What is search engine optimization (SEO)? - Definition from WhatIs.com

Definition

search engine optimization (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of manipulating aspects of a Web site to improve its ranking in search engines. Various approaches are taken to achieve that goal, such as submitting the Web site to directory services, and addressing Web site architecture and content.

Although there are legitimate companies that help Web sites improve their rankings, according to Google's page about SEO, most such offers that arrive in e-mail messages are of little-to-no value. The search engine's own Webmaster often gets SEO marketing offers suggesting that Google doesn't show up well in search results (which is quite unlikely). Google's recommendation for Webmasters? "Reserve the same skepticism for unsolicited e-mail about search engines as you do for "burn fat at night" diet pills or requests to help transfer funds from deposed dictators."

This was last updated in November 2011
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