What is SEO?

According to Wikipedia, SEO means search engine optimization (SEO), which is the process of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in search engines via the "natural" or un-paid ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results.

Unless you have been without Internet for the last 15 years, you already know that Google is one of the most visited websites in the world.  

Why is it one of the most visited websites in the world?

Because it helps you find what you are looking for.

What does that mean to you as a business owner?  Well it means two things.

• Are you getting found? AND
• Are you making it easy for people to find you with Google?

That said, in the interest of staying educated about the latest trends to boost your SEO for your web presence, this post is a sampling of some of the top content out there for taking your SEO to the next level and getting you acquainted with how you can do this RIGHT NOW!

1.  Search Engine Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing: The Showdown

Kristi Hines takes you through the step-by-step process on getting the most from your social media and SEO efforts.  Search Engine Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing: The Showdown 

2.  How to Select Good SEO Keywords

Darren Rowse is a pioneer in the blogosphere world.  Pay attention to the video "See what the world is searching for with Google Insights for Search".  It's certainly a great way to get those targeted key-phrases!  How to Select Good SEO Keywords  

3.  The Simple SEO Strategy

Corbett Barr of Think Traffic takes you through the implications of setting up a simple SEO strategy.  From this post you can learn and apply basic SEO strategies and achieve results yourself without ever engaging an expert.  The Simple SEO Strategy You Can Build an Empire Around (Complete With Beginner’s Intro to SEO)  

4.  Still not sure about the SEO for your web presence?  

Well, head on over to Hubspots Marketing Grader.

This is a SUPER SIMPLE way to find out if your website is in tip-top shape for Google to love it in 2012.

Here's how you do it:

1. Add your website address like above.
2. Enter competing websites (optional)
3. Email address N/A
4. Uncheck send me updates.
5. Click generate report

Then you will get a report like we did for www.evolvingsolutions.ca

Scroll down to the SEO section (not far down) and you will get a good idea if you are up to snuff or not.  Even if you are, it is always important to make sure you work on this to make sure you stay ahead of the game.

Visit Marketing.Grader.com to run your custom report now!  

If you notice something is wrong (let's hope there isn't!), then you can take the appropriate action to get it fixed right away. 

Search engine optimization is often unnecessarily complicated.  I hope these articles make it easier for you to understand.  However, if you have any questions about SEO, feel free to ask in the comments.