Where have I gone wrong?

[bear]

I'm willing to pay someone to tell me where I've gone wrong in a not-for-profit community site I've done, as far as getting a decent listing in Google. What I need is someone who is well versed in the best way to receive a higher listing, short of other sites linking, spamming the SE's, and paying for loads of advertising (all quite out of the question). A "competing" site has #1 in Google, and I just don't see why, as I've more content, and I thought decent SEO. What he *does* have is a small network of sites with the same content, all linking back and forth with a large block of small text links. Perhaps that's it?
:banghead:
Does anyone here know of (or are you?) an expert in these things? I'd like to hire someone to look at my site, and tell me why it just doesn't get listed within the top 5-6 (or greater) pages. It'll take maybe an hour of your time, and I'd be willing to pay one person $20 via Paypal for decent advice on what's wrong.

If you don't have an understanding of how this works, don't bother replying, please. I need proper advice here.

Details of the sites available via PM to those interested.

[ldcdc]

Try to find out why over at highrankings.com/forum . Lots of SEO professionals there.

However, I suggest you don't offer them those $20. :)

What he *does* have is a small network of sites with the same content, all linking back and forth with a large block of small text links. Perhaps that's it?If those links have SEO focused text and they're numerous, they can be a very serious factor in determining search engine ranking in Google.

If there is a fast way to high search engine rankings, getting links with the right keywords is it. (at least for now)

[bear]

So you're saying that offering $20 is insufficient to get any interest in some specific advice, then? What would be a reasonable fee to offer, do you think?

I'm really not asking for someone to do this for me, just explain some basics as to why I can't seem to get results, no matter which information/instructions I follow. I'm missing something fundamental, I'm sure...

[bear]

Striking lack of interest at the current level. Offer withdrawn (in shame apparently) until I can look into what's a better approach.

[ARTzWeb.net]

My post might be considered as advertising, but it can provide you with a good insight on what to consider for your website. I have personally written some articles related to Internet marketing which covers most marketing strategies. Visit <<ADMIN NOTE: Please PM it to the thread starter (or copy anything relevant and repost it).>> to see the articles.

I agree that asking someone to optimise your site for $20 is not providing a serious incentive.

[bear]

I agree that asking someone to optimise your site for $20 is not providing a serious incentive.I'd agree it wasn't a good incentive if I were asking someone to do the optimizing. All I'd wanted was a few tips to point me to where I'd failed. Not neccesarily the same sort of thing, I believe.

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.

[ldcdc]

So you're saying that offering $20 is insufficient to get any interest in some specific advice, then?Nope, I was saying that I would rely on their good will to help me out and give me a few pointers. You'd be safer from a rules point of view as well. Offering money might be considered advertising by some.

[bear]

Thank you for the advice. Sounds like a place to lurk for a while to get the feel for it.