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The clickable words in a link that take you to another page. Think of it as the "label" on a link that tells both users and search engines what to expect when they click. Good anchor text is descriptive and relevant. Instead of "click here," use something like "best SEO tools" if that's what the linked page is about. Search engines use anchor text to understand what your page is about, which helps with rankings.

A link from another website pointing to your site. Think of backlinks as votes of confidence from other websites saying your content is worth sharing. Search engines see backlinks as a major ranking factor because they indicate your content is valuable and trustworthy. The more quality backlinks you have, the better your chances of ranking higher in search results. Not all backlinks are equal though. A link from a popular, relevant website in your industry carries much more weight than a link from a random blog.

A score that predicts how well a website will rank in search results. Think of it as a report card for your website's SEO strength, typically measured on a scale from 1 to 100. Websites with higher domain authority tend to rank better because they've built trust with search engines through quality content and strong backlinks. Building domain authority takes time and consistent effort.

The highlighted answers that appear at the very top of search results, pulled directly from web pages to answer questions quickly. These are also called "position zero" because they appear above the first regular search result. Getting your content featured in snippets can dramatically increase your visibility and traffic. To optimize for featured snippets, answer common questions clearly and concisely, use proper heading structure, and format your content in lists or tables when appropriate.

The process of finding out what words and phrases people actually type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services like yours. Good keyword research reveals not just what to write about, but how your audience thinks and talks about your topic. Look for keywords with decent search volume but manageable competition, especially when you're starting out. Use tools to discover long-tail keywords (longer, more specific phrases) that are easier to rank for than broad, competitive terms.

The strategy of earning links from other websites to improve your search rankings and drive traffic. It's like networking for websites – building relationships and getting others to reference your content. Quality matters more than quantity in link building. One link from a respected site in your industry is worth more than dozens of links from irrelevant or low-quality sites. Focus on creating content that naturally attracts links and building genuine relationships with other website owners.

Visitors who find your website through unpaid search engine results. This is the holy grail of SEO because these visitors are actively searching for what you offer. Organic traffic is valuable because it's free, targeted, and tends to convert better than other traffic sources. People finding you through search are already interested in your topic or solution. Building organic traffic takes patience and consistent SEO efforts, but it creates a sustainable foundation for your website's growth.

The practice of reaching out to other website owners, bloggers, or content creators to build relationships and potentially earn backlinks or collaborations. Effective outreach is about building genuine relationships, not just asking for links. Start by engaging with their content, sharing their work, and offering value before making any requests. Personalize your outreach messages and explain why a partnership would benefit both parties. Generic mass emails rarely work and can harm your reputation.

The practice of improving your website to increase its visibility in search engine results. The goal is to attract more visitors by ranking higher when people search for topics related to your business. SEO involves both technical elements (like site speed and mobile-friendliness) and content elements (like using relevant keywords and creating valuable information). It's a long-term strategy that builds sustainable growth. Think of SEO as making your website easier for both search engines and real people to understand and navigate.

The page you see after typing something into a search engine. It contains organic listings, paid ads, featured snippets, images, and other elements depending on your search. Understanding SERPs helps you see what you're competing against and identify opportunities. Look at what types of content currently rank for your target keywords to understand what search engines and users prefer. SERPs are constantly evolving with new features, so staying updated on changes helps you optimize your content strategy effectively.