Is it hard to get ranked in google?
The simple answer is it depends what expression you try to get ranked for. The interesting thing, is buyers tend to enter longer keyword expressions than browsers. The man who enters “Portable computer spares” is a browser. The man who enters “Buy Inspiron 1300 hinge assembly” will buy assuming the terms are right, so the second is both easier to SEO and converts better.
So before doing anything else, use google analytics to see which expressions your buyers come from, and which phrases only bring browsers. Test with PPC if you are not sure.
Then it is a case of doing systematic keyword reseach
(a) There is sufficient traffic
(b) The traffic are buyers
(c) The competition is acceptable
Since the introduction of Market Samurai this process is now ten times easier.
From knowing which expressions are sensible to target, THEN decide the pages on your site.
SEO is not an add on or a graft on. It is better viewed as a foundation and design.
Get it wrong and it is mighty hard to change.
Samurai gets its answers from google, and sometimes you cannot trust the answer.
Always worth checking “Google insights” To see if similar traffic is there, and to check trends.
SEO depends on two things.
(a) What you say about yourself – thats “Onsite” factors such as page TITLE, HTags and URLs
(b) What others say about you – thats links, which are the time taking thing.
Not any link, but it is very important that they use the right anchor text. If everyone calls you a “limousine rental company” then google will think it is true. If they all call you “starlight rentals” – what chance you rank for the word limousine?
So before SEO Of anything. Get a keyword report.
Find out what is easy and what is hard.
Then Test on PPC before committing.