Search engine optimization: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:05, 25 February 2003

Revision as of 06:55, 25 February 2003

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'''Search Engine Optimization''' ([[SEO]]) is a set of methodologies aimed at improving the visibility of a website in search engine listings. The term also refers to an industry of consultants that carry out optimization projects on behalf of client sites.

==History==

SEO began in the mid-1990's1990s, as the first search engines were cataloging the early Web. Many site owners quickly learned to appreciate the value of a new listing in a search engine, as they observed sharp spikes in traffic to their sites.

Site owners soon began submitting their site URLs to the engines on a regular basis, and began modifying their site to accommodate the needs of [[search engine spiders]], the software programs sent out to explore the Web. Special features such as the [[Meta tag]] became a common feature of sites that sought out high-ranking listings.

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The search engines responded with a continuous series of countermeasures, designed to filter out the "noise" generated by these artificial techniques. In turn, several SEO firms developed ever-more-subtle techniques to influence rankings.

==ReconcilliationReconciliation==

In the early 2000's2000s, search engines and SEO firms attempted to establish an unofficial truce. There are several tiers of SEO firms, and the most reputable companies employ content-based optimizations which meet with the search engines' (reluctant) approval. These techniques include improvements to site navigation and copywriting, designed to make websites more intelligible to search engine algorithms.

Search engines have also reached out to the SEO industry, and are frequent sponsors and guests at SEO conferences and seminars. In fact, with the advent of paid inclusion, search engines now have a vested interest in the health of the optimization community.

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==Paid Inclusion==

Paid Inclusion is a fee-based model for submitting website listings to search engines. Historically, search engines have allowed webmasters, as well as SEO'sSEOs and the general public, to freely submit sites for consideration. However, as abuse from some SEO firms in the form of incessant submissions began to strain the engines' capacity, a fee-based system was adopted.

The fee structure is used by search engines as a filter against superfluous submissions, and also as a revenue generator. Typically, the fee covers an annual subscription for one webpage, which will automatically be cataloged on a regular basis.