Following are TIPs for improving search traffic from Google to your website:

TIP #1. Realize that a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous. Many people who spend a good deal of time on the Internet and even some who have thrown together a website feel they are experts. They cling to the notion that keywords in the meta tags will solve all search problems. These tags are almost completely ignored today by search engines, especially Google. Take everything that these so-called experts advise lightly.

TIP #2. Well-chosen keywords that appear in your titles (and always have a title), headings and text help with placement. The keywords should relate to your content. Do not repeat the same ones over and over and over (Google will punish you, if you do). In the beginning, slick website designers would try all kinds of tricks - make the keywords the same color as the background. Google is onto the tricks, so don't be tricky.

TIP #3. There should be a balance of keywords on a page. Google sees red flags when keywords appear excessively. A rule of thumb is to keep keyword density below 20% of the content. You want to make sense for your readers. Write so they want to come back after you've gotten them there.

TIP #4. Content, content and content is still king. Users think of the Internet as a library, so the more useful and compelling your content is, the more often they will visit and the higher you will place in rankings. It is suggested that you update your content (at least 200-300 words) a day. I update at least weekly and offer lots of information on my sites.

TIP #5. Avoid duplicate content. Even if you have several websites, having pages with identical content almost guarantees that Google will drop your listing.

TIP #6. Linking on the Internet is like networking in the real world. Use links to other sites that relate to your website and will be helpful to your visitors. Link swapping is a good idea and helps with ranking, as long as it makes sense. I never link to another site that doesn't fit what I'm about or goes to a site that turns me off.

TIP #7. Design, or have your designer, create a website with a good balance between looks and content. The best and most effective websites have design and simplicity paired with easily read and informative content.

TIP #8. There is more to marketing than just placing high in Google rankings. It is not the end of the world if you follow all of the suggestions and TIPs and still don't place high in the rankings. Check out the book, 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site, and make sure that you include your website address (URL) on every bit of printed material you send out.

TIP #9. It is impossible to create a website or web page that pleases everyone. I am on several discussion boards where participants ask for feedback on their websites. What one person loves, another hates and so on. My advice is for you to love it -- that way you will want to keep it updated and pleasing you.

TIP #10. Don't ever forget the importance of CONTENT!