The Queen Carries Power To Higher Search Engine Ranking
Tony Subia May 2004
Subia Interactive.com

In the Kingdom of SEO, it is widely accepted that “Content is King”. It still is but be careful you don’t overlook that “Context is Queen”, and it is she, not he that wears the pants in the SEO Royal Family. The Queen wields the greater power of influencing search engine ranking algorithms.

Although search results can be bit suspect at times, few will disagree that the utopian purpose of ranking criteria is delivering the most relevant results to a search query. And proficient SEOs realize that it is context and not content that establishes relevancy. Content is simply a carrier of relevant context to a search query.

It is important to note that search engines rank web pages, not websites. However, ranking potential is strengthened when context is themed throughout the site. The Queen must be nomadic. She has to sprinkle her magic site-wide. She can’t bolt her throne to a single isolated web page. As an example. If the primary core targeted phrase is “Orlando Real Estate”, then those words should be used on all pages to reinforce themed context.

Some engines, particularly Google has implemented criteria that measure value of keywords that are related to the core targets. For example. If “vacation” is a core keyword, it is important to incorporate related words like “travel”, “tourism”, “hotels”, “resorts”, and similar which strengthens the context of “vacation”. It is also advisable to use string extensions such as “vacationing”, “travelers”, ”traveling” and similars including singular and plural versions.

An SEO Savvy Queen will be sure to use an exact matching phrase in content that matches the query, particularly on the targeted page for ranking. She’ll also know that search engine spiders are impressed when context is discovered early in html content and is emphasized in closing summaries. And she’ll know how important it is to include keywords in page title tags, meta descriptions and keyword tags.

A really observant Queen won’t overlook other valuable places to establish strong context such as headings and meaningful alt text for graphic elements. Graphics aren’t read by search engine spiders. And she will be sure to strengthen relevancy by insuring that keywords are contained in outgoing and internal anchor text.

Attaining higher search engine ranking potential requires a harmonious marriage of King and Queen. Just remember who actually wears the pants.