What Is SEO?

After talking to others within your field or searching the Internet, you've probably come across the term: SEO. This is short, of course, for search engine optimization. You've probably asked yourself, "What is SEO?"

SEO, or search engine optimization, is simply the process of getting your website ranked higher in the search engines through the natural, or unpaid, search results. In other words, not the paid (Pay-Per-Click) results on the outside columns. This is important because the face of the Internet is changing. With over 75% of large and small companies now online, there's an increase in competition and 'market share' for the top search engine positions. Your goal should be having your website placed within the top ten positions in the major search engines, like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Google, of course, currently holds over 60% of all online searches. So, this should be a primary target for your SEO work. Studies show that most consumers will rarely look beyond these top placements when conducting an online search.

Keep in mind, however, SEO is not done by simply creating a website and hosting it online. Many large companies pay large sums of money to make sure their site stays at the top. Although smaller budgets may not allow for this type of dedicated SEO service, it doesn't mean smaller sites can't still earn their rank. Either on your own, or through an SEO professional, make sure your site has quality SEO services-aimed at getting your site placed higher in the search engines. This is essential to the growth of your website and your business.

Most SEO experts will use two methods to get your site placed high in the search engines: on-page and off-page SEO. Typically, on-page SEO involves editing the content of a site to ensure it is properly optimized for the search engines. Another common tactic is link-building. Although off-page methods may vary, link-building is one common element. How your SEO professional decides to build those links will differ. Common white-hat SEO methods will include forum postings, blog commenting, and article marketing.

First introduced in the mid-1990's, the nature of SEO has changed and continues to evolve with the World Wide Web. As SEO improves, so will the user's search experience on the Internet. So, what is the true answer to the "What is SEO" question? Quite simply, it's essential.

SEO has helped millions of site owners get their online business to the top with the help of an SEO company. Find the best SEO company to get started on the same work for your site today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_Matthews