Google Secrets glossary for SEO, search engine optimization, ranking & web traffic

Google Secrets SEO Glossary - S

The following terms are used in Google Secrets and cover the spectrum of search engine optimization (SEO) - from keywords to meta tags to PageRank to link popularity to web traffic.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM). A general term that encompasses both paid and free forms of advertising a website using search engines. Often used interchangeably with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is actually one type of SEM. The other major type of SEM is Pay-Per-Click advertising (PPC).

Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A general term used to describe specific techniques that can be used on websites in order to rank favorably with search engine. A good example of SEO is the proper use of keywords in specific locations on a web page.

Search Engine Positioning (SEP). A general term used interchangeably with SEO. However, since search engine optimizers do not actually "position" pages within the search engines, this can be misleading. SEP more closely describes Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, since that is the only way a site can be exactly positioned in a search engine.

SE. Acronym for search engine.

SEM. See Search Engine Marketing.

SEMPO. Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization. A non-profit group whose focus is increase the awareness of and educate people on the value of search engine marketing.

SEO. See Search Engine Optimization.

SEP. See Search Engine Positioning.

SERP. Search Engine Results Page. The page or pages that a search engine displays after a search query for a certain search term or phrase.

Server log. The data file that a Web server produces (usually daily) that lists website traffic activity by domain. Web statistics programs use the server log file to produce graphic reports. See statistics.

Spider. The software program, also known as a robot, which a search engine runs to read through and analyze your site. Google's spiders are called Googlebot and Freshbot.

Statistics, stats. The data associated with visitor traffic to your site over time. Most Web hosting companies offer a free program that lets you view traffic statistics for your website.