Earlier this month, Google released its Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide. The guide covers around a dozen common areas that webmasters and bloggers might consider optimizing. The areas discussed include; improving title and description meta tags, URL structure, site navigation, content creation, anchor text, and many more.

SEO guru from Google

There is also a document listing important tips for bloggers by the same Google Webmaster Central team.

You most likely already know most of this but for those who are unaware of this, here’s a quick summary of the guide.

1. Create unique, accurate page titles
Choose a title that effectively communicates the topic of the page’s content, and make sure it’s unique or different from that of the other pages on your site.

2. Provide full-text RSS feeds
Rich, full-content feeds make users happy because they can view your full content quickly. This may result in a short-term decline in visits to your actual blog, but the long-term gains of increased readership and mind share are typically worth it. Also, keep in mind that a regular subscriber is more valuable than an occasional visitor.

3. Write well and often
Write regularly as a frequently updated site encourages people to return. Make sure your content remains relevant and engaging. A useful post once a week is better than low-quality content published daily.

4. Leave thoughtful comments on other blogs
Visit other blogs, comment on their posts, and participate in the discussion. Thoughtful comments with useful information will make new readers more likely to visit your site.

5. Make use of categories and tags in your blog
Labels and tags are a great way to organize your content. This will make your blog easier to navigate and your readers will be able to find the content they wish to read more easily.