An easy, low expense but effective way to get traffic to your website is by using Keyword Density. Search engines spider the web for sites that contain keywords that match those someone just typed into the engine's ‘search’ facility. If you have one of those sites then the more times those words appear on it, the more chances you’ll have of a high-ranking in the results. Which brings us to the importance of content.

If your pages are packed with product ads and little else you aren’t giving the bots and spiders anything much to feed on. Think about ways in which you can add to a product description – for example a pair of slippers. The most common words to find on a small retail site would probably be something like: ‘Ladies slippers, red velvet, sizes 4 to 7.’ And then the next product would be listed.

Could the keyword ‘slippers’ be used more times if the description were extended? The answer is ‘yes’. Suppose it read – “Slippers: These sexy slippers in red velvet are slippers to dream about. Slippers for seduction, slippers to take you to bed... “ Five uses of your keyword instead on one.

Yet another way to exploit the use of keywords is to have a featured product and write a short article/information piece/advice around it, working in its keyword as often as you can.

And then there’s that little three letter word. Remember that unless you are selling children’s clothes or toys, sex sells. It’s the hottest word on the web. It’s also one that can be worked into the descriptions of many items. Woolly hats might be boring but what about sexy woollen hats? Golf clubs, leather-handled for that smooth and sexy feel?

Sex is the most commonly searched for word on the web and used wisely you’ll be surprised how it can lift your site higher in the listings.

More ways to beat the opposition:

* Include your best keywords and phrases in page titles for both the home page and all additional pages.

* Descriptions, keyword entries and meta tags should also contain some of the most common terms used by your target audience.

* Use key words as alt tags in titles for pictures and graphics used on your site.

* Get into the habit of writing short articles about unusual or interesting facts about items that are for sale and work the item’s keyword into them. Did ancient Egyptians wear earings? When was the first bra worn? Did Casanova use a condom? Search engines love short articles and so do other websites. Embed a link back to your own site in each one and let them be stolen with your blessings. SEO is a game. Play your aces and stay ahead in it.

Kate