What is SEO?

Wikipedia.org (SEO) defines SEO as "Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results for targeted keywords. Usually, the earlier a site is presented in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPS) or the higher it "ranks", the more searchers will visit that site. SEO can also target different kinds of searches, including image search, local search, and industry-specificvertical search engines."

Why does this matter to my business?

SEO greatly increases your visibility on the Internet. Google is the #1 undisputed resource for searching for want you want on the Internet. In fact, up to 80% of web searches are originated by Google. Imagine a well optimized website can receive hundreds of thousands of more hits than a website that is not optimized. Now, attach a pair of eyeballs to those google searches and you can see that every "hit" on your site is a potential sale. If they don't buy direct from the website, they will pick up the phone and call your business.

Additionally, SEO is one of the most underutilized tools a business has. SEO can be easy, free, and very effective if done the right way. In certain markets, SEO can be achieved with relative ease as many businesses fail to create websites that are search engine friendly. I've seen countless websites that cost thousands of dollars to produce rank substandard with google in categories they should own. We are no longer living in a local world. Most businesses are able to operate globally for cheap. Your customer base is only as big as your search engine optimization strategy.

Buyers beware, SEO is riddled with countless scams and overvalued products. I suggest you do a google search on SEO and read up thoroughly on the subject before you attempt to implement some strategies, and don't spend any money unless you are absolutely sure of what you are getting.