5 Best & Worst Practices for Search Engine Optimization

Just because Search Engine Optimization is about improving the page rank of a site through un-paid, or "organic" means, doesn't mean that investing capital into the process of SEO won't bring high ROI if done correctly.  Listed below are some of the best and worst practices for Search Engine Optimization:
Great Link to SEO Techniques

Best Practices for SEO

1. Relevant Keywords - Search Engine Optimization only works if you are using keywords that people actually search for.  Spend some time looking for what words and topics are relevant and timely.
2. Page Titles Lead With Keywords - One common mistake is to have keywords in the page titles appear after non site specific words such as "Welcome" or 'Enter".  All title pages should lead with the keywords.
3. Meta Descriptions That Have a Call to Action - Although meta descriptions do not change the page rank of a site, having a relevant meta description with a call to action can increase the click rate which can lead to higher page ranks in the future.
4. Custom Error Pages - A customer error page with the company's logo and correct status code can help reduce a site visitor's frustration if they reach a page that no longer exists.
5. Optimized Internal Linking Structure - The hierarchical linking structure on your site tells the search engine how important you feel each pages is compared to each other.

Worst Practices for SEO

1. Spread Site Across Multiple Domains - Although spreading your site across multiple domains can reduce traffic to each site, each page is thus reduced in page ranking as your traffic is divided among multiple pages.
2. Title Tags the Same on Each Page - Using unique keywords on each title page will increase the page rank of your site.
3. "Keyword Stuffing" - Putting the same keyword everyone on the page including comments and tabs may actually hurt your page ranking if Google feels you are being deceptive on your site or the keywords are not relevant at that specific place.
4. Pull Down Bars for Navigation - If you use pull downs for navigation, search engine robots will not be able to follow your site past page 1, navigation must never be in drop down form.
5. Not enough Copy - Pages rich in graphics are often most appealing to users, however text is what increases a pages search ranking.  Text/Copy should be included on each pages of a site.

Take a look at various pages you visit and share some areas for improvement you see.