Basics of Search Engine Optimization

The first step with any subject matter is to get down a foundation. With that in mind, let’s get into the basics of search engine optimization.

Search engine optimization, or SEO as it is known, is simple the methodology of manipulating a site for one purpose and one purpose only – to get top rankings on Google, Yahoo and MSN. SEO can get complex and challenging. If you ever lose your way or get frustrated, just think back to this simple summary. Is what you are doing going to get you ranked or not?

Rankings. Just what are we talking about when we discuss “top rankings?” Let’s assume you have a site devoted to bird watching. You would want your site to come up when someone does a search for relevant bird watching terms. If your listing is on the first page of results, a certain percentage of people are going to click your link and visit your site. This obviously leads to sales, which is a good thing!

So, just how do you go about getting these mysterious top rankings? Well, there are a number of factors that go into the process. They include things such as the number of links pointing from other sites to yours, the keyword phrases you use on the pages of your site, how you place those words and, well, a bunch of other things. This is an article on the basics, not a thesis!

Why is search engine optimization such a great thing? The primary reason is it produces tons of quality traffic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. As long as you stay in those top listings, you should reap the benefits on a consistent basis and rake in cash accordingly.

If you are having problems picturing the value of search engine optimization, consider a simple example. Assume you had a site selling electronics. How much business do you think you would do during the holidays if you were ranked number one for “Christmas gifts for Men?” Let’s just say retirement planning would not be a problem.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about search engine optimization for SEOServicecompanies.com.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_254047_62.html