Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of making or creating one’s website or web page to be visible and indexed properly in the search engines. The search engines take the pages they are given and then organize them based on a number of different criteria. SEO tries to take into account this criteria.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is the process of marketing ones website or web page in the various search engines and directories. SEO is usually a part of SEM. Now that we have these terms defined. I wanted to spend a few minutes discussing SEO.
Search Engine Optimization is something that every website needs to deal with. Due the nature of the search engines and the dynamic nature of the Internet, most small business owners will outsource this need. One the issues that I have experienced is that the small business owner, really does not understand what SEO entails.
Matt McGee from the Small Business SEM blog, wrote a good article, Traits of a Great SEO Client: Commitment.
“What traits make a great SEO client?” “In short, if you want to succeed with an SEO campaign, a PPC campaign, a social media marketing campaign, you name it…you must be fully involved in the entire process. “
I can’t agree with Matt more. You, the small business owner, needs to know what is going on and work with those running the SEO project…ask questions, get progress reports, etc.
Another good article is by Steve Haar at Search Engine Watch.com: SEO Expectations and Commitments . Steve provides a nice outline on how to view any SEO project you might be involved in. When working with SEO you need to:
- plan for long haul
- be patient
- set objectives
- keep people informed
- set expectations
SEO projects will vary from business to business but hopefully these two articles have helped you on how to deal with your SEO project.
