Recently I was asked, "How can I get into the top 10 search engine results?" And, "How hard can it be?"

It's not that hard, but takes some time and effort.

1) Build a SEO-Friendly Website. Be sure to use Search Engine Optimized (SEO) architecture, and a Content Management System (CMS) so you can easily add new content on a regular basis.

2) Put Links On Your Website. Make sure you have a links page with "quality" outbound links to other relevant website who also have quality content. And, make sure you have quality inbound links from websites with relevant content.

3) Use Google's Webmaster Tools to watch your site, to trouble-shoot SEO issues, and to submit your sitemap. Webmaster Tools are free and will give you a lot of insight into how Google "sees" your website.

4) Include Meta Data. Make sure you have meta data for all your pages for search engines that depend on meta data for displaying search results.

5) Quality Content. Have high quality content on your site that is relevant to what your business offers, and add new content on a regular basis.

6) Avoid SEO Snake Oil Salesmen. Beware of SEO companies who promise they can get you to the top in a week or two—this is the equivalent of a pill that makes you lose 50 pounds in a week.

7) Monitor your website. Be sure to fix broken links, adjust your content so the keywords you are targeting are in balance, and be aware of how your website is being used by visitors.

8) Don't try to take shortcuts to "trick" Google. Never use strategies they do not approve of as Google will penalize you and push you down.

9) Learn About Google. Take the time to understand how Google works and how it differs from Bing, Yahoo and other search engines.

10) Work With SEO Professionals. If all of the above tips sound like more than you can do yourself, hire someone who knows how to do this for you, or lower your expectations for your website.

Search engines have changed and evolved over the years and will continue to do so. What works today may not work so well 5 years from now, and today's approach for SEO will have to be adjusted as new technologies and new ways of using the internet evolve.