Marketing Terms

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Definition

The process of choosing targeted keyword phrases related to a site, and ensuring that the site places well when those keyword phrases are part of a Web search.

Information

There is much confusion about search engine optimization (SEO) and its relation to search engine spamming. Generally, legitimate search engine optimization adds to the user experience, while search engine spamming takes away from the user experience, although there is much gray area between the clear-cut examples on either side.

Optimization involves making pages readable to search engines and emphasizing key topics related to your content. Basic optimization may involve nothing more than ensuring that a site does not unnecessarily become part of the invisible Web (the portion of the Web not accessible through Web search engines). Advanced optimization may include significant research into every element of page design, site structure, and off-the-page criteria.

Before pages can be optimized, research must be done to determine which keywords to target. This involves finding relevant keywords, determining their popularity, assessing the amount of competition, and deciding which keywords can be best supported with quality content.

Pricing Models Include:
one-time flat fee
monthly fixed fee
pay-per-click
pay-per-ranking
revenue sharing

Tools

SEMrush – full suite of search engine optimization tools. (free trial & discounts) sponsored

see also: Digital Marketing Tools
see also: Digital Marketing Discounts

Articles

SEMrush vs. Ahrefs vs. Moz
MarketingTerms.com (April 20, 2019)

What Is Technical SEO? Your Ultimate Guide To Getting Started
SEMrush (February 20, 2018) sponsored

Related Terms

keyword research, link popularity, meta tags, pay per click search engine, search engine, search engine spam, search engine submission, top 10

view all terms in the SEO glossary or all terms in the Digital Marketing glossary