New to SEO? Your SEO Questions Answered

The transition from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses to online businesses has made search engine optimisation or SEO a priority for business owners. Whether your business has been online for years or a week, you might have questions about SEO that we’re more than glad to answer.What is a search engine?A search engine is an online database or storage that contains information about websites. Online users can search this database by typing in keywords. The keywords are the words or phrases that online searchers are most likely going to use to find information about a specific topic. For example, if an online user is looking for an apartment in New York City, he or she can type in “Manhattan apartments.” There are several search engines available on the market. These vary in size, characteristics, and behaviours.What is a directory?Unlike search engines which are powered by computers, directories are maintained by human editors and reviewers. Directories have categories that make it easier for online users to access them. Examples of topic categories include Business and Finance or Arts and Culture. Some directories require payment for them to review your website. Others are free.What is PPC or Pay Per Click?Pay-per-click or PPC advertising is a kind of online advertising wherein websites bid to have links to their websites appear on results. Companies bid on the placement and pay only for clicks that originate from the search engine results which led to the name “pay per click.”How can I achieve top ranking for a keyword?There are no easy answers to this question as search engines change their algorithms for placement. However, there are proven methods which help boost your page rank, making it more likely to give you the top spot. You must be up-to-date with the latest ranking trends and guidelines to maintain your position.How long does it take to get results for SEO?SEO is time-consuming work. Constant monitoring must be implemented to maintain top rankings. Results may take from a few weeks to a few years. All these are dependent on the amount of competition in your market, your industry, and how long you have been keeping your website. A well-optimised website will see results quicker than one which does not employ techniques.Can I do my own SEO to save money?You can certainly do your own SEO for your website, but this will take familiarising yourself with how the different search engines work and the algorithms they use. Remember that a mistake can take months to be discovered and fixed. You will be better off placing this type of work in the hands of experienced SEO companies who have a reputation for achieving results in the most cost-effective way. If you do decide to avail of the services of an SEO company, make sure that you have reviewed their portfolio well to get the best results.