Columns > Search Illustrated
Search
Illustrated uses graphics to illustrate complex
topics in search marketing by breaking them down into easily
understood pictures and diagrams. The Search Illustrated
column appears Wednesdays at Search Engine Land.
To get this column via email or feed, visit our columns page.
Aug. 19, 2008 at 7:44am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: People Streams
A common misperception about search marketing is that it consists only of on-page optimization. In reality, SEM touches countless online channels with the ultimate goal of bringing targeted traffic to a web site. This week's infographic illustrates the number of channels that search marketing taps into—in addition to search...
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Aug. 5, 2008 at 7:45am by Elliance
The Halo Effect
Perhaps the greatest benefits of organic SEO are the unexpected rankings a site can get by earning a top spot in the engines. This week's infographic demonstrates how, through solid search marketing, related phrases can get ranked without additional or intentional efforts:...
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Jul. 29, 2008 at 7:56am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: The ROI Of SEO
Organic optimization brings more than just results in the search engines. This week's infographic shows off the additional benefits and return on investment that comes along with properly optimizing a site and pursuing targeted keywords:...
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Jul. 15, 2008 at 8:11am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: PDF Optimization
Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because content isn't HTML-based doesn't mean it can't be optimized. An Adobe Acrobat reader (aka PDF) document gives SEOs one more chance at ranking for targeted keywords. This week's infographic illustrates some simple tips for optimizing PDFs:...
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Jul. 8, 2008 at 8:35am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: The Impact Of Social Media On Search Results
A search engine marketing campaign isn't complete without including some elements of social media. While engaging in social media alone can provide impressive results, this week's infographic illustrates how properly planned tactics can have a positive impact on your search results:...
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Jul. 1, 2008 at 8:01am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Five Tips For Optimizing An eCommerce Product Detail Page
Search marketing strategies for large ecommerce sites can, at times, seem overwhelming, and important details can get lost in the shuffle. This week's infographic provides a reminder of which page elements shouldn't be overlooked in optimizing an ecommerce product page:...
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Jun. 24, 2008 at 8:36am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Business To Consumer Credibility Through Optimization Of Content
Search marketing campaigns for business-to-consumer websites need to address the issues of trust in the brand name as well as confidence in making a purchase. Third party validation and "wisdom of the crowds" mentality rule the day. This week's infographic illustrates various pieces of content that can be created...
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Jun. 17, 2008 at 7:50am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Business To Business Credibility Through Optimization Of Content
Search engine results aren't realized simply from optimizing your website anymore. This week's infographic shows that gaining an understanding of the multi-channel nature of the Internet is key to successful online marketing campaigns....
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Jun. 10, 2008 at 8:22am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Search World 2008
Search engine results aren't realized simply from optimizing your web site anymore. This week's infographic shows that gaining an understanding of the multi-channel nature of the Internet is key to successful online marketing campaigns:...
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Jun. 3, 2008 at 8:06am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Spider Traps
With so much effort that gets focused on writing great content, acquiring links and social networking, the search spiders are sometimes overlooked. If the site can't get indexed, it won't get ranked. This week's infographic displays some of the common ways the spider can get trapped, unable to maneuver...
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May. 27, 2008 at 1:04pm by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Increasing Brand Awareness With Search
When brand awareness is the goal, it's sometimes easy to implement PPC as a "go to" for increasing awareness quickly and effectively. But, paid search is just one part of a broader, long-term brand awareness campaign. This week's infographic explores how SEMs can utilize all facets of search to...
See Related Stories In: Search Illustrated, Search Marketing: Branding
May. 13, 2008 at 8:00am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: How A Search Engine Determines Duplicate Content
With so much good content on the web, it's inevitable that the same information will be displayed many times over. Whether it's a blog post pointing to good statistics, an RSS feed pulled into a complementary site, or blatantly copied material, duplicate content can be an issue. This week's...
See Related Stories In: SEO: Duplicate Content, Search Illustrated
May. 6, 2008 at 7:07am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: 301 And 302 Redirects Explained
Moving a website from one domain to another? The safest way to make the move is to use "redirects" which alert the search engines, so that you don't damage or lose your current rankings after the move. But redirects always inspire questions. Which type should I use? What will...
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Apr. 29, 2008 at 7:21am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Inside The Search Algorithm
The Algorithm. If an SEO had a nickel for every time that phrase was mentioned in a day... Over time we've become more comfortable with the main triggers that affect search rankings. But, it's leveraging the sum of all factors that can really give you an advantage over the...
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Apr. 22, 2008 at 1:24pm by Elliance
Search Illustrated: International SEO Tips
Search engine optimization can extend far past domestic versions of the major search engines. Some globally-focused companies want increased visibility in country-specific search engines outside of the U.S. market. This week's infographic illustrates some tips and best practices associated with successful international optimization....
See Related Stories In: SEO: General, Search Illustrated
Apr. 15, 2008 at 8:04am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Search Benefits Of The Blogosphere
There are many aspects of the blogosphere that make it attractive to search marketers: the sharing and distribution of content, the potential for viral marketing and link bait, and the associated linking opportunities. But, so much more goes into the relationship we have with blog communities. This week's infographic...
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Apr. 8, 2008 at 5:32am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Link Juice Is Good For You!
Are all links created equal? Most search marketers know the answer to that question is a resounding no. But, how do you differentiate between links to figure out which ones are better than others? Today's infographic visualizes the various site and link components that combine to form "nutritious, healthy"...
See Related Stories In: Link Building: General, Search Illustrated
Mar. 25, 2008 at 8:15am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Link Blazing To The Good Neighborhood
There are many places and ways to get links to your site. While some are easier than others, it takes time to earn quality links. This week's infographic visualizes two link paths: one to the good neighborhood and one to the bad....
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Mar. 18, 2008 at 3:04pm by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Factors That Increase TrustRank
Just like you choose to buy products from companies you trust, search engines factor in levels of trust when determining which websites to include in their search results. Whether it's an issue of security, privacy, or just easily-accessible information, every little bit helps when it comes to the search...
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Mar. 11, 2008 at 8:33am by Elliance
Search Illustrated: The Anatomy Of Successful Paid Search Ads
Although occasionally used on its own, paid search can be a great complement to an organic optimization strategy. Research has shown that having a presence in both natural and paid results increases the overall likelihood of receiving a click. This week's infographic breaks down some of the main ways...
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Mar. 4, 2008 at 3:36pm by Elliance
Search Illustrated: Building Trust Through Search Marketing
Search marketers know it's important to optimize company websites in order to be found on search engines. But, customers' trust can be grown through so many additional avenues. Today's infographic demonstrates how various SEM tactics—in addition to just SEO—allow buyers to find out about products, not only on companies'...
