I read an interesting article recently about the differences between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM). In it the author stated that

“Search Engine Optimizing must be the first step in promoting your site”.

I could not agree more. Most of us do not have an unlimited budget for marketing. With a properly optimized website, it’s like giving the gift that keeps on giving. Once your website is optimized, the search engines will find it easier, and based on the theme of the pages, search engines will categorize your site so it displays in the search engine’s result pages when people search for a product or service that your site offers.

So what exactly is Search Engine Optimization?
Search engines are constantly surfing the web for new pages/sites and sites that have changed since the last time they were visited. It only makes sense to program website pages in such a way that makes it easy and more exact for the search engine to add the site to their index. There are many sound practices that go into Search Engine Optimization like page titles that reflect the content of the page, meta tag description and keywords, page content that is unique – not copied from another site. Another sound Search Engine Optimization tip is to have your page focus on one theme.

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder
Believe it or not, aesthetics also plays a part in good Search Engine Optimization. Not all search engines are automatic, some of the largest – YAHOO Directory for one – are maintained by real people. If your site is not pleasing to the eye, easy to navigate and loaded with helpful content then it will always run a distant second to one that is.

search engine optimization, Search Engine Optimizing (SEO) Hide