What is SEO or Search Engine Optimization?

Jan 18, 2010   //   by mbaldwin   //   Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization  //  No Comments

What is Search Engine Optimization?

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the process of increasing traffic to a web site from search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing for FREE! Optimizing a web site will increase its ability to show up at the top of the search engine rankings page.

Why is it important?

Search Engine Optimization is important because there is an increasing amount of searches conducted daily.  According to searchenginewatch.com there were an estimated 91 million searches conducted in march of 2006. That number in June of 2009 increased to an estimated 304 million searches conducted daily. These are staggering numbers that are going to continually increase. Think of a service you offer, type the name of the service into Google with the city you work in and see what comes up. There’s a good chance your competition is reaping the rewards of a number 1, 2, and 3 spot.

How does it work?

Search engines have to determine whether a web page is relevant to the keywords searched by a user. So when a search is conducted the Search Engine goes to its database (index) and looks for the best result based on the keyword searched by the user. It’s the job of the search engine to provide quality search results on the first try (this is why Google dominates the search market). Google has an algorithm that is a mathematical formula used in ranking a web page for keyword relevancy. Though keyword relevancy is important for a search engine what web page will show up number 1. It’s not the only thing it takes into consideration when ranking. Inbound links to a web site or web page are important elements in which a search engine looks at when ranking a website. Search engines need to understand the credibility of a website which they do from links. Search engines count every link that points to your website as a vote. This will determine if you place number 1, 2, or 3.

I hope this gives you some insight as to what SEO is and how it works. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions feel free to ask by posting a comment.

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