Search engine optimization is not only the practice in which a website pops up when typed into a search by a user as a result of mathematical formulas. It is an extremely useful public relations and marketing social media tool as well. By editing your client's website to help increase its visibility on web engine searches, it can help increase the amount of visitors and traffic it receives, which then in turn will help ultimately boost its popularity and revenue.
While the most commonly used search engine is Google, there are countless options when seeking alternative search engines. Some other commonly known ones include Bing, Stumble Upon, Yahoo, Ask Jeeves, Ask.com, MSN, the list could go on forever.
Similarly, there are many different types of search engines as well. While the typical user will go to a general search engine when looking for information, users visit other topic-specific search engines when seeking additional information on a subject. For example: dictionary.com when looking up definitions of words, travel websites like Orbitz,com, Travelocity.com or Kayak.com when looking for flights and other travel accommodations as well as websites like Yelp.com which can help a user find information on a business or service.
Search engines and their optimization can be altered in a number of ways, however, it is always in your client's best interest to use best public relations practices and "white hat" search engine tactics to ensure their social media is being conducted as ethically as possible. If you or your client are practicing "black hat," or unethical, search engine techniques, then there is the risk not only of a negative public reputation but of being banned from a search engine altogether should they discover the negative practices being employed.
