As with any language, one needs
to learn it one word at a time. With the rapid growth of the Internet,
a whole new set of terms and definitions have arisen. To be successful,
a webmaster needs to be able to speak the "language." Below
is a listing of some of the major terms and definitions used when
describing the process and important of link building.
Search Engine: An computerized
index of the web pages; creating a searchable database. Example are
AltaVista, Google
Directory: An index
of web pages, compiled by people and organized more by topic or theme.
Examples are Yahoo, About.
Pay Per Click Search Engine:
A search engine in which the ranking of the sites is determined by
the amount paid for each click from that search engine to the site.
Portal:Are basically
directories, many have added features such as news, browser based
email, online calendars and reminders, fax services, and chats and
discussion forums.
Vortal: Is simply a
portal centered around a specific issue.
Search Engine Placement/Optimization/Positioning:
The work of trying to ensure that a website ranks high in the search
engines.
Meta Description Tag:
The tag present in the header of a web page which is used to provide
a short description of the contents of the page.
Meta Keywords Tag: The
tag present in the header of a web page which lists words which represent
the content in the body of the page.
Keyword: A word or phrase
which is used when searching for a website in the search engines or
directories. It is these words or phrases that webmaster use when
describing or explaining the content of their website.
Keyword Density: Represents
the frequency these keyword words appear in a page or in an area of
a page. It is a critical issue for search engine ranking-the more
often the keyword or phrase appears in a page, the higher its search
engine ranking. If repeated too often though, it could lead to the
page being penalized for spamming.
Spamming: It is a procedure
of abusing the normal search engine ranking techniques, such as using
hidden text, excessive repetition of a keyword, etc. This term is
also used when describing the practice of sending unsolicited bulk
email.
Link Popularity: The
number of sites which link to a particular site. Many search engines
use link popularity as a factor in determining the search engine ranking
of a website.
Reciprocal links/link exchanges:
The process where two webmasters agree to show the other's link on
their website.
Link Building: The process
of creating inbound links to owns website. This can be done reciprocal
links, being listed in e-zines, newsletters, directories, search engines,
etc.
Link Exchange Program:There
are many variations but most normally refers to a sign-up program
where webmasters agree to host and link to a members-only links page.
Link Farm:
A recent term used to describe some link exchange programs. These
programs are nothing more than random links on a page and really do
not help one popularity. Can be considered spamming.
Link Management:The
process of organizing and maintaining a website's reciprocal links.
Normally a paid service.
LinksManager and Links4Trade
are two examples.
-Larry Sullivan
Linking101.com
Larry
is the owner and webmaster behind Linking101,
is a website dedicated to assisting webmasters find information, resources,
and a better understanding on the power link popularity and link exchanges
wield. Linking101.com
has a free opt-in newsletter, product reviews, articles, and its own
unique custom link products to help give you the edge you need.
