This does not mean that we set unrealistic deadlines, or that we take every project that comes our way, but for those projects that we want to be a part of, we do whatever it takes to get it done. Whether that means working a 60 hour week or putting in some time on the weekends, we oblige. We understand that our small size means we need to be flexible and accommodating all while exceeding expectations.

Our work never comes in steady flows, it is ever changing. Every business has their slow periods, and we are not immune to that. But, just when everything starts to seem quiet, projects suddenly get green-lit, stalled projects get rejuvenated and clients demands grow; and we adapt.

Working like this does not suit everyone, but in my business, it is where we excel.

Today’s SEO Tricks are Tomorrows No No’s

For quite some time Google looked favorably on a website that had lots of inbound links. The more reputable the site that the link came from, the higher it would rank that inbound link. The idea was that the more quality inbound links you had, the higher your ranking (in addition to all of the other factors Google used) would be. The issue was that with enough quantity, the quality of the link was not that important. And so, link farms poppped up. Sites who’s only purpose in being was to offer in bound links to sites. And you could get hundreds if not thousands of inbound links if you paid an SEO company to set them up.

Very recently Google changed their algorithm and not only caught on to the scam, but it is now penalizing sites that use this technique. There are plenty of websites out there that deal with this topic exclusively so I will not get into it here, except to say that you need to stop thinking that you can fool Google.

Google Wins

In all of the attempts I have seen where people are trying to get higher rankings through manipulation, it inevitably ends badly. The old trick of white text on a white background, using meta keywords inaccurately, duplicating content throughout your site all became targets of Google and the site suffered for it.

Stick to the Basics

The topic of SEO is enormous and I would never be so dumb as to think I know it all, but here are just a few basics that should be followed:

• Format the HTML so that the H1, H2, H3, tags are all in the correct place. This goes for all of your HTML tags.
• Use a unique Page Title on every single page.
• Create content that is important to your customers. And don’t make it all fluff. These pages should have insiders tips, industry insights, how-to’s, etc. Anything that you have gained specific knowledge about because of your expertise, let it be known. Google will see that your site has valuable content (don’t ask how, they just do) and will promote you for it.
• Get reviews on Google Places. This is a  new one that Google is placing a lot of importance on their user generated reviews. Register your business, and ask your customers for reviews. Next time someone says you did a great job, ask that they put it in writing on Google Places.
• Title your images appropriately and use ALT tags
• Create search engine friendly URL’s
• Create Youtube Videos about your specific area of interest. And, be sure to link to your website from the video and describe it properly. If the video is of no use to anyone and receives few views then don;t expect it to help. Try to make videos that are informational and will get views.

There are many many other ways to optimize your site, but these are the basics. Stick to good content and don’t try to trick Google. They know the tricks and they will penalize you for them.

My Daily Routine

I have a number of sites that I check daily to see what is current in the design and development fields. I spend about 10 minutes every morning combing through these sites. If something interests me, I read up on it. If I see something written about more than a few times, I read up on it some more. This way, you will atleast have a working knowledge of the subject . If your client wants the next greatest thing on their site, you are aware of it.

I think the best way of getting into this habit is to create a bookmark folder (I call mine ‘Everyday’, how original) and simply going through the list every morning. If a site becomes stale or does not intereste you anymore, remove it. If you find a great new site, add it. Don’t think that you can get away without these bookmarks. You will forget about sites, and you will lose track.

The List

This list is what I am using right now. It was slightly different yesterday, and will be slightly different tomorrow. But I offer this up as a starting place for people who are interested. I would love to hear your list in the comments.

• http://www.webresourcesdepot.com/
• http://www.smashingmagazine.com/
• http://net.tutsplus.com/ (there are a few other sites in the family here that are great)
• http://web.appstorm.net/
• http://www.uxbooth.com/
• http://www.twitter.com  ( @mashable / @smashingmag / @wpcandy  / @designmagtweets )
• http://www.cssmania.com/
• http://www.365psd.com
• http://visual.ly/