than web visitors) as well as with the content of your web pages (viewed by both).