When it comes to the topic of search engine optimization (SEO), there tends to be a lot of confusion. You here all kinds of conversations on varying opinions about how to rank higher in the organic or free listings. Some SEOs even claim to know the Google ranking algorithm inside and out or Matt Cutts personally. The topic of SEO carries a certain mystique about it, even amongst SEOs.

It is true that there are technical details to SEO, but the true magic to SEO is really not that difficult at all. SEO breaks down into 2 basic categories which are on page optimization and off page optimization. On page optimization has to do with how the search engine’s view your site and off page optimization is how other sites link to you. This is commonly known in SEO circles as backlinks.

What the search engines do not want is for you to try to trick them. They do not want you gaming their system or manipulating their search results in anyway. If you try to deceive them, they will penalize you. Their are right and wrong ways to go about optimizing your site for the search engines and in this series on SEO we are going to set the record straight when it comes to all things SEO.

If you play by the search engines rules, all will go well but if you choose to try to game them, you risk losing all that you have worked for. You must know that there is no magic bullet when it comes to SEO, but if you execute solid SEO principles, you can obtain a coveted top ranking in the search engines.