What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of improving a website’s visibility in search engine results by making pages easier to crawl, index, and rank for relevant queries. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) includes technical, on-page, and content strategy work.

Quick definition

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) means improving a website so search engines can find the website and show the website for relevant searches.

How Search Engine Optimization (SEO) works

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) includes technical work that improves crawlability and indexability.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) includes on-page work that clarifies topic, intent, and relevance.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) uses internal linking and information architecture to connect related content.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) often uses structured data to help search engines extract meaning and entities.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is evaluated through rankings, impressions, clicks, and conversions.

Why Search Engine Optimization (SEO) matters

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) matters because search engines remain a major discovery channel.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) also supports AI search results because many AI systems rely on indexed content and ranking signals.

Example use cases

  • Improving technical SEO so important pages are indexable and not blocked.
  • Building content clusters to cover a topic and improve topical authority.
  • Using internal linking and anchor text to help crawlers discover deep pages.

Related terms