The term, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), refers to a set of techniques by which web sites and web pages are constructed for maximum recognition and ranking by search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN Search. Using the right techniques can guarantee top listing positions for keywords and keyphrases that are related to a site.

Search engines have one simple objective: To deliver results that are relevant and meaningful to its users. If this objective is kept in mind, building web pages that help search engines meet this objective is not difficult. Most SEO "tricks" generally don't work because search engines quickly discover and ignore them - or worse, penalize the site than uses them.

LeaseGuide.com uses a number of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) methods to lock in its #1 position for "car leasing" and many other search terms on Google, MSN, Yahoo, and others.

Here are the primary SEO techniques used:

- Keyword or keyphrase in HTML page title.

- Keyword or keyphrase in the text title at top of page.

- Keyword or keyphrase in ALT parameter of appropriate IMG tags.

- Keyword or keyphrase in first paragraph of text on page.

- Keyword or keyphrase in name of HTML page file.

- Keyword or keyphrase used frequently (but too frequently) in text of page.

- Keyword or keyphrase in text of all links to the page.

Notice that I haven't mentioned using META tags in HTML headers. Although you'll find them on many of our pages, they were placed there in the past when these parameters were more important than now. Although Google sometimes uses the contents of the META DESCRIPTION tag in its site summary description, it's apparently not used in determining search results.

It takes a little time for SEO techniques to work, so be patient and don't expect overnight success. Once you begin getting good rankings on your site, any new pages you add will automatically enjoy easier and faster results.

Al Hearn is owner and operator of LeaseGuide.com, a popular and highly ranked automotive consumer web site. It has helped thousands of visitors since 1995.