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SEO Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
The Thistle Site Design Team has several years of experience in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), both in the design of our own sites and as consultants for other webmasters. Our goal is to develop sites which are user and search-engine friendly, ensuring that your visitors can easily locate the information, services or products you are providing and the 'spiders' can access site content for effective indexing. There will be NO need for you to hire a 3rd party SEO company to optimize your website.WHAT IS SEO?
SEO is the term used for improving your site in relation to it's placement in the search engine index. A listing in the first 1-10 pages is essential to your site's traffic flow. The majority of sites receive visitors directly from search engines such as Google or Yahoo.
SEO is really just common sense combined with good design principles. Without proper optimization your site could be bypassed by the search engine spiders which gather site content (text) to add to their database. There is no wisdom in having a fabulous, high-tech site, featuring all the bells and whistles modern technology can offer, which won't show up in query results because the search engines could not find any relevant keyword-rich, textual content to list the site effectively in their database.
BEWARE OF SEO QUACKS
A professional SEO company will not make 'page one' promises, but rather, 'quality traffic' assurances. A professional SEO company will not incorporate unacceptable spammy or out-of-date practices to boost your site rankings. AND a reputable SEO company will NEVER distribute unsolicited emails to try to get website owners to sign on with them for their SEO requirements using promises of making your site #1.
Optimization alone CANNOT guarantee your site will be in the TOP-TEN results and any SEO company making such a claim is, at best, dishonest! These companies often charge monthly fees to 'manage' your site's SEO. Sure, youy may want to 'tweak' your content keywords / keyword phrases or meta title tags a little from time to time if an analysis shows that people are searchiing for your product or service using different or additional words etc. But this does not have to be done every month and probably not even every 6 months.
And never fall for that added fee to 'submit your site to 1000 search engines and directories'. Some lessor search engines have some importance but being listed in their results won't help you with Google or Yahoo positioning. This is NOT necessary because the search engines will find your site very quickly after it is launched, all by themselves. There is never any need to pay anyone to for submist your website to any search engines.
Proper optimization and a link to your new site on our client page will ensure that your site will be listed within 1-2 weeks in the search engine databases, without the need to pay for inclusion. It will then come up in the listings if people use any of the keywords / phrrases included in your site content. We design all our websites with optimization in mind, using methods recommended and approved by the serach engines.
BOTTOM LINE
If your site is properly designed and optimized with well-written content utilizing keywords and keyword phrases relevant to the products and services you offer and is easy for site visitors to navigate, then the search engines will like it as well. A well-optimized site will achieve successful organic results without the need to submit to any search engines. The only way to guarantee top 10 placement is to pay the search engine for it through some type of ad campaign or pay-per-click program etc.
And please keep in mind that even if your site pops up on pages 1 - 3 in a search on any given day, it will not show up in the same position the next day because those results are goverened solely by the search engines and fluctuate all the time.
If you really need your site on the first page in Google you may as well use an AdSense campaign/program targeing competitive keywords. It will cost you less than paying for SEO quackery!
16 Questions Asking 'Does Your Website Get TOP MARKS?'
Are site colors & images aesthetically pleasing?
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
If your website is too busy or jarring, you will lose visitors. Take a little time to coordinate colors and to implement high-quality images that add to your message ... read more
Are there bulky sections of writing on the home page?
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Long, bulky paragraphs are likely to get skipped. Try breaking up your copy into smaller sections or bulleted lists to get the point across quickly ... read more
Are there links to social media?
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Social media networking can be an effective marketing tool if used properly. If you participate in social media then you need to present those links on your website. Social media allows you to communicate with your prospects and allows them to communicate with each other. Include links to your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. Make it easy for everyone to find you on social media ... read more
Can you easily find the benefits of the product or service offered?
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Visitors to your site want to learn as much as possible about the benefits of your product or service. Features are important too, but the most important thing a visitor can take away is a sense that this product or service will make a positive impact in their life ... read more
Can you find out more about the site owner or employees?
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Visitors often want to know they are dealing with real people. Having an 'about us' page is a great way to show the world why you are the best one to handle the job. Include photos too—everyone likes to associate a face with a business so don't be 'camera shy' ... read more
Do menu items clearly tell you where they will take you?
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly. Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Good site design and user-freindly navigation are important considerations which often get
overlooked. Think about what information you would want to find if you visited this site and plan your menus accordingly. Menus can be separated into areas of focus and should be placed in more than one location if you have many contnet pages on your site - top for the main items, sides and bottom for additional information sections etc ... read more
Do you feel personally connected?
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers - real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Visitors who feel personally connected will be more likely to stick around and/or become a customer. Tell your story and tell them why you are the right choice. You can personally connect with your visitors by being honest, using a conversational writing style, and including real testimonials from other customers - real names associated with those testimonials .. read more
Do you know right away what this website is about?
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
You have limited time to get your message across. If there are too many distractions, a site visitor may never know what you are offering ... read more
Is the content well-written & informative?
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit. If you are unable to provide the content yourself, hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Your ability to relate to your customers is a big reason why they will eventually choose you. Poorly-written content is a major turn-off and will make site visitors run for the exit. If you are unable to provide the content yourself, hire a professional to supply it and be sure to keep an engaging, conversational tone throughout.
Is the font easy to read?
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Make sure your font is easy to read and not distracting. Stick with simple, easy-to-read fonts which are standard fonts available on all browser platforms and in a color which contrasts with the background. It should be large enough to read comfortably without forcing visitors to up-size it ... read more
Is the important information 'above the fold'?
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Most site visitors want to know the details without doing a lot of work. If they have to scroll down to find the main idea, they will likely leave earlier than you’d like. Make sure your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is clearly spelled out. This is a piece of information that says in one sentence or less why someone should do business with you. Make it clear and prominent on your site ... read more
Is there a 'Sign Up for our Newsletter' option?
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Your webform should offer an incentive to spark a visitor’s interest and convince them to sign up. Make sure this incentive is appeal to and be of benefit to your potential customers .. read more
Is there a clear call to action?
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
If customers like what they see, it is important to move them along quickly. There should be a prominent, clear call to action on your website. Your call to action may be to buy now, start a free trial, learn more, or something else. Make sure that you are not sending mixed messages with too many calls to action. Choose the one or two that matter most and make them easy to find ... read more
Is there an easy way to contact the business?
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
If your website does its job, you will likely have interested prospects who want to learn more or who simply have a few questions. Make sure they have an easy way to find you. Potential customers also want to know that they will be able to reach you if needed in the future, whether for warranty service or support ... read more
Is there any multimedia?
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Although many sites do not need multi-media, if appropriate it is a great way to add character and interest to your website. Videos, podcasts, tutorials, and other multimedia options allow you to present your message to visitors in a way that appeals to them. However, a little goes a long way and, unless you are an 'entertainment' site, too much will be distracting .. read more
Where do your eyes go first?
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more
A visitor to your website typically has an attention span of only a few seconds. That means your website must 'hook' them quickly. Make sure the first thing they see/notice is something interesting enough to keep them interested in looking at more of the site ... read more
Client Comments
"Jay and her team worked effectively and efficiently with us to create a professional, functional site. Jay's enthusiasm, creative ideas, recommendations and excellent communication skills enabled us to achieve our desired results. I truly enjoyed working with her."
Donna Ihnatowycz, President
Affinity Resource Management
Donna Ihnatowycz, President
Affinity Resource Management
"Jay and her team were a lifeline for us. They stepped in exactly where we needed them, offered professional and honest direction, and continue to be our best experience ever in the field of web design and graphics. We would highly recommend them - they know their stuff!"
Roanne Kerzner, Vice President
Leasing & Operations
Designers Walk Toronto
Roanne Kerzner, Vice President
Leasing & Operations
Designers Walk Toronto
"The main thing I noticed when working with Thistle Site Design versus other web design companies is their incredible work ethic as demonstrated by prompt replies and resolutions to all my concerns. They really make the design process effortless for the business owner which allows you to concentrate on other things."
Dr. Andreo Spina
Director/Creator
Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems
F.A.P. - F.R.™ Seminars
Dr. Andreo Spina
Director/Creator
Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems
F.A.P. - F.R.™ Seminars
"Thistle Site Design revitalized my professional website. Thank You! Jay worked on the page content and overall structure of the site. Rich designed an incredible logo and banner that sets the tone for the entire website. Throughout the process, both Jay and Rich were great. Extremely efficient, friendly, creative & clever. Great (SEO) Search Engine Optimization. Patients compliment me on the website every day."
Dr. Ethan Grober
Vasectomy Reversals Canada
Dr. Ethan Grober
Vasectomy Reversals Canada
"Thank you to your entire team for doing such an amazing job designing and building my website. The feedback I am getting is great. You did a great job!"
Dr. Jason L. Skolar
Montreal
Skolar Chiropractic
Dr. Jason L. Skolar
Montreal
Skolar Chiropractic
“Having left a law firm to start my own, I was extremely busy and had little time to think about, let alone work on a website. Jay stepped in, took the ball and ran with it. She and her team designed a professional website I am proud to call my own.”
Andrew Taylor
Energy Boutique
Andrew Taylor
Energy Boutique
"I was referred by a colleague and I am very pleased with my choice. With their knowledge and experience, I now have an attractive and effective website. Jay was not only a pleasure to work with, she was also patient and enthusiastic as we tried many design ideas in the evolution of a website I am proud of. When I request updates to the site, they are usually completed within hours. If you want creativity, expertise and excellent service, I recommend Thistle Site Design."
Dr. Geoff Gelley Winnipeg Manitoba
Gelley Chiropractic
Dr. Geoff Gelley Winnipeg Manitoba
Gelley Chiropractic
"Thistle Site Design took on the challenge of a badly botched website start, quickly turning things around. They spare no effort to ensure that we meet our deadlines. Always a step ahead, they have been quick to understand our specific needs for a site that would make online registration accessible to an older demographic. Technical support is superb. We especially appreciate the onsite coaching for website volunteer administrators. GTLLI now has a website that communicates its philosophy, purpose and programs in an attractive, engaging format. We look forward to exciting new directions for our site with Thistle Designs' team!"
Elizabeth Dods, Website Manager
Georgian Triangle Lifelong Learning Institute
Elizabeth Dods, Website Manager
Georgian Triangle Lifelong Learning Institute
"My first contact was with Jay and there was an immediate rapport with this patient, highly-skilled woman, dedicated to her job and possessing a wicked sense of humor. Whatever I wanted, her team, made it happen. My needs and ideas were fully discussed, understood and implemented. The support amazing – the daily contact incredible! I can confidently recommend Thistle Site Design."
Jeni Shaw
Vancouver Reflexology
Body Harmonics Wellness Clinic
Jeni Shaw
Vancouver Reflexology
Body Harmonics Wellness Clinic
"I highly recommend, without any hesitation, Jay Thistle's wonderful services for any business looking to take their web presence and e-commerce up a serious notch. My companies and clients have all found her to be thorough, extremely professional, an excellent communicator, and extraordinarily efficient."
Jonathan Ruben, CA, CPA, CFP
JRPC Toronto
Jonathan Ruben, CA, CPA, CFP
JRPC Toronto
"I was very impressed with Jay's work upon creating my web site. She was very professional and accessible. I have strongly recommended her services to many people."
Dr. Kevin Bloom Toronto
Dr. Kevin Bloom Toronto
"I really appreciate how you were always very prompt and responsive to my needs and to the changes which were sometimes necessary during the design process. My website, through your efforts, is a very striking design which ranks well in the search engines. I recommend you highly to all who need an exceptional website."
George J. Kubes
Barrister & Solicitor
Kubes Law Firm
George J. Kubes
Barrister & Solicitor
Kubes Law Firm
"Working with Thistle Site Design was a pleasure. They were able to envision my ideas and make them even better! The resulting site is one I am extremely proud of. Their level of professionalism and creativity is astounding and refreshing. I eagerly recommend Thistle Site Design to anyone requiring a beautiful and functional presence on the web."
Trudi Barrett
Motessori Educator
Kindergarten & Tutoring
Love of Learning
Trudi Barrett
Motessori Educator
Kindergarten & Tutoring
Love of Learning
"Jay, and the Thistle Site Design team are simply fabulous! I sent ideas and a rough outline of what kind of website I was looking for and they were able to bring my vision to life. I am so happy and thrilled to have such a great website which truly captures the essence of my business and my personality perfectly.
Jay and her team are always available, even on short notice, to answer questions and make changes and this is something you simply can't find anywhere else! Their creative input was a big help to someone like me who has little design experience. Jay's warm personality and caring nature made her easy to work with and was a comforting reassurance that I had made the right choice to use Thistle Site Design. I highly recommend their services!"
Katie Antonutti
Nude Food Nutrition
Jay and her team are always available, even on short notice, to answer questions and make changes and this is something you simply can't find anywhere else! Their creative input was a big help to someone like me who has little design experience. Jay's warm personality and caring nature made her easy to work with and was a comforting reassurance that I had made the right choice to use Thistle Site Design. I highly recommend their services!"
Katie Antonutti
Nude Food Nutrition
"Your blend of enthusiasm and tremendous results oriented SEO has, in collaboration with our team, yielded a highly visible and dynamic website that has drawn rave reviews and delivered new business prospects to our doorstep."
Walter Palisca, President
Newmarket Ontario
Palcam Technologies
Walter Palisca, President
Newmarket Ontario
Palcam Technologies
"Jay and her team were able to quickly and efficiently take my ideas and run with them to create a website that is everything I hoped for. It has generated highly positive feedback. Not only am I extremely satisfied with the result, but Jay was able to make the process smooth and completely painless. The Thistle team’s blend of technical expertise and creative genius with unparalleled response time and patience, can't be surpassed."
Peter. J. Reiner
Reiner Law Toronto
Peter. J. Reiner
Reiner Law Toronto
"I could not have wished for a better person to work with on my website than Jay. She really understood my objectives and was extremely helpful to me, bringing her valuable insight and experience to every detail. Her focus, professionalism and responsiveness kept everything on track so that my website launched on schedule. With Jay's warm personality and sense of humour, this has been a much more enjoyable experience than I would have anticipated. I highly recommend Jay and her team."
Sandy Badgley
Holistic Nutritionist, Toronto
pinstripenutrition.ca
Sandy Badgley
Holistic Nutritionist, Toronto
pinstripenutrition.ca
"Thistle Site Design has been looking after our website design and maintenance since 2003 and we couldn't be happier with their knowledge, commitment and dedicatio. Their level of attention, response time and constant advancement has kept our site on the cutting edge. Our business has been significantly enhanced by the Thistle Team. You are a huge part of our success!"
Dr. Sender Deutsch
SHAPE Toronto
Dr. Sender Deutsch
SHAPE Toronto
"Thistle Site Design designed my website recently and I must say I am thrilled with the results. Right from our first meeting they instantly understood what I had envisioned. Within a short period of time they delivered a sleek, professional website that has separated me from my competitors. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for website design services." Steve Wall
Steve's Masonry Collingwood Ontario
Steve's Masonry Collingwood Ontario