If you don’t have an internet-related job, you probably don’t have a clue of what a parallel universe the web has become, with its own laws of physics and surely terms like SEO, SERP or Rank Tracker may seem like absurd and unnecessary to you.
However, the truth is it’s a completely unknown territory for most people –whether they realize it or not– and for those non-initiated in SEO, it may seem like a star wars’ story, I mean, something it takes place “in a galaxy far, far away”.
With that in mind, below you’ll discover 4 SEO common terms to help you to get awareness of the laws of physics set in motion every time you click “search” in your browser.
1. Search Engine (SE)
Today, the first thing we do to find anything on the internet (news, music, etc.) it’s to turn to the #1 search engine: Google.
They provide a ranked list of results “considered” relevant. This relevance comes from an intricate process involving databases and keywords or characters defined in “the search”.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
According to Moz, Search engine optimization is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results.
Think of it as influencing Google’s complex ranking algorithm.
We SEOs strive to send the right signals to make your website more relevant for your target keyword, both for your audience and for the search engines.
When Google picks up these signals, they reward you with better rankings.
Better rankings means more exposure. More exposure means more traffic to your website. And more traffic ultimately means more sales and conversions.
So, SEOs strive to increase your rankings to help you connect with your potential customers and bring more sales to your business.
I know, I know… it’s not easy to digest, but you’ll come around to it later.
3. Search Engine Result Page (SERP)
A search engine result page or “SERP”, is simply the page displayed when you perform a search in a search engine like Google.
Example: The SERP for that keyword suggests that the competition is tough.
SERP could also mean Search Engine Ranking Position, which refers to your current ranking position on Google.
Example: I’m currently on position #1 on the SERPs for my main keyword.
Nevertheless, the results listing is not by any means random, instead it is the outcome of Google’s ranking algorithm and the influence of SEO.
This leads us to the next topic on our list, the rank tracker.
4. Rank Tracker
It’s a tool used by SEOs to know how their SEO efforts are translating into rankings.
A rank tracker keeps a record of your search results appearance over time.
However, a good SEO would not just rely on tracking your rankings. We need to go deeper and understand how these rankings are affecting your traffic, your bounce rate, and your conversions.
Conclusion
SEO is not a sprint race, but a marathon towards achieving top rankings in search engines like Google.
SEOs influence Google’s ranking algorithm to help you acquire more traffic and sales.
SERP could mean either Search Engine Result Pages or Search Engine Ranking Position.
A rank tracker is a must-have tool for any SEO to keep track of your rankings over time.
