A Quick Guide to Search Engine Optimization

May 5, 2021

One of the roadblocks that get in the way of true digital inclusivity is the density of industry jargon. Terms like Search Engine Optimization are bandied about by marketing firms and web designers – often with very little clear explanation as to what they mean. Jargonistic language makes concepts seem complex, but there are often quite understandable core ideas at the center of this labyrinth of terminology.

seo quick guide

So, what is Search Engine Optimization in real terms? This quick guide cuts out the jargon and gets to the point. These are just the basics. If this interests you, there is a near infinite amount of research to pursue.

 

Overview

Search Engine Optimization – or SEO for short – is the practice of improving a website’s traffic by ensuring that it appears near the top of the page when people search for relevant terms on sites like Google and Bing. These rankings are incredibly important. The huge majority of online inquiries are made through search engines, so appearing near the top of the rankings is a key way of enticing visitors. In modern business, it is a well-established fact that an SEO agency can help you get better Google rankings. We’ll get into just how they do it later in this article.

 

Origins

Although some people believe that Search Engine Optimization practices started in 1991 with publishing the first website, most people agree that SEO was born in around 1997. One story tells of how the manager of the band Jefferson Starship, appalled that the band only appeared on page 4 of a Google search for ‘Jefferson Starship’, set out to alter their online presence to optimize it for early directory-based search engine algorithms. Regardless of the truth behind this piece of internet lore, it was around this time that digital marketing agencies started to specialize in Search Engine Optimization.

 

Modern Techniques

Search Engine Optimization is a constantly evolving field. Early search engines were directory-based, using an algorithm to choose the most ‘relevant’ results from an approved list. This is no longer the case. Google – by far the most important search engine – has been constantly updating its search algorithms to get faster, smarter results and cut down on manipulation. Modern SEO agencies typically use a multi-pronged approach to improve their clients’ internet traffic. Here are some of the most widely used modern techniques.

Link Building – Link building is the bread and butter of SEO. Google search algorithms have always treated links as a sort of online reputational currency. The more a site is linked to by other quality sites, the better the site will be ranked by the search algorithm. SEO agencies drive up a client site’s reputation by spreading links to it across relevant parts of the internet.

Keyword Research and Optimization – Research is needed to find out what people are actually searching – the words they actually type in during a query. These are known as keywords and must be utilized carefully when producing content to match what potential visitors might search.

On Site Optimization – The client website itself must be optimized to be search engine friendly. This can involve the use of keywords, the writing of quality content and the tailoring of content to the needs of potential visitors.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Is Your Business Being Found Online?

Laptop Metrics Colorado

Free Digital Marketing Report ($150 Value)

marketing module lineWant to know how your business stacks up against the competition?

Read more articles about SEO.

What Do You Need For Creating A Good Online Course

You might be overwhelmed with all the technology and tools to help you build a strong educational program. But before worrying about which platforms and technologies to use, it's essential to focus on what matters most: content. The success of any online course rests...

The 14 Different Types of Entrepreneurship

What is Entrepreneurship? The art of entrepreneurship is making something from nothing. It is the foundation of someone who works for themself and no one else. It is the process of identifying a market need or opportunity and then developing a unique solution to meet...

6 Benefits of Low-Code Development for Non-Technical Businesses

  Are you tired of always being at the mercy of technical experts for your business's application development needs? Probably it’s a good time to turn to low-code development platforms. These innovative tools enable businesses to create custom applications...

How Answering Services Can Boost Real Estate Marketing Efforts

Real estate is a highly competitive industry, and effective marketing efforts can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers and sellers. One way to boost marketing efforts is through the use of answering services. By using an answering service, real...

How To Become Successful In Digital Marketing?

  Digital marketing has become a necessity for businesses that want to reach their target audience effectively and efficiently. It involves the use of various digital channels and techniques to promote products or services, build brand awareness, and engage with...

How To Create Long-Form Content That Ranks, Gets Read, And Converts?

  Content marketing is an essential part of every successful business’s digital strategy. It provides a way to reach potential customers and build relationships with them by providing valuable, relevant content. It can help you establish yourself as an authority...

7 Useful SEO Tips for Small Business Owners

In today's highly competitive digital landscape, small business owners need to ensure their online presence is optimized for search engines to stand out and reach their target audience. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful strategy that can help level the...

Working As A Freelancer: 6 Tips To Help Get You Started

Freelancing isn't for everyone. It takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of hard work to succeed as a freelancer. With all the uncertainties that come with trying to establish oneself in this type of business, it can often be daunting for those who are considering...

Read more articles about business.

What Do You Need For Creating A Good Online Course

What Do You Need For Creating A Good Online Course

You might be overwhelmed with all the technology and tools to help you build a strong educational program. But before worrying about which platforms and technologies to use, it's essential to focus on what matters most: content. The success of any online course rests...

6 Benefits of Low-Code Development for Non-Technical Businesses

6 Benefits of Low-Code Development for Non-Technical Businesses

  Are you tired of always being at the mercy of technical experts for your business's application development needs? Probably it’s a good time to turn to low-code development platforms. These innovative tools enable businesses to create custom applications...

Working As A Freelancer: 6 Tips To Help Get You Started

Working As A Freelancer: 6 Tips To Help Get You Started

Freelancing isn't for everyone. It takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of hard work to succeed as a freelancer. With all the uncertainties that come with trying to establish oneself in this type of business, it can often be daunting for those who are considering...

Why Your Medical Practice Needs a Strong Online Reputation

Why Your Medical Practice Needs a Strong Online Reputation

Unsurprisingly, the medical field has become increasingly competitive, with several businesses vying for market share in local, regional, and national markets. Many medical practices need to realize how important their online reputation can be as they seek to stay one...

The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Tradesman

The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Tradesman

Approximately ⅔ of all homeowners opt to hire a tradesman for home improvement projects. If you’re considering doing the same, it pays to find the right person for the job. A tradesperson can make all the difference in achieving excellent results and an efficient...

Share This