What is SEO?

“SEO” stands for "Search Engine Optimization", and is considered one of the key foundations of modern Internet marketing.

“SEM” is “Search Engine Marketing”, and is virtually synonymous with ‘SEO’.

“SEF” means “Search Engine Friendly”, and usually refers to a specific strategy of naming URLs in a manner that enhances the way your site’s secondary page URLs appear to search engine spiders.

The ultimate goal for any SEO expert is to 'optimize' any given website to garner as high ranking on search engines as possible. Achieving high search engine ranking through SEO is primarily implemented by organizing the site's code and layout according to the mechanisms employed by the major search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN.com, and by optimizing the content of the website according to popular keyphrases used by ideal customers searching for industry related terms in the major search engines.

What an SEO Specialist can do for YOUR Website:

An SEO expert can do any number of technical and content modifications that will enhance the visibility of your site in search engine rankings. Typically, an SEO specialist will initially need to be provided with a list of keywords and keyphrases that represent your target market in the search engines (what are people searching for to find your services). Most SEO experts can provide this service with the added value of their experience in the keyphrase research process.

Most enhancements include optimizing metatages, implementing a Sitemap, and adding content that utilizes key SEO strategies that enhance your site's relevance to popular keyphrases related to your market.

Avoid Frauds and False Promises

While some firms promise to get their clients #1 ranking in search engines, this is obviously not a valid claim, as no amount of money can get a brand new site posted at the top of the most popular generic search terms on all major search engines (including Google).

When considering an SEO specialist to optimize your website, beware of outlandish promises that webmasters will drive thousands or millions of hits per day to your website using "their special tricks": if they won't tell you how they're promoting your site, there's a good chance they're using "black box" tactics that can ultimately get your site permanently banned from Google.