SEO INFO: WHAT IS SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION?

THE BASICS OF SEO

Search engine optimization as it applies to written web content is just one piece of a large pie - I could never fit the all-encompassing "basics" on one page. But, in site content terms, writers utilize keywords that are either chosen for their niche appeal, or chosen for popularity (a more competitive approach) to boost rankings in organic search engine results and get your site on the first page - this ensures more traffic for you, thus more marketing & sale opportunities.

Keywords should be expertly woven into content that is helpful and relevant - it's important to retain an organic sensibility and avoid repetition and non-sensical placement or word choices.

There are plenty of other techniques that all work together under the umbrella of search engine marketing. Writing content, blogging, linking and utilizing keywords are important cogs in the overall machine.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD CONTENT

Content is why humans visit your site - and the bottom line is that it should read naturally and provide relevant, current, and useful information. Sure, you could use black hat techniques to drive traffic to your site, which might boost your clicks and rankings in the short-term; but ultimately having bad content makes you look just the same - bad. Investing in quality content and updating it regularly ensures you see a return on your investment and have a healthy online presence.

Informative content can help you establish a reputation as a great resource, an authority, or a reliable option for consumers and business clients. Having keywords appear naturally in the text of your website lets people find your website, and at the same time allows them to find something worth reading when they get there.

GOOD READS

I'm currently reading Rebecca Lieb's The Truth About Search Engine Optimization. It's broken down into 51 easily digestible "truths" about SEO - how it works & the concepts behind it, and the many ways it can help make your website or business more visible on the web. I would definitely reccomend it to anyone new to SEO and it so far seems like a perfect gateway and introduction to more in-depth reading.

FURTHER INFO

Check out my blog at http://literatrue.wordpress.com for current news and information about search engine optimization for the web, plus posts on social media marketing and other relevant and interesting web 2.0 discussions.