Search Engine Optimization: A Complete Guide

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Nowadays, the very current topic of search engine optimization (SEO optimization) recurs very often within those blogs that deal with issues related to website positioning. Truth be told, this area needs, first of all, to be thoroughly understood as its proper analysis and understanding can really help entrepreneurs to greatly improve their online presence of their business. What, in detail, does search engine optimization consist of? How is this process capable of improving online presence?

Search Engine Optimization: What Does It Mean?

If you have ever in the past happened to search for something online using a search engine such as, for example, Google, Bing or Yahoo, then you will be at least superficially familiar with this topic. Within the search results pages, you have probably already seen the placement of some listings higher and others lower. You may also have already wondered how some results got to that first page and even in what way they reached its highest part. The answer to this question has to do with the process of search engine optimization (SEO).

Unless you are looking for something exceptionally specific, you have probably seen, as a result of your search within a search engine, entire pages of results. In this regard, there is a good chance that you found what you were looking for right away without even having to scroll down the page. In fact, the first organic search result on a Google search results page, according to a recent study, has an average click-through rate of 28.5 percent. The second result an average percentage of 15.7 percent, the third 11 percent.

Before devising a winning strategy of positioning optimization of your own website, it is good to - first - consider what your potential customers are looking for. This may require a little research in order to make sure you are using the right keyword or keywords. Many keywords are very competitive, so you may need to use longer, more specific words or phrases. (Read the article dedicated to theSEO Agency).

The Most Important Factors

Once you have identified the keywords you will use, you can start thinking about what you can do, on your website and beyond. This is all in order to optimize your site. So that the search engines show it as high as possible within the results page. For Google, the ranking of websites is determined by a computer algorithm that changes very frequently. However, Google shares many things that can affect the way the algorithm can list your site. These factors include what is known as optimization 'On-Page' and 'Off-Page' optimization.

'On-Page' SEO Optimization

On-page search engine optimization refers to those factors on your web page that Google's algorithm will examine. This is done in order to determine where your page will appear within the search results. Some of these are technical, such as the site's loading speed, its structure and the code behind your pages. Others, however, are content-related. The issue most people think about is keywords.

Once you have decided on the keywords that your potential customers may use, you want to make sure that they are well represented on the page, in the plain text and also in the headings, tags and image descriptions. In recent temples, however, Google's algorithm has become much more sophisticated and is more likely to 'reward' those sites that offer relevant, complete, unique and clear content than those that contain a high number of keywords.

'Off-Page' SEO Optimization

There are also some factors that affect search engine rankings outside of your Web site and sometimes beyond your control. Most likely to affect your search ranking are other Web sites that link to yours. Search engines like Google view these links as a kind of vote of confidence for your Web site. However, it is not just a matter of how many sites link to yours. It is also a matter of quality. Links to your site will be more valuable if they appear to have high 'domain authority'. There are also other 'Off page' methods such as practicing site registration to relevant guides and sites.

Search Engine Marketing

As we have already mentioned, search engine positioning optimization, also known as SEO optimization, consists mainly in designing a website taking into account the algorithms used by search engines. The goal is to achieve its high ranking within the search results. Search engine marketing, on the other hand, is a strategy designed to help a website rank better in search engines by using dedicated paid advertising tools, such as Google Ads. These paid results, sometimes referred to as 'pay-per-click' ads are another important part of search engine marketing.

What to do to get started

The long and complex process of search engine optimization may initially seem a bit difficult and challenging. In this regard, our company can provide you with specific advice on the subject. In this way, you can apply the lessons received directly to your site and see for yourself the improvements.

Do you want to know more?
Giorgio Chiesa

I am the director of Globaltech Solutions Sagl, a digital marketing agency based in Lugano, Canton Ticino (CH). I have a degree in economics and great passion for internet and technology. I am mainly involved in training, SEO, SEM. I am also the founder and editor of a technology blog.

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