The first step in optimising a website for the search engines is (SEO) Keyword Research.

Keywords and key phrases are what people type into a search engine. What are people going to type into a search engine to find your site? What words are used most in your area? Which are most relevant to your website?

First, generate a list of possible keywords by asking yourself ‘What would I type into a search engine to find the service or product I offer?’

Remember people are not going to know that you are called ‘Dave the Magician’ and search for that phrase; they are going to search for ‘party magician’ or ‘children’s entertainer’ or ‘magician Leicester’.

You can add to this initial list of ideas by asking friends and clients, looking at competitor’s websites – look everywhere. Once you have this initial list, you can add to it and refine it using an online keyword suggestion tool. This will tell you how many people actually use a particular keyword or phrase and also suggest alternatives.

Try the free Digital Point Solutions keyword suggestion tool. This tool accesses the two main providers of search data, Wordtracker and Overture.

Remember, you need to find the keywords that are not only going to drive lots of traffic to your website, but traffic that is going to convert into sales and clients, traffic relevant to what you offer.