Search Engine Optimization

This year’s Garden Center track kicked off with an Internet focus. Michigan State’s Bridget Behe shared research that showed 1 in 4 Americans have searched the Web for gardening-related information. The key, she pointed out, is making sure those consumers find your garden center’s site when they’re doing those searches. As she said, “If Google can’t find you, neither can the rest of the world.”

Here are Behe’s five tips for making your Web site more visible to Google (and the rest of the search engines):
1. Use text and content
2. Don’t hide words in photos. Google can’t see them.
3. Use headlines with key search words
4. Use relevant links to established sites
5. Avoid having art and Flash dominate your site.