The Basics of SEO - Some FAQs
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Internet Business -> subcategory SEO.
Understanding SEO: Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Search engine optimization (SEO) often seems foreign to many. It's a frequent topic of inquiry, so I’ve compiled this FAQ to help unravel the basics and make the field more approachable.
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Why Are Search Engines Important?
Approximately 85% of website traffic is driven by search engines. Interestingly, only email surpasses search as the most common online activity. Moreover, 79.2% of U.S. users rarely go beyond the first page of results, and 42% click on the top result. For those under 40, the internet is expected to become the primary media source in the next few years.
How Do Search Engines Rank Pages?
High natural search rankings cannot be purchased. Instead, search engines use complex algorithms to determine content relevance. Spiders or robots crawl and index your site to assess its usefulness.
Can I Pay for a High Ranking?
No. Search engines like Google and Yahoo prioritize relevant content to ensure their results are useful, not short-lived.
Search results are categorized into:
- Natural/Organic Results: The primary and most relevant search outputs.
- Paid Results: Advertisements that appear alongside results, labeled as "Sponsored Links."
How Can I Achieve a High Ranking?
Four key steps include:
1. Use relevant keywords on your website.
2. Obtain links from relevant websites.
3. Use strategic keywords in linking.
4. Regularly update your site's content.
What Is SEO?
SEO involves designing a website optimized for search engines by:
- Using appropriate keywords in your copy and HTML code.
- Properly structuring and designing your site.
Some also define SEO by its relationship to 'Link Popularity.'
What Is Link Popularity?
Imagine search engines as an election: websites are candidates, and links are votes. The more links your site has, especially from relevant sources, the more credibility it garners.
Are Some Links Better Than Others?
Yes. The best links:
- Come from similar or high-ranking sites.
- Use varied link text.
- Have minimal additional links on the page.
How Can I Get More Links?
Legitimate strategies include:
- Submitting to directories like DMOZ and Yahoo.
- Checking your competitors' link sources.
- Writing and distributing articles.
- Swapping links and forming partnerships.
What's the Best Way to Build Links?
Publishing informative articles that other sites can republish for free, with your credit link, is highly effective. This method costs nothing and provides control over content and link text.
How Long Does SEO Take?
Achieving high rankings can take time and constant effort, requiring ongoing link generation and management.
What Is the Google Sandbox?
It’s a theory suggesting that Google temporarily withholds new site rankings to validate their credibility and deter SPAM.
What Is the Google Dampening Link Filter?
This theory proposes that a sudden influx of backlinks may prompt Google to temporarily penalize or delay recognizing them.
What Should You Watch Out for With SEO Companies?
Be cautious of SEO firms promising specific results in a set time, especially if they’re secretive about their methods.
Recommended SEO Tools
Explore several free tools for keyword analysis, backlink checks, and more:
- Backlink Checkers
- Keyword Analysis Tools (Nichebot, WordTracker)
- Google Alerts and Sitemaps
- SEO Reporting Tools
Understanding SEO Terminology
For help with SEO terms, visit divinewrite.com/seo_glossary.htm.
What Is Keyword Analysis?
The first step towards a good ranking involves deciding which keywords to target. This requires research and understanding of your business and audience. For guidance, download our free 'SEO Secrets' eBook from divinewrite.com/seosecrets.htm.
Do I Need to Submit My Site to Search Engines?
While it’s generally not necessary, submitting your site to Google early can benefit your site’s visibility.
Should I Submit My Site Multiple Times?
There's no need to submit your site more than once, even if some search engines allow it.
What Are Directories?
Directories list websites with descriptions and can be free or paid. They provide backlinks but vary in effectiveness. The DMOZ Open Directory Project is essential for any site.
For more in-depth insights, download our free 'SEO Secrets' eBook from divinewrite.com/seosecrets.htm.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Basics of SEO - Some FAQs.
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