Here at eConcepts we're a big fan of the Drupal content management system (CMS). As such, we've built up a good base of modules and tips for getting the most out of the CMS when it comes to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Here is a list of our must have modules for SEO purposes in Drupal.

• Clean Urls

Plain and simple, enable the clean urls so you can get nice search engine friendly (SEF) urls and utilise the modules that rely upon this. Easy enough if you're on Apache, if on IIS, then read-up on how to enable it in windows!

• Automated URL Aliases

Ensure that you edit the automated settings in this site configuration option to reflect the node types and pages. For example, for news type articles you might have the /news/category/date/title as the automated path. Good, readable, relevant text and good use of the tokens for taxonomy and titles is key.

This handy module double checks for a SEF url in the system and automatically redirects the non-SEF url to this with a correct 301 type. This ensure any old links or suchlike are maintained and transferred to the new urls seamlessly.

Path module / Pathauto module

The path module enables you to specify your own url for each page. Meaning you can put together a keyword friendly and human readable url for each page to ensure maximum impact for both human and bot! The pathauto module takes this a little further by automating many of the tasks - useful on a larger site with categories.

Global Redirect module

This handy module double checks for a SEF url in the system and automatically redirects the non-SEF url to this with a correct 301 type. This ensure any old links or suchlike are maintained and transferred to the new urls seamlessly.

Meta Tag module

Another handy module allowing you to specify meta tags (info, keywords, descriptions, etc.) for each node, view and more. While meta tags may not carry the weight they used to, to quote SEOMoz, it is another feather on the SEO anvil.

Sitemap module / XML Sitemap module

Two different modules which will hopefully merge into one all-powerful one at some point, but for now each one allows you to create a sitemap for your site enabling those bots to index the site that bit easier!

Search 404 module

This module makes it easy to setup a better 404 (not found) page. Allowing searches, likely content, blocks and more, all making a bit easier to help your visitors find what they need and keep them on your site.

Page Title Module

Allows you to set page titles and control the rules regarding them.

Google Analytics module

Well, you will probably want to know how your site is doing and Google Analytics is still the most popular free analytics tool...