SEO: Search engine optimisation

Definition of search engine optimisation

Search engine optimisation (SEO) can be described as the art and science of building web pages that are both search engine friendly and user friendly.

Why does my web site need search engine optimisation?

Your website might look great, but that's no good at all if it can only be found by typing in your company's name, or yourdomain.co.uk. All this does is allow people who know about you to find your website, but it won't bring in new customers. It is like having a telephone, but not telling anyone your number and then wondering why no-one rings you!

Your site needs to be found when someone types in search words that you want to be found under. However, unless you appear in the top 30 listings of the major search engines / directories, you will be unlikely to get much worthwhile traffíc. Therefore, good search engine positioning is vital to your success on the web.

What is search engine marketing?

This is the term that describes the range of marketing techniques needed to make and keep a website visible in search engines and directories, in order to attract visits from its target audience.

Although excellent results can often be achieved through relatively quick search engine optimisation methods, the actual marketing of a site requires constant attention, just as publicising a company using traditional advertising would.

Getting into and then keeping at the top of search engines is a bit like the circus act of spinning plates! This is because search engines are forever changing the goal posts. However, one thing you can always be sure of is that your competitors will be working to accommodate any such changes, and if you are at the top they will also be looking to topple you!

Search engine marketing includes the optimisation of a site, submission to search directories, and often the use of 'pay-per-click' (PPC) campaigns that use keyword-related advertising.

It should also include an on-going and robust link building strategy. M35 Design offers a link building service, or alternatively we can provide training to explain the importance / techniques of link building so that you can manage this activity in-house.

M35 Design has an up-to-date understanding of search engines and search engine optimisation and marketing techniques and we aim to share this knowledge with our clients.

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