Top Ten SEO Terms

If you are starting out in search engine optimization, there are a few terms and phrases you will need to understand. Here is a list of the most common words and phrases associated with SEO, and what they mean.

Search engine optimization (SEO) - SEO refers to a number of methods used to help your website achieve a high page ranking on search engine results pages.

Search engines - A search engine is a tool that allows users to search for topics on the internet using keywords. A search will return a list of pages relevant to the keywords entered. The most commonly used search engines are Google, Yahoo and MSN.

Keywords and key phrases - Keywords and key phrases are words or groups of words that sum up the content of your site and focus searches on your site. There are different methods of using keywords within a site's content to boost its popularity among search engines.

Keyword analysis - This is the process of choosing the keywords and key phrases for your website that will help you get the highest search engine page ranking possible. This usually takes some research but there are tools available online that will help you with the process.

Directory - A directory is a website consisting of links to various websites relating to particular or different topics. They are often use to help search engine optimize a website.

Inbound links - When it comes to SEO, inbound links are gold. An inbound link is a link to your website from other sites. As well as driving traffic directly to your website, inbound links will boost your page ranking on the search engines.

Reciprocal links - Reciprocal links are created when the owners of two websites mutually agree to link to each others sites. This is a double edged sword, however, as it may drive traffic away from your site, as well as attracting visitors.

Natural links - These are the best kinds of links. They occur when other websites link to your website without asking anything in return, normally because they like your website or the product that you offer.

Spider - A spider is the software used by search engines that indexes your website's content for inclusion in their databases. Make sure your website is registered with the search engines. A site map will also help a spider do its work.

META tags - These are essential for good SEO. META tags are included at the top of HTML pages and usually include keywords and a description of the website. Well researched keywords will help boost the website's search engine popularity.

These are just some of the more common words and phrases you will come across as you set out on your SEO adventure. However, you will come across many more as you gain knowledge and experience.

For more freelance business ideas, visit FreelanceSprout.com.