One of the most frustrating aspects of search engine optimization is that the formulas that determine it do indeed change. There is also no one single formula for “beating the system” that works because each of the big search engines uses its own algorithms to determine suitability. This makes it a bit impossible to just “crack the code.” In fact, cracking the code is a really dated concept. A better way of putting it might be “cooperating with the code”. It truly is an never ending, eternally time consuming process to keep with trying to beat the system when it comes to trying to stay in favor of the search engine algorithms.

It is very true that search engines doe have slightly different algorithms that can change their criteria without notice but there are some elements that all of them consider precious and that all of them may be looking for that may not necessarily change. For instance, you can't go wrong if your website as a simple, functional design with “clean code.” Clean code is basically HTML that does not have any mistakes out.

If you have well thought out descriptive copy that can help you rank better as can an intelligently designed site that has user-friendly navigation. This can also be augmented by titles and meta-tags that are emphasized for the search engine spiders with keywords or keyword phrases.

In essence, effective search engine optimization is less about “cracking the code” and more about using every day practical common sense to make your web site as informative and functional as possible. Don't think you have to overdo it to attract the attention of the search engine spiders! In fact the latest trend with regards to the different algorithms used by the search engines is to ignore those sites that are over-optimized.