First, let's break down the term Search Engine Optimization.
A search engine is software that searches internet content to find sites that match a particular topic (by keywords or keyword phrases). Google, for example, is a very popular search engine.
In Merriam Webster, optimization is defined as “an act, process, or methodology of making something as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible.
Therefore, Search Engine Optimization is the act or process of making a website as fully perfect, functional, and effective as possible through maximizing the function of search engines. SEO is about getting a website in top rankings (the top 20 rankings or higher).
How is this done? Basic SEO is made up of these three techniques:
Optimize site content (what Internet users see)Optimize source code (invisible to Internet users, visible to search engine crawlers)
Get other sites to link to your site
What is the goal of SEO?
The end goal of SEO is to bring as many visitors to your site as possible. In the case of many businesses, the point of getting many visitors to a site is to boost sales. Other websites's goals are to get viewers to click on their website ads and therefore earn some money.
Why is SEO important?
Most internet users use search engines to find the information they are looking for, so it's important to be visible to search engines. Also, since there are billions of sites listed in Google alone, and since most search engine users don't look past the first two pages, it's important to be placed within the first 20 rankings.
People the world over are making millions by effectively promoting their website. With the online environment being more competitive than ever, and with SEO being one of the most cost-effective marketing means for bringing in new customers, companies who perform SEO have a much higher advantage over companies who don't, or who ineffectively, perform SEO.
