Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
What Is Search Engine Optimization?
The goal of Search Engine Optimization or SEO is to increase the ranking of a particular website on the SERP (search engine results page) produced by search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The ranking of the website, or where the website sits in relation to other results for any given search query, will affect the amount of traffic it experiences. Your ranking will be different for different search queries or keywords; it is important to try to optimize for many keywords. Most users do not view multiple pages of search results, therefore, websites listed on the first page of results are more likely to have users click on their listing. Search Engine Optimization refers to organic listings or natural listings as highlighted in the image below, as opposed to paid listings; it is possible to pay to have websites rank. Websites are optimized using both on-page and off-page techniques.
On-Page
On-page SEO refers to the practice of optimizing each individual web page which is done using the HTML source code and content. Some common on-page techniques include:
- Design
- Page Titles
- Internal Linking
- Meta Tags
- Descriptions
- Structure
- Keywords
- Tagged Headings
Off-Page
Off-page SEO refers to activities, done to help a websites rankings on SERPs, that are outside the boundaries of the web page. Some common off-page techniques include:
- Enhance Presence on Social Networking Sites
- Blogging
- Blog Marketing
- Forum Marketing
- Search Engine Submission
- Directory Submission
- Social Bookmarking
- Link Baiting
- Photo Sharing
- Business Reviews
- Local Listings
- Article Submission
- Social Shopping Network
- Answer Questions
Need Help?
Search engine optimization is key if you want your website to be seen by those who do not directly search your company name. When applying these principles patience is necessary. It can take anywhere from four to six months before you see major results. The sooner you apply these techniques the sooner you will see your ranking go up on different keywords. If you need assistance please feel free to contact us!
