Search engine optimisation (SEO) has been with us for some time now, but while many firms attempt it, a substantial number of them are struggling to do it correctly.

Working with an online copywriting service will ensure that all of the bases are covered, of course, but having a basic understanding of  the terms is still sensible. To help, here’s the A to B of SEO that you really should know:

A is for Algorithm

Algorithms have been covered by the media in a number of news stories in recent times, particularly about how data is collected, used, applied, and sought. However, it is still a tricky term for many.

The formulas are essentially a mathematical way to solve a problem. However, for the purposes of SEO, the issue with search engine algorithms is their complexity.

The formulas are used by Google and the like to solve the problem of the website most likely to answer a search query. Over 200 factors, some of them random, go into determining the precise application of an algorithm for any one search.

As such, there is a constant battle fought by digital marketing professionals to understand exactly how algorithms are applied to searches. Luckily, understanding has gotten better, leading to the more adept use of keywords, terms and phrases.

B is for Backlinks

This understanding of the algorithm has stretched further than simple word association, as it has also stretched to backlink analysis and attraction.

Backlinks are the links that come into your website. They are important because it is widely accepted that an analysis of backlinks by search engines, such as their authoritative quality, trust and frequency, help to rank a webpage.

It is also known that they are monitored for their validity, in so much as ensuring they are earned, by good content, rather than bought.

The quantity of the backlinks is also looked at. However, this is only weighted if they meet other criteria further up the hierarchy of the factor list.

Richard Bell

Richard has a First in English Literature and Creative Writing, and has experience writing fiction and short stories (which he has published both online and in magazines).