What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a form of inbound marketing. Through a mix of keyword-rich content, optimized website meta-data and link building campaigns, our Raleigh SEO strategists help your website achieve higher rankings on Google, Yahoo and other major search engines. And higher search engine rankings for your key terms mean more qualified traffic to your site and more business for you.

Basic search engine optimization looks at two main areas:

Website construction, including meta-data, headings, text & links
Inbound links to the website

SEO FAQs

New to the world of SEO? At Click Optimize, our Raleigh search marketing team wants to help you make informed decisions regarding website optimization. Check out the FAQs below to learn about SEO basics.

Click each question to read the answer.

What are keywords?
What are search engine optimized websites?
What are search engine spiders?
What are meta tags?
Why do some sites rank higher than others?
Why should I choose Click Optimize instead of using free software to submit to search engines?
How long does it take for my site to get listed?
Which search engines should I register with and why?
What keywords should I choose for my promotion?
Why do rankings sometimes go down?
Why is my site ranked high on one search engine but not in another?
What is link popularity?
Why is it necessary for Click Optimize to manage my search engine optimization and search engine marketing?

What are SEO keywords?

Keywords are the terms or phrases people type into Google (or another search engine) when they’re looking for something. At Click Optimize, we break these search terms into two categories: qualified and non-qualified. Qualified keyword phrases include a city, state or location (i.e., Raleigh SEO company). Non-qualified keyword phrases leave out geographic terms (i.e., SEO company); these search results may include websites which match the criteria on a national or even global level. Through in-depth keyword research, our SEO team determines which phrases your potential clients are using when searching for your services -- we then use this data to optimize your website to rank high in search engine results for those terms.

What are search engine optimized websites?

Search engine optimized websites are designed to rank highly in search results (the list of websites a user sees when he/she does a search on Google, Bing, etc). Optimization is achieved by inserting relevant keyword phrases at strategic places in the website code and on-page text.

What are search engine spiders?

Search engines, like Google, use software programs called spiders to “crawl” the internet looking for content (like the text and photos on your website) which the spiders then index automatically.

What is a meta tag?

A meta tag is a section of a web page which is invisible in a browser but readable by search engine spiders. The meta tag usually contains a description of the web page as well as relevant SEO keywords. The search engines use the meta tag to help categorize and rank the page in search results.

Why do some websites rank higher than others?

Search engines use a complex set of algorithms to rate how relevant each page is for the phrase that has been searched. Relevance factors include the presence of keywords in the content, page titles and meta tags. Other criteria such as link popularity can also affect the site’s ranking.

Why should I choose Click Optimize instead of using free software to submit to search engines?

Free software will submit your site to search engines but will not help you achieve good search engine rankings. At Click Optimize, we’ll optimize each website page for the specific keywords you wish to be found under and that our SEO team determines are valuable. Our monthly search engine marketing management program will consistently maintain high search engine rankings for your website, which will in turn generate significant amounts of targeted traffic to your site.

How long does it take for my site to get listed in search results?

This will vary from search engine to search engine. Search engines index millions of new sites every day, in addition to checking the integrity of the sites already listed. In our experience, this means it can take from 1 to 8 weeks before a newly submitted website shows up in search results.

Which search engines should I register with and why?

Over 90% of all search traffic is driven through the top five search engines. For most websites these top five will provide the most cost-effective solution. Our monthly internet marketing management service focuses on these engines, but if you’d like to target a particular niche that may be better served through another search engine, our Raleigh marketing advisors will be happy to schedule a free consultation.

What keywords should I use on my website?

It is obviously very important to optimize your site with keywords that your potential customers will use when looking for your services. These key phrases should be extremely relevant to the content of your site and as specific as possible. Click Optimize will work closely with you to determine the keyword phrases that will get the best results for both you and your customers.

Why do search engine rankings sometimes go down?

Search engines are constantly updating the algorithms they use to rank search results. For this reason, our Raleigh SEO specialists regularly check rankings and will make adjustments to your website if algorithm changes significantly affect your site.

Why is my site ranked high on one search engine but not in another?

Each search engine uses different search technology, algorithms and sets of criteria to calculate your site's position relative to your search phrase or keyword. Search engines are very secretive about this process and are constantly changing their rules, which is why a long-term SEO strategy is key. Click Optimize offers monthly search engine marketing management services to help your site show up in the top of search results -- not just once, but consistently.

What is link popularity?

Search engines measure link popularity by the quantity and quality of links that direct to your site. A link from a popular website will favorably contribute to your website's link popularity and overall search rankings. It is important to note that links from "link farms" (sites that are known sellers of links) can negatively affect your site’s link popularity and hurt your search engine ranking.

Why should I choose Click Optimize to manage my SEO & SEM campaigns?

Professional search engine marketing is an ongoing necessity, as search engines constantly adjust their ranking methods. Once a high ranking position has been obtained, it must then be maintained and wherever possible, improved. Without ongoing monitoring and maintenance, your website may drop out of the top 20 positions, off the first page or out of the index all together. At Click Optimize, our Raleigh search marketers build your campaign from scratch around well-researched keyword phrases and offer monthly SEO and SEM management services to keep your website at peak performance.

Didn’t find the answer to your question? Still wondering how to show up on Google? Give us a call. Our Raleigh, NC SEO strategists are passionate about helping clients rise above the competition -- in search results and in market share.

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Another day, another website launch! We gave Chapel Hill Pediatrics a fun, kid-friendly, but still clean #WebDesign. http://t.co/4EL0xumF

@kburgie Thanks! We think it captures the great work Evergreen does perfectly :)

Launched two GREAT new #webdesigns for Clean Green (http://t.co/mAuVhrIj) & Evergreen Landscaping (http://t.co/3Xb7Ib7N). Check them out!

@KennethIsDesign Sweet, thanks for contacting us!

We're also looking for a skilled, all-star #WebDeveloper to join our team! #raleighjobs #webdevjobs #webdev http://t.co/FQwCOASC

CO needs #sales professionals with a proven track record of success to join our awesome team! http://t.co/xEQ5BjDT #RaleighJobs #salesjobs

Hey, we're hiring! CO is looking for an awesome, skilled #webdeveloper to join our Raleigh team. http://t.co/FQwCOASC #webdev #RaleighJobs

Check out another site we just launched! The #WebDesign reflects this friendly landscaping company perfectly: http://t.co/ccFwjk3Z

Check out the new site we launched today: http://t.co/AsjjKEfk We're proud of the site's fun logo & custom functionality! #webdev #webdesign

We agree with @seomoz that internet marketing should be about quality, at every level! http://t.co/cq3lZGXy

We take our work here @click_optimize very seriously. #meanmuggin http://t.co/pHC3pe6U

SEO, Facebook popular among B2B and social media marketers | KoMarketing Associates http://t.co/KCbBgXEc via @komarketing

Facebook Timeline for Businesses: Using it to Your Advantage http://t.co/xea4RRkf via @click_optimize

The gang celebrating the return of warm weather at our monthly "Lunch and Learn." #allworknoplay http://t.co/lRWstSBp

Comment with tips you have for managing a company Facebook page!

NEW CO blog post: 3 Steps to Secure Admin Access to Your Company Facebook Page http://t.co/TRVdYQwg #socialmediamarketing #Facebook

NEW CO Blog post! We give 3 Steps to Secure Admin Access to Your Company Facebook Page: http://t.co/TRVdYQwg

How are you liking our NEW signage? Looks pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself. ;-) http://t.co/HAn4P1Em

Still unsure punishment fit the crime -> Dad and Daughter Make Up After Laptop Shooting | NBC New York http://t.co/ubdvEwPA via @nbcnewyork

Glad to have you on board! You'll make an excellent addition to our team --> @michaeltheg

Have you hopped on board the Pinterest train? 8 Strategies for Launching a Brand Presence on Pinterest http://t.co/Ygl0L1Wd via @mashable

@andrettibrown Thanks!

@1918 All of our hard work has paid off! Thanks for the mention!

@ByrdTile Thanks for the #FF! TGIF!

Do you think billboards are an effective place to use QR Codes? http://t.co/ep2rXUSF

Chattanooga gets its own font: http://t.co/9Mpr9xwC (via @good). Ahem, Raleigh...

@1918 Ha, thanks! Can't win 'em all I guess :)

@Cole_Watts Thanks!

Introducing the new Click Optimize website: http://t.co/XNhJMzpP Client video testimonials, redesigned blog, updated portfolio, etc!

Drumroll please...

Hey @changg! Thanks for the kind words!

New website launch - It's Bo Time! http://t.co/eBjgaq2X

2 big site launches tomorrow, which means 2(million) big cups of coffee today. #newCOwebsite

New site launch! http://t.co/R0HlD0Li

What corporate logos does a 5 year-old know? http://t.co/VN9ptxE4

Teens shifting the conversation from Facebook to Twitter - http://t.co/FtoWmwoM

New site launch this morning! http://t.co/ELd9xpGn

Google+ now allowing some pseudonyms - http://t.co/svb45rtu

We're helping Bojangles' franchises in eastern NC establish their FB presence. If you love Bo time, become a fan! http://t.co/0Dhq9i0l

@ByrdTile Glad we could help!

CO is growing up - we've got our 1st official set of wheels! Now to break it in w/ donuts in the parking lot. #kidding http://t.co/bObJxpIS

Do you think Facebook Gestures will catch on w/ users? http://t.co/72P6kqli

@ByrdTile We sure do! I've passed your info along to Andy, one of our Internet Marketing Advisors, so he can get in touch with you.

Creative ad campaign using Facebook timeline: http://t.co/oCCi2JBv

@ByrdTile Sure, glad to see you on Twitter! Whenever you're ready for site changes, let us know & we've got you covered.

On the blog: CO Client Receives America's Best Builder Award http://t.co/fTLKAy8E

Waiting for someone to tweet a year-end round-up list of all the year-end-round-up lists.

AAA's NYE Tipsy Tow: A social media crisis waiting to happen? http://t.co/67BOo1kg

Advanced optimization: Connected terms, visitor happiness & good grammar (seriously) - http://t.co/TNaq2GFV

Go to Google & type "let it snow"!

@accav Thanks for the treats - made our Friday that much sweeter!

@ADDYsRDU Will do, thanks!

The new Click Optimize website is coming along nicely...looking forward to sharing it with you all!

Hey, we're hiring! CO is looking for a super-awesome web designer. Details: http://t.co/eCZA7sf6 #raleigh #jobs

Are you timing your Twitter & Fbook posts strategically? Data via @argylesocial: http://t.co/CTK0jBqZ

Interrupting the holiday feeding frenzy to tell you Happy Thanksgiving! Ok, now back to it. #nomnomnom

@accav Nah, we just have some awesome clients :) Enjoy your pie!

Giant stacks of pumpkin pie in the CO office. We kid you not: http://t.co/tYj9FbHQ

Setting up our new Google+ page! http://t.co/lDw9Gedf

Big news! http://t.co/uKTl05zO

Today's distraction: Go to Google and type "do a barrel roll"

@hc Ugh. I wish!

@hc Best I found was to click the "..." icon next to the word bubble icon below chat to close it. Only works in personal gmail tho, not apps

Found 3 & 12 particularly interesting. Via @seomoz: 16 Insights into Google's Rating Guidelines http://t.co/tCmCJqih

Also, please note the accuracy of Josh's zombie-who-likes-turtles costume: http://t.co/82WpcOwn http://t.co/DqG09GKk

Happy Halloween! CO folks in all our costumed glory: http://t.co/4iTfiTcv

Two new site launches this week! http://t.co/pByMUdbD & http://t.co/WQEMxTz9

BBQ + awesome weather = a great Friday. Hello from the CO team! http://t.co/ghV0LSdW

RT @outspokenmedia: If your Web site was a person, what would it look & sound like? outspokenmedia.com/14fm

We're happy you're here! :) RT @ElyssaJK: I got hired as a copywriter for @click_optimize ! Yay!

Launched a new site this morning! http://t.co/WwsIw7QP

Facebook has added new guides for public figure pages (politicians, celebs, etc.) - http://t.co/SZl4zrXM

Another site launch to cap off the week: http://t.co/e8Bokzw8

@bobbymcdonald Guess so. Like where they're going with it though.