Science for SEO is relatively new marketing buzz for relatively old concepts.
There have been various articles written questioning, “Is SEO a science or an art?” True SEO is a combination of both science and art. Thus far, science for SEO has been coined yet not expressed in it’s fullest context.
Science for SEO: Setting the Stage
define science:
A branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.
define social science:
The study of society and social behavior.
define SEO:
The process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via natural (“organic” or “algorithmic”) search results.
define art:
The quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. Science for SEO: The Semantic Web
One of the most beautiful reasons to use a computer is for the purpose of gaining an education in areas of interest that, in the past, could only be obtained in an institutional setting. This is not the case today.
The web is filled with forums, blogs, tutorials, white papers and lessons and associates that provide us with educative tools. Never leaving a cup of coffee behind, we have all that we need to secure a secular future for ourselves.
The science behind the semantic web, until recently, has seemed a mystery to the majority. Somewhat fearful, we have falsely believed that it is beyond the average persons understanding, so we allow the schooled ones to lead the discussions. define semantic web:
An evolving extension of the World Wide Web in which the semantics of information and services on the web is defined, making it possible for the web to understand and satisfy the requests of people and machines to use the web content
Understanding quantitative analysis is a sign of certain intellect yet also not required in understanding science for SEO.
Science for SEO: Keyword Research
Thorough keyword research is the very heart of SEO. It includes the variables of competitor research, comparisons of search volume vs. competition, evaluation of trends, consumer rationale and psychology.
Understanding people, language, assessment of needs and demand, desires specific to geographical locations, are all part of keyword research for SEO campaigns. This ultimately entails openness to a degree of social sciences, which many are naturally equipped with, yet may not realize. SEO is embodied by this.
Science for SEO: Copywriting
In the beginning, SEO was most readily defined as a means to optimize a website for visibility in search engine results pages. Thanks to marketing buzz, it has expanded to entail much more.
Over time, we came to understand that visibility is awesome but well written copy is the securer of conversion and ROI. e.g. an attractive title, an alluring call to action within the results description and page content and so on. Drawing the attention of the reader to fine tuned copy that ranks well and appeals to consumer needs is the golden ticket of SEO. Its purpose.
The Art Behind the Science
In order for SEO to be useful, it must entail research, creativity, foresight (predictive thinking), and a degree of scientific capacity which enables us to see the essential pieces of the entire puzzle and to implement them efficiently.
SEO will grow and expand as people grow and expand. Its core is the ability to understand connect, and efficiently communicate with people. Without this, it would be useless.
What IS Science for SEO?
Artistic combination of computer and social sciences to enhance search engine visibility and secure consumer conversion.