What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
To understand what SEO is, we first need to know about Search engines. Search engines fetch data from a web based network using an algorithm and a set of input given by the user. They help in searching for information on the World Wide Web (WWW) or the FTP servers. The search results, which are based on the keywords entered by the user, are then presented as a list or a hit. A hit is a collection of websites, relevant web pages, pictures and all the files which contain the keyword. The search may contain either search results which are obtained by the algorithm or paid advertisements which are also called sponsored links.
Now that we know what a search engine is, let us discuss about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is a technique by which the rank of a website or a web page is increased so that it becomes visible in the search results of the search engine. This is accomplished by using various kinds of searches such as searching of images, searching locally, searching of videos and searching vertically so that the website gets to make its presence felt on the web. It is important for the website or webpage to come in one of the top results of a search engine or to appear quite often so that it can attract more visitors.
There are two ways in which a website can increase its presence on the web:
- Increase the number of expected keywords in the website.
- Use search terms that are most suitable for the website. The search terms should be properly distributed in all the pages of the website. The pages should be split in such a way that there is more visibility and it should ensure that there is atleast one search term in each page.
In order to improve the search engine indexing of a website; edit its contents, any coding associated with it and also the HTML. This indexing can also be achieved by increasing the amount of backlinks and inbound links. A website becomes web friendly only when it is more visible to the user.
SEO Assistance
Website owners seek assistance from the SEO Firm when they are redesigning their website or even before they launch their website. These services make a website more accessible to the search engines and hence are easily found by the users. Some of the services provided by these companies are as follows:
- Assist in the website development
- Monitor the content of the website and develop its structure
- Handle business development campaigns
- Perform a keyword analysis for the website
- Provide SEO training
These Search Engine Optimization San Francisco firms either charge one time for smaller websites or provide packages which can be used by monthly subscriptions for providing continuous SEO support.
There are two types of services for SEO:
- On Page Optimization: This includes rewriting of the internal links, making use of keyword matching techniques, fixing the broken links and many such services.
- Off Page Optimization: This includes taking care of press releases, book marking of the article, posting on forums, directory submission, social book marking etc.
Companies providing SEO services
There are a lot of companies which provide SEO Services. A website owner should hire a good SEO service provider. There are many such SEO companies in the United States. For a successful website the owner should hire a company that makes the website more visible in the search results by making use of legal techniques. It should be ensured that the firm’s track record is good. Such a firm will be able to meet all your requirements and make your website the most visited website.