In defining a websites goals the actions that need to be taken will become clear. The goals should be SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Stating that a websites goal is to be seen by the search engines is not enough. Saying that the goal of the website is to achieve lots of sales is also to vague.

Goals should be broken down into very achievable objectives. One of the best places to start in identifying what goals for a website ought to be is to start with the keywords. If done correctly the keywords will give specific targets to aim at. The next area is to identify where the traffic is to come from. This can be search engines, directories, web 2.0 sites or other authoritative sites that already have traffic.

Goals should always be written down. An excel spreadsheet is a good place to start. A good first step is to list out 5 key phrases that the site is aiming at being found for. In the next column list out where the traffic is to come from for each key phrase.

In the third column list the activities that need to be performed to achieve that goal. These activities may include submitting to directories using certain key phrases. Getting links using the key phrases identified. Writing articles with these key phrases. Changing the copy to incorporate the keywords listed under each goal. Using other mediums such as social search, RSS, audio or video.

As each of these goals are achieved review how long it took to achieve it. Note any difficulties and things that may have helped in achieving the goal. And then most importantly set new goals to work to.