Google's Meta tag : "unavailable_after"

Google introduces the "unavailable_after" Meta Tag

During the 3rd SEMNE (Search Engine Marketing England), Director of crawl systems from Google Dan Crow introduced the new Meta tag called “unavailable_after” which will allow webmasters to instruct Googlebot when a specific webpage will no longer be available for indexing. For example, if you have a special offer on your website that will expire on a specific period or some pages are available free for a week, you can use the “unavailable_after” tag to let Googlebot knows when to stop indexing.

For instance, to identify that an HTML webpage should be removed from the Google search results after 6pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 5th November 2007, simply add the following Meta tag to the first section of the page.


This tag will be treated by Google as an exclusion request and will take effect the day after the exclusion period passes. It is helpful if you have a temporary web page that will be removed at the specific date.

For more information on SEMNE, please visit SEMNE.ORG

Introduction to Search Engine Optimization

What is Search Engine Optimization - SEO?

Search Engine Optimization is defined as the process of increasing the quantity and quality of traffics to a website. This is done by ranking high in the search engine result pages once a relevant keyword or key terms is entered.

It is also the term used to describe the marketing strategy of preparing a website. As a marketing strategy for increasing a website’s relevance, ranking and search engine visibility, SEO considers how search engine algorithms work and what users search for.

It is said that the higher a website ranks in the search engine result pages, the better the chances that a website will be visited, an undeniable truth.

There are two factors in optimizing a website, On-page and Off-page optimization.

On page optimization is directly related to the content and the architectural link structure and overall functionalities of a website. This usually consists of pages written in the HTML and also applies to the other document formats that are indexed by search engines. The On page optimization includes modifying and enhancing of the following elements:

• META Tags (Title, Description & Keyword)
• ALT tags
• Hyperlink Text
• Keyword use in the document
• Accessibility of document
• Links to document from site – internal pages (Internal Navigation)
• Primary subject matter of site
• Copywriting

Off page optimization is a search engine strategy that is done off the website pages to maximize its performance and visibility in the search engines for the targeted relevant keywords through the page content. It includes link building by placing keywords within the anchor text that points to the URL of the web page. These are the method of acquiring links that considered as an off-page optimization:

• Press Release
• Article submissions
• Social Media Sites
• Advertising
• Link building campaigns
• Directory submissions
• Blog and Forum posting

The most important of these criteria are the quantity and quality of inbound links using anchor text containing the targeted keywords, and these should come from the pages covering relevant topics, if possible from large and long established authority websites.

The Meta Tags Guidelines

Search Engine Optimization: The META Tags

Meta tags are important tools for unbeaten search engine marketing. The Meta tags are HTML tags that facilitate and explain the document they are located in. Search Engines focus on the three primary tags – Title, Description and the Keyword tags to help them (Search Engine crawlers, spiders, bots) verify the relevance of a website for a particular phrase.

The Title tag describes exactly what the document contains, and is one of the most important tags for a search engine. It is the first one to appear in the search engine results, and it should contain keywords (no repetitions) of terms that you would like to be found, with a maximum number of 80 characters including spaces.

Example:


The Title tags of the web pages can frequently generate rapid and substantial differences to its ranking and because the words in the title tags are what appear in the clickable link on the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs). Strategicaly altering them may result in more clickthroughs.

The Meta Description tag has a maximum number of 250 characters that describes the content of a website. This description is not displayed on the page itself, but is largely intended to help the search engines index the page correctly.

Example:


The Meta description tag is a snippet of HTML code that belongs within the Head segment of a Web page and it is usually placed after the Title tag and before the Keywords tag, although the arrangement is unnecessary.

The Meta Keyword tag is used to help define the primary keywords of a web page that contains important keywords and phrases consistent with the HTML body text and page title and has a maximum number of 250 characters including spaces.

Let’s summarize what needs to be done before to create Meta Keyword tags:

• Select relevant keywords
• Write the web site’s content based on these keywords
• Create a Title tag with some of these keywords
• Write a Meta description simple and authoritative using some of the selected keywords.

If possible, these things should be done before optimizing the web site.

Example:


These tags (Title, Description and Keywords) are the most important considerations of search engines to determine relevancy in indexing your web pages. And that makes your link architecture very important.

Here's a checklist to consider in creating tags:

Title tags:
• Provides call to action - YES/NO?
• Contains less than 80 characters - YES/NO?
• Uses important keywords and phrases - YES/NO?
• Describes what the page is about - YES/NO?
• Consistent with other content components - YES/NO?

Meta Keywords:
• Contains less than 250 characters - YES/NO?
• Uses important keywords and phrases - YES/NO?
• Minimal repetition of individual words - YES/NO?
• Consistent with other content components - YES/NO?

Meta Description:
• Provides call to action - YES/NO?
• Contains less than 250 characters - YES/NO?
• Uses important keywords and phrases - YES/NO?
• Describes what the page is about - YES/NO?
• Consistent with other content components - YES/NO?

Definitely, appearing and ranking high on the Search Engine Result Pages have greater chances of perceiving clickthroughs. Meta tags help with that, and it’s positively worth the effort and time gripping, keyword-rich ones.

It is impossible to label the perfect Meta tags because there is no such thing. Testing different Meta tags and determining which of those tags rank higher is the best possible method there is.

The Sandbox Effect Theory

What exactly is the Sandbox Effect?

The Sandbox Effect is a theory wherein newly registered domains are placed in a sandbox or holding areas of Google indexes, and deferred there for about 6 months to a year until it is considered to be eligible for the ranking process.

It functions like a filter that affects nearly all websites. These sites under “probation” may possibly get into Google’s Search Engine Results Page but will not rank high regardless of its originality, quality, link number, and optimization. This restriction keeps some of the new websites from having success in search results.

It is said they have greater effects on websites containing more competitive keywords. The more competitive keywords you have, the longer you are kept in the sandbox. This explains why there is great commotion over the supposed initiation period.

Sandbox Effect: Does it exist?

The Google Sandbox is one of issues widely discussed nowadays by Search Engine Optimizers and Web Marketers. The sandbox, being a concern or a problem is yet to be answered by these experts and enthusiasts.

The discussions merely evolve around different results coming from varying tests to identify its existence, and if so, its functions.

Why would the Sandbox exist?

Whether it would end as being beneficial or destructive to Google is still a hanging questions for experts. The idea of spending for an optimized site, and being kept in a holding box is not highly appreciated by some, but for Google, it may be a price worth paying over the exploitation of some.

When a new site is created, no matter how optimized it may be for search engines, it does not automatically rank high in searches. In fact, it would have the least possibility of appearing in the search results pages. The reason for this is Search Engine indexing. For most engines, it takes months before new sites are completely indexed for rankings. Google on the other hand, being the prevalent search engine compared to its rivals Yahoo or MSN, have their more proficient way of indexing wherein, instead of months, would take only days for them to finalize indexing of sites.

Some Search Engine Spammers began to take advantage of Google’s indexing promptness, with basic elements of ranking algorithm. The month-long high ranking through excessive link building, would be sufficient to increase profits, and validate the costs of building the sites before they are banned. Once this happens, they need but create another highly optimized site, and continue the vicious cycle.

Google decided to carry on with the indexing pace, but with certain constraints. All new websites now had to undergo probation. Under the circumstances that they would pass the spam filters for the given time, these sites would be allowed to leave the sandbox and join the ranks of established websites.

What are the signs that the site is in the Sandbox?

If the existence of the Sandbox is considered, the first concern is how does one know whether or not their site is in the sandbox.

The signs are easier to identify than the existence of the sandbox itself.

Being in a sandbox does not equate to being banned, it is just being filtered. The two simplest factors are:

• Ranking higher with non-competitive keywords
• Ranking higher in other major entries

If the Sandbox truly exists, it is enough to conclude that Google has gone through great lengths to protect their users from irrelevant sites. Skeptics still believe this probation stage have a loophole, or at least, alternatives. And for some, it is enough to sit back, and be patient.

Web Design and Development: Do It Yourself, or Hire?

In the future, it is inevitable that almost all business would want, if not require a website if they want the best out of their investment. Understandably so, they would want the best website possible for their goods or services. The initial reaction would be create the web design themselves, maybe get the cousin to do the technical portions, and stay in control of the entire development.

Web Design Do It Yourself

There are many sites offering tools for the creation of websites. It is not necessary you have complete background on site development in order to make a site. All you need is creativity, or is it a different case?

There are more than several factors to consider in web design, add it to the maintenance of the site. Aside from aesthetics, it has to be search engine and user-friendly, effective, and up to date plus many other factors.

Do It Yourself Websites tend to look either unfinished, or overdone. So, to solve this problem, you hire, but what about your investments? Money is always a consideration when creating a website. The cheapest and most effective way is to outsource.

Outsource Your Site Building and Maintenance

With offshore outsourcing, there are wide cost differences. Thus, the problem of cost is solved. There are also other considerations that might have entered your mind such as:

a. How can you work with them, if you are not visibly with them?
b. How can you trust someone to work on your site, if you have not met them?
c. How can you be assured of you preferences applied on the creation your site?

With the internet age, it is not necessary to be physically with someone in order to be friends, and it works the same for business transactions such as these. Most offshore companies offer communication lines open 24 hours, to cater to your questions, at whatever timezone you may be located. It may either be through e-mail, skype, msn, or any other instant messengers that allow you to chat, and call as well.

These offshore companies are easily searched on the net and provide their background as well as previous projects. In that way, you can easily view if their products are more to your liking or otherwise. Many of them also post their actual managing board and production team, if it may help you deal with them more. Some Outsource Web design and Development companies such as BHI Pro even offer realtime video streaming of your team at work so you can familiarize with the people on your project.

Because of the wide competition in the It Outsourcing Industry, a customer is required a first partial payment, and the full payment only upon completion of the work. Ergo, you pay if, and only if you are already satisfied with the work done for your website. So, you can see the start, and the progress of your Website Design and Development. You can give them the initial guidelines, add in your comments, and agree or disagree with the changes.

When the project is finally completed, you can make payments through credit card or whatever convenient payment method they can offer you.

A Website, perfect for your company, without the hassles and headaches of having to do it, or hiring the individuals yourself.

Services To Look For To Build an Effective Business Website

To build a truly effective business website, you need not merely web design and development. You need other services that not only tag along, but actually serve vital functions to generating traffic, and most importantly, income.

Your IT Outsourcing company needs to have a collective integral experience in Information Technology, Project Management, Media, Sales and Marketing to craft a wide range of solutions for your business or oraganization.

Specific Services to seek in an IT Solutions Provider:

» Web Design and Development
help you design and develop websites that not only will look fresh and feel dynamic but can give you solid support in controlling your business, managing vital data and facilitating the sale of products and services.
[Read more about Search Design & Development]

» Managed Outsourcing
Managed Outsourcing is the process of using third parties to run the development and maintenance of projects to meet time, cost and quality expectations with minimal risk and interference. A ready staff of project managers, web developers, programmers, flash animators, graphics designers, SEO specialists and general support staff who have strong training, motivation and customer service orientation.
[Read more more about Managed Outsourcing]

» E-commerce
eCommerce is about using the Internet to do more business better and faster. It will help you custom build an ecommerce website that will connect your business to a broader audience and give your products and services more positive exposure.
[Read more more about eCommerce]

» Search Engine Optimization
SEO is a service that requires specialized knowledge and dedicated effort. The search engine optimization specialist can help you get your website on the top pages of search engines and directory listings.
[Read more more about Search Engine Optimization]

» Website Maintenance
Web site maintenance service will keep the content and graphics updated on a regular basis consequently improving your site’s search engine ranking. Since many site owners don’t have the time and knowledge to properly maintain their websites, they can take this load off your hands by delivering affordable, professional and secure web site development and maintenance.
[Read more more about Website Maintenance]

» Web Hosting
A company that offers web hosting solutions that suit your needs whether it’s for a basic site, a content heavy interactive site, or a high-traffic and high-interactivity site.
[Read more more about Web Hosting]

Computer Jobs, IT Jobs, Internet Jobs, Tech Jobs on BHIPro.com

This is an excellent opportunity for people looking to build a solid career in I.T. with a leading Web Applications and Multimedia Design Firm with satisfied clients in the Philippines, U.S. and U.K.


BHIPRO (www.bhipro.com) is looking for the following:

Project Manager/Business Analyst
1. Two to five years experience with project management in an Internet-based software development environment.
2. Prior experience with an I.T. company is preferred, but not a requirement.
3. Complete understanding of project management tools, procedures and overall product life cycle, emphasis on project management skills.
4. Prior experience with rapid software development methodologies.
5. Knowledge of Project Management software and Microsoft Office software.
6. Designs new IT solutions to improve business efficiency and productivity.
7. Examine existing business models and the flows of data in the business. Discuss findings with the client, and then design an appropriate improved IT solution.
8. Draw up and cost specifications and produce outline designs of new IT systems, specifying the data, files and logical operations the system will perform, and the way data will be viewed by the user.

Search Engine Optimization Team Lead
1. 2 years SEO experience including an in-depth knowledge of search engine technologies (algorithms, ranking strategy and industry trends.
2. Experience developing, implementing and maintaining a Link building strategy
3. Strong understanding of technology
4. Experience with SEO reporting and Web analytics tools
5. Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with a variety of departments
6. Strong follow up skills, organization skills and attention to detail

Search Engine Optimization Manager
1. Responsible for day to day account management of our Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing programs.
2. Conducting A/B and multivariate testing and analyzing results to improve web design.
3. Own the customer relationship including all customer interaction and communications from the moment the sale is closed to the successful delivery and launch of our services and on-going support.
4. Develop specifications and plans for design, customization and implementation of the company services and processes.
5. Analyze web analytics reports and make recommendations for web optimization.
6. Develop best practice guidelines for content development and web design to achieve best possible conversion rates.
7. Supervise completion of all projects and tasks to customer satisfaction.
8. Two years experience with the following: Optimization, A/B testing, Multivariant testing, Web consulting, e-eommerce, Online marketing, Online statistical concepts, Analytical tools, Internet technologies, HTML/JavaScript, Web analytics

Senior PHP Developers
1. Must have senior level expertise in PHP, Javascript, HTML, and CSS development.
2. With demonstrated expertise in interactive websites.

Senior eCommerce PHP Developer
1. Must have senior level expertise in PHP, Javascript, HTML, and CSS development.
2. With strong skills in eCommerce systems, Smarty Templates, and site integration to ERP systems.

Senior Flash Developer
1. With demonstrated experience as a senior flash developer.
2. Must have solid understanding of video streaming, CSS usage in flash site, alternative text methodologies and SEO methodologies in flash site creation.

Graphics Artists
1. Must have at least two years experience as graphic artist
2. With strong graphic and html abilities

A competitive compensation (starting salaries are at par with Manila rates) awaits qualified applicants who are hard workers and willing to relocate to Davao City, one of the best cities to live and work in.

Send your application letter and resume to:

The HR Manager
BHIPRO
2nd Floor, Annex 1 - Technotrade Bldg.
R. Castillo, Davao City
E-mail: shane.maxino@bhipro.com