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Anchor Text: Are Your Links Confusing Google?

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In my previous post Search Engine Optimization 101, we discussed the importance of good title tags, descriptions, page heading and use of keyword phrases in content.  So by now you should understand why it is important that the title of your home page NOT be "Home".  Traffic from Google comes because your web page has the content that the searcher is looking for.  Is "home" on your keyword list?  If the answer is no, and I'm reasonably certain that is true for most businesses, why would you send Google the wrong message by using "Home" as your page title.

Another common SEO mistake is using non-keywords for link anchor text.  Anchor text is what visitors click on to follow a link on your web page.  It is good SEO practice to link text on your web page to other pages of your site. Google sees that you've placed emphasis on a phrase by using it as anchor text. Is "Click here" on your keyword list?  Wouldn't it be logical to consider your keywords when creating links?  If you link your home page to your services page, which sentence do you think would send the best message to Google and your visitors?

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It's pretty obvious when you look at it from Google's perspective.  Take a look at your web pages.  Do you link your web site text to pages of your site?  If not, do so. If you do, what words are you emphasizing by using them as anchor text?  Are you inadvertently telling Google that "Click here" or "Home" are what your pages are about? If so, you are confusing Google and hurting your chances of getting found.


Comments

Great tips! Thanks. I know we are guilty of this on a number of pages and will fix that. 
Heike 
@2Heike
Posted @ Tuesday, December 22, 2009 12:39 PM by Heike
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