Resources for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

The terms Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing have become almost interchangeable in the last several years.

Originally, SEO involved making changes to a web site — in the copy (also known as content) and in the HTML code (mostly in the title tag and descriptions) behind the scene.  Today SEM involves much more, including social media and a whole world of other ways to enhance the Web site experience.

In a nutshell, SEO or SEM has a goal of getting a Web site to show up on Google, Bing, or other search engines –Preferably on the front page and in the number one position.

Many companies outsource this, although if you have the time and energy, you can learn SEO or SEM over some time.  It is, however, a good idea to have a basic working of search engine optimization when hiring an outside source.

I’ve written a few blog post on this — and will write more on this over the next few months. Please check back often for updated posts.

You will also want to check out some of the resource below:

Blogs and Websites on SEO

Bill Hartzer  – Writes often on SEO related topics. He is a friend of mine, and one of the founding members of the DFWSEM Group.

Organizations and Groups for SEO

Dallas Fort Worth Search Engine Marketing Association is an Excellent organization if you live in the DFW Area.

Books on SEO

There are several really good books on the subject

Search and Social – This is a Great Book, from my friend Rob Garner. If you have some experience in SEO this will be helpful. For newbies to SEO, this may be a bit deep.

Search Engine Marketing For Dummies – By Bruce Clay is a great book for anyone just starting in SEO

Software To Help You With SEO

If you don’t want to hire an agency to handle SEO, there are several programs that you can use. We recommend the following:

SEO Powersuite is a toolkit made up of 4 tools that cover every aspect of SEO — keywords, rankings, backlinks, on-page and content data, mobile SEO, social media, analytics, and reports. Try it for free.