What is SEO and why it is important?

What is SEO?

According to wikipedia.org;
"Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. Typically, the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine."

Why SEO is important?

As per Forrester Research report, 81% of consumers on the Internet find products by using search engines.

Only 7% of all web sites are visible by the search engines according to a recent StatMarket.com study. Most web sites are not properly optimized for maximum search engine visibility.

Google dominates the search industry with 46% share. 83% of all business users prefer Google to find products and services.

Google has highest CTR for natural search results that is approximate 72%.
As per above data, if your website is not ranking in top 30 positions, probably you have lost your potential business for Internet.

Why I should hire SEO?

Accordingly to Google Webmaster Guidelines;
"If you're thinking about hiring an SEO, the earlier the better. A great time to hire is when you're considering a site redesign, or planning to launch a new site. That way, you and your SEO can ensure that your site is designed to be search engine-friendly from the bottom up. However, a good SEO can also help improve an existing site."

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=35291

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