I just started a 2nd site and it has taken me so long to get my first site ranked and things have changed so much in the last 3.5 years, what are the best practices for getting a new site ranked/indexed now adays.

Any advice is appreciated.

I like the book "Search Engine Optimization for Dummies" 2nd edition. It touches on every aspect of search engine optimzation. A great starting point if you are new to this game.

Not sure about your web design styles. Building css-based sites can make your sites much more friendly to search engines. Avoid image-heavy or Flash-heavy sites.

Books are a great starting point but some can be outdated. Search engines are always changing and quite often, books will become outdated quickly. I would post a new thread on the particulars of any books you would like to purchase to get some feedback from other members here.

regarding your site:

Firstly, I would never place an order from your shop. Why? You don't have a contact number or address. People are so weary about shopping online so you must factor this into the equation. Im assuming your a registered business? If so, tell people about it. Even if your not, put people at ease by proving a mailing address or contact number and an about us page.

I have never been a big fan of oscommerce and prefer zencart. If I am being honest though they both look tacky from install. Please don't take offence, its just the limitations on the designs of oscommerce and does not reflect on you. You could invest on getting a custom design or even a template.

Have a look here: http://www.templatemonster.com/oscommerce-templates.php


I would put your information pannel at the top or certainly add your contact page to the top menu. Somewhere people will see it and realise they will be buying with a reputable company. Likewise, I would add a disclaimer, privacy policy etc to the menu, perhaps even create a footer for this.

As far as I am aware, the following link is not se friendly: http://www.goodnewsclothing.com/index.php?cPath=53&osCsid=b9f4304b709c5b84a6ae250232dc199a

Consider mod rewrite to change dynamic urls to something like http://www.goodnewsclothing.com/christian-clothing/tshirts/mens-tshirts

Have a look at one of your competing sites: http://www.faithfantastic.com for some ideas. Note the community and charity section on their site? Shows they care and also provides content, something that your site is currently lacking. Consider adding new content to your site. Articles on christianity or news from the web. This is the most important aspect in my view regarding seo. Build a news section or article section for your site and add new and exciting content for the christian community. What about a blog or forum? chat room? all these help

Do you have a store on ebay? Why not add a few items and see how it goes. don't forget to add a link to your website

ryanmcmaster,

Thanks for the review. I am taking your advice to heart and made a todo list last night and plan on makes some changes very soon. I am very thankful for your advice (and time!), I think you gave excellent advice.

I started this site a few years ago and didn't know about osC templates, I do now and have used them on my new site (http://www.faithfultrends.com, not completely done yet - this is the site I was asking for).

Any advice it appreciated.