What is SEO?🤔
Tags: webdev, seo
Published: 2022-08-30 09:20:49

 __SEO__ stands for Search Engine Optimization. It refers to techniques used to that help your website be more visible to people that are in need of solutions that you can provide when they look up search engines like Google, Firefox and Bing. Therefore people come up with different methods in order to improve their SEO raking, in other words; get more visitors.
SEO can be affected by both the content creators(writers, photographers, videographers) and the technical staffs(frontend, backend).


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6rl0cz2obkc205rc1r4c.png)

## THE THREE PILLARS OF SEO
   1. Technical optimization: This involves improving the technical aspects of the website. The technical staffs are more concerned in this aspect. This happens behind the scenes.
   2. On-page optimization: This ensures that the content on your site is relevant to user's needs. This aspect concerns the content creators. Some content management system can be used to improve SEO. Systems like WordPress, Wix, Expression Engine and so on.
   3. Off-page optimization: This involves enhancing your SEO through means outside of the site. This is majorly done through use of backlinks(links on other sites that go back to your site)

    
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/x7hy6vfoqbrub27ect88.jpg)

## Five ways to improve your Site's ranking
* __Publish relevant, authoritative content__:
There is no substitute for great content. Quality content improves your site's authority and ranking

>>-Keywords: Think of what readers may think of when searching for something and include those keywords in your website.
>>-Multiple Keyword phrases: It is difficult to achieve search engine ranking when you use multiple keyword ranking. It is advisable to use separate webpages for each keyword you are targeting.
>>-Placing keywords: Once you have gotten your keyword phrase. You can apply part/all your keywords to the page URL, page title and/or page headings/subheadings 
>>-Content: Ensure to repeat keywords multiple times in your content. Once or twice in the opening paragraph and then 2 to 4 more times in the main body. Making use of bold, italics, heading tags(especially h1).

* __Metadata__:
This is located in the head tag of your html. It is used to attach information about the contents of your page.

>>+Title Metadata: This metadata is responsible for the name that is displayed at the top browser window and as the headline within search engine results. It is the most important metadata on your page.
>>+Description Metadata: This is a textual description that a browser may use to search for your page. It usually contains two complete sentences. It is not always used by the browser but is good to give it second option.

* __Update content regularly__:
Content is king. Writing additional content filled with keyword phrases(Blogging) helps to boost search engine ranking. The blog post don't necessary have to be bulky. As long as it allows the reader understand more about the page.


* __Link Worthy Site__:
You can improve your credibility by adding relevant links between texts. For example, instead of using "Click Here" make use of "Orezioghene Blog post", Always use descriptive links.

* __Making use of alt tags__:
When adding images or videos to a page; ensure to add the alt in other to give those images/videos a better description of them.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/tr32ncke781c4ym6n44o.jpg)

**Advantages of SEO**
1. Generates visits.
2. Attracts potential clients
3. Avoids disturbing users not interested in your company
4. Generates high return on investments
5. Increases the visibility of your brand

**Disadvantages of SEO**
1. Takes Time
2. Large Competition
3. Requires constant maintenance
4. Cost of services is high
5. Results are not guaranteed 

**Conclusion**
   Search Engine Optimization is important in order to increase the number of visitors your site gets. Although results are not guaranteed why not make your site the best it can be in order to gain profit in the end.