What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization which means simply the optimization of a web site in order to make it more effective in showing up in the results of keyword and key phrase searches. SEO also helps a web site to gain higher rankings with search engines. These rankings are what determine which web site goes to the top of the list in search results, and which do not. Without rankings, a web site will float out in cyberspace unnoticed.
There are many factors that determine which web site's places on the first pages of Google and other search engines. That's where SEO companies come in to help, but you must be careful. There are proper ways to do SEO, and there are improper or "black hat" practices which can get your web site penalized or even removed from search engines. You must be very careful with search engine optimization companies that will charge you thousands of dollars and give you a guarantee of placing first on page one. They may use "black hat' practices just to get you on page one to collect your money but when Google finds out that your web site was promoted improperly, then your site will be kicked back down to square one. Your money was basically thrown out the window and your web site will be nowhere to be found.
There are no government agencies that regulate SEO companies and there is no SEO special licensing, there is only Google and other search engines. This is why you must be careful in choosing the right SEO company for you. When you talk to an SEO company agent, don't be afraid to ask questions and get answers.
Utilizing and applying SEO procedures properly for a long term effect is where we come in.
Can I do without Search Engine Optimization?
Many people hesitate when it comes to hiring an SEO company, there a few reasons for this. Not many people understand what search engine optimization is and what's involved, or they don't understand the terminology used by SEO company representatives when they talk to them over the phone. Some people think that if a web site looks great or flashy that people will find it faster, and choose them over their competitors. Most people think that all you have to do is have a web site and people will find it, but they don't understand that there are thousands of web site's out there to compete against and their web site is just one of those thousands.
It doesn't matter what a web site looks like, how many flash animations it has, or that it just exists... if you don't utilize search engine optimization then people will not see your web site in the search results.
