SEO involves optimizing websites to rank highly for relevant keywords in search engines. The goal is to generate organic or free traffic by sending proper signals to search engines like Google, which uses over 200 factors to determine rankings. Both SEO and paid search marketing (SEM) target keywords, but SEO focuses on inbound or earned links and content while SEM involves paying for clicks or impressions. Effective SEO strategies include keyword research, on-page optimization of content and code, building high-quality relevant links, local SEO for businesses, developing helpful content, and ongoing tracking and improvement based on analytics.
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