Search Engine Optimization does exactly what its name suggests. It increases online traffic to particular websites through keywords, tags, social media, links and design. Think about it: when using search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing, we want to find what we're searching for immediately.
With an increase in the need for instant gratification and a decrease in attention span, Search Engine Optimization has never been so crucial for e-businesses. The instantaneousness of the internet has given us information that is literally a "click" away. But first, we have to make sure the information shows up.
There are five key components that make Search Engine Optimization effective:
• Anchor text: this refers to the words that make up a link. Think of links as the search engine highway, creating paths to new, related content. It serves as a way to let the search engine know what your website is about. Both internal and external links help make the website more accessible because a user can find your content without necessarily typing in the exact key words on your site. Links also give your website more value.
• Key words: these words are important in categorizing the information on your website. Key words should be used throughout the site's content, but should not be overused. Too many key words will result in a website that is viewed as spam.
• Title tags: you wouldn't pick up a red pen if you wanted to use a black one, right? The same goes for title tags. They are important in the specificity of the phrase being searched and should include key words. A good title tag should match the content of the website while also keeping in mind what a user would typically type in a search engine.
• Social media: the importance of social media from an SEO standpoint will only continue to grow. Social media outlets enable companies to find and expand their target consumers, all while adding the personal aspect of human interaction.
• Content management: an effective Content Management System should be user-friendly and appeal to search engines. A good CMS will create a URL that is specific to the information on that page, therefore making it an optimal choice for a search engine. A good CMS will also have an organized, clean look, making it both user-friendly and SEO-friendly.