The basics of SEO for your pet business online presence.

I've had a lot of discussions this week and last about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) with my clients.

Contrary to popular belief, SEO isn't rocket science. You can do it yourself, and you can be very effective in managing your own SEO.

Back in 2007 when I was redesigning JohannTheDog.com, I wanted to make it as search engine friendly as possible, just like any other business. So I started searching for information, advice, help and tips to make my site as search engine friendly as possible.

I immediately found information provided by Matt Cutts. Matt is a Google software engineer and currently the head of Google’s Webspam team, where he specializes in search engine optimization (SEO) issues. Matt is very open about sharing information to help small, medium and large businesses with their SEO. I also sought out direction from Google's Webmaster Page, which has a wealth of information on how to make your site search engine friendly, including this get started guide.

Combining the advice I garnered from reading articles and watching videos of Matt from Google's Webmaster YouTube page, I undertook my own search engine optimization when re-building my site.

The results were very effective, not only for JohannTheDog.com, but for other sites that I have built over the years. Just check my ranking for 'pet business marketing' on Google; chances are I'm on the front page. (As I type this, I'm currently #1 on Google for those terms; terms that potential clients of Pawsible Marketing would most likely search in looking for my services).

Again, SEO isn't rocket science and it isn't a big secret methodology that only SEO companies know. It's basic rules you follow to help people find your website, consequently finding your products and services.

Combining the SEO techniques I learned, along with creating great content that my potential customer base can relate to, and networking through social media has brought me all the backlinks, referrals, traffic, and notice that I need for my sites and businesses to be successful.

You can too.