Here is the official definition of SEO from Wikipedia. Search engine optimization could mean different things to different businesses but let’s all get on the same page and discuss what it isn’t.
SEO is NOT:
• Magic
• A myth
• A fad
• Pixie dust
• Science
• A magic pill that solves all of your business and sales issues
• A Harry Potter invisibility cloak
• I could keep going here, but I think you get the point!
Search engine optimization is nothing more than a form of inbound marketing aimed at delivering website traffic to you. It does not revolve around secret coding placed on the back end of your website or purchasing some special service that claims instant results. Search engine optimization is the process of marketing and branding your business online. SEO is 80% marketing and 20% technical so don’t think it requires a developer or a mad scientist. The process stems from identifying the vast variety of search terms used every day by your audience to find what you are selling. In order for your audience to bump into anything stemming from you these search terms need to be available on all material including your website.
Now there is some rhyme and reason to how this is conducted and it is important to understand that search engine marketing is a craft and like any craft you need experience to keep those blades nice and sharp.
What type of person does SEO?
This is a great question because I often times see other companies requesting help from a developer to execute SEO. The implementation of onsite search engine optimization efforts is done by a developer but the preliminary changes that need to be completed should always be done by a marketer that understands what goes into search engine optimization and marketing.
SEO is the process of stepping into the shoes of your audience at all times to anticipate their moves. With this anticipation a website owner can structure all marketing material to be visible when that specific search engine user uses your targeted keywords. You can find your industry related keywords through the use of a keyword research tool which can be found almost anywhere online by just doing a few important searches.
Take the time to fully understand search engine optimization and what it does to offer your company or website the power of visibility in the search engine space.
