SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization" and is a term standing for various methods to achieve better position in a search on Google (or other search engines).
Search engines (like Google) determine the quality and importance of a website by analyzing a site with automated crawlers which are constantly indexing and scouring the web.
The crawlers scan the site and "get an idea" about the website, find out what keywords are relevant for the site. The internal google algorithms then decide where to position your site within google for a given keyword search.
There are more factors involved (see later below) - but this is it in a nutshell, in simple words.
Search engine position is crucial if you market a product or just want "to get your word out".
The higher your position in Google, the more visitors you get. As simple as that.
"SEO" is the profession focusing on exactly this, the art of getting high search engine ranking by applying various methods.
On-Site SEO and Off-Site SEO
There are two main types of SEO, which are
On-Site Search Engine Optimization
Off-Site Search Engine Optimization
On-Site Search Engine Optimization Methods:
This applies to all analyses and modifications of the website itself, its core elements, like the HTML code, content of the website, links and all elements which your site is made of.
Those site elements are optimized according to the knowledge what importance a certain element currently has for Google search engine position and your keywords.
The elements are modified by editing the page itself, that is, using a HTML/site editor, like MS Expression Web, Frontpage or a plain text editor. This does require a knowledge of HTML and a knowledge about a website's elements, eg. meta tags and their importance..
As rule, before all: Your website must have a good internal SEO structure, it must be relevant for your keywords, the product or audience you target - without appearing "spammy".
It also must be easily accessible and searchable by the crawlers.
Off-Site Search Engine Optimization Methods:
This covers all optimization methods which are not done by directly modifying the website itself.
Search engine and directory submission, optimization
Building links and getting other sites linking to you
Other forms of promotion and of "getting your message out there"
Methods of getting traffic to your website
Also, Off-Site SEO is not as easy as it looks above, there are quality factors which need to be considered, eg. in getting partner sites linking to you. The wrong link even can damage your reputation and therefore Google's opinion of your site.
Those two SEO methods combined, On-site and Off-site search engine optimization ultimately decide your success in getting a high google position if someone searches for your product or website subject - amongst possibly thousands of other competing websites.
Blackhat SEO, Greyhat SEO and Whitehat SEO
"Blackhat" optimization methods are "forbidden" methods which can be Onsite SEO or Offsite optimization: Tricking search engines or visitors, various methods which are against ethical or juristical policies (Google's or your internet provider's), maybe even breaking the law.
Methods to achieve high google rank and traffic by using "illegal" methods.
I wont go much into details since those methods are controversial and involving risks of getting banned, your site being taken down or more serious consequences. (One example of a Blackhat Offsite SEO method would be using myspace "whoring", using an automated script to get thousands of friends on myspace and then leave commercial ads on their myspace page.)
Whitehat SEO is the usual, ethical way to bring your site to the top in Google, with a zone in between named "Greyhat SEO". Although Greyhat methods might be controversial and unethical they don't obviously break laws and policies.
Why would you want to consult a SEO service ?
The subject is rather complex and involves many factors, in this article I only covered basics so you get a first understanding. It also involves a constantly updated knowledge.
"Big G" (Google) often varies it's algorithms (which are held secret).
One day one method can be the key to your success on the net - at a later time there could be a element of your site Google is looking at which has never been considered before, now weighing in more in their decision where to place your site in search results.
A good SEO specialist is up-to-date with those developments, he uses professional tools and his knowledge to help webmasters being successful on the internet.
Visit www.1up-seo.com if you want more help with search engine optimization
Georg Rauh is SEO specialist, writer and webmaster of http://www.1up-seo.com
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
No comments:
Post a Comment