>>  What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)?

Search engine optimisation, (referred to in the industry as SEO) is simply the the use of search engines to draw traffic to a web site. Search engine optimisation services are sometimes known as search engine placement services, search engine positioning services and search engine marketing. In essence, these all mean the same thing: the technique of attaining a higher ranking in search engines and directories via changes to your site code to make it more search engine compatible.

Did you know that 81% of Internet users rely on search engines and directories to find the information they need? It's true. Therefore, ranking highly in search engines and directories should be critical to your Internet marketing strategy. Unfortunately, many online businesses fail to address the importance of search engines, building their site without any regard to search engine compatibility at all.

On the other hand, many people assume that submitting their web site to lots of search engines will automatically increase traffic to their site. This isn’t the case. Here’s the proof - when someone conducts a search on a search engine for a keyword related to your site's products or services, does your page appear in the top 20 matches – or does your competitor’s? It’s likely that your site is simply not ranked high enough. You may be listed in the engine, but in the “back pages” of results.  To fix this problem, your site may need assistance from a company like ours, that specialises in regional and international search engine placement services.

Search engine positioning is only just starting to catch on in Australia and New Zealand as companies begin to recognise the importance of search as a marketing channel, whereas the search industry is positively booming in the U.S. and Europe. This market lag time provides a unique opportunity for New Zealand and Australian based companies to get the jump on their local competition by integrating search engine placement services and quickly out-ranking them in the search results.