Search Engine Optimization Definition

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the discipline of optimizing web pages so they rank high in search engines like Google. The goal of SEO is to get a website to reach the top of the ‘free’ organic search results. SEO does not aim attention at 'paid' listings.

SEO can be broken down into two components–on-page SEO and off-page SEO.

On-page SEO is what a website owner has direct control over on their actual website. Items such as writing quality copy and making it easy for people to find what they are looking for. On-page SEO also includes technical aspects like having a website that loads fast and works just as well on a mobile phone as it does on a desktop computer.

Off-page SEO can be difficult to influence. It includes factors like getting links from other websites and getting people to share content on social media.

Another thing to consider is the competition. It is much harder to rank well in competitive industries.

Search Engine Optimization Example

A company wants to get more traffic to their website. While researching how, they learn that content marketing can be an effective way to get more people to visit their site. But where do they start?

Over the years, people have asked the company a lot of questions about their products and services. How can it help us? Will it fix my problem? Is it cost effective? How does it compare?

These conversations have provided the company with an effective SEO strategy. They decide to create a blog and have a lot of raw material to start with. The articles will focus on tips, advice, and new opportunities for their customers.

Their goal is to create the best resource on the internet for their niche.

Why Search Engine Optimization Is Important for Strategic Marketing?

Customer Experience

Creating a great user experience and SEO go hand in hand. Helpful content, fast loading pages, and design that works on mobile phones is a must for every SEO strategy. These are the same things people want when they visit a website.

Lead Generation

People often turn to search engines to figure out how to solve problems they are dealing with. When a company publishes content that provides a solution, SEO becomes a powerful lead generation tactic.