MISTAKES LEADING TO SITE BURY ON NET.

If you have a website, there's a good chance you've asked this question (or a variation of it) many times. You may have even searched online for a solution. After all, there's no lack of companies claiming they can place your website atop the search engines.

If fact, you don't have to look any further than your e-mail inbox to see these promises. Search engine ranking is a common spam topic.

When providing advice on improving search engine ranking, I focus on five components that revolve around your content. But before I tell you how to use them, let's eliminate one myth before going any further.

Spending tons of money on your website has little -- if any -- effect on your search engine ranking. Any attempt to buy your way to the top of the search engines will only leave you frustrated ... and holding an empty wallet.

If you truly want your website in the top positions on search engines, prepare to put in some effort. What I'm about to tell you is not a "lazy man's way" to search engine success.

Instead, you'll find solutions to the 5 biggest mistakes I see on websites as they relate to search engine rankings.

Website Mistake #1: Your content is outdated.

Search engines such as Google crave fresh content. So treat your text as if it was your wardrobe -- and keep it updated. Better yet, commit to regularly adding new content to your website.

Your written words are the most important aspect of your website. When you provide current content that matches your prospects' needs, you encourage repeat visitors and give yourself more opportunities to be found in the search engines.

When writing your new content, keep in mind the following two questions posed by legendary copywriter Robert Collier:

What is the bait that will tempt your reader?
How can you tie up the thing you have to offer with that bait?

Website Mistake #2: You have a low number of incoming links.

The number of other websites linking to your website is an important factor in your search engine ranking. As you build incoming links, your credibility with the search engines grows.

One way I like to boost incoming links is by distributing articles to directories such as EzineArticles, Articlesbase, GoArticles and iSnare.

When you use these free services, you give online publishers the opportunity to post your articles on their sites, blogs or newsletters. So, in addition to increasing your incoming links, your work is introduced to a new audience of prospects.

You can also build links back to your website by writing comments on blogs and forums related to your industry.