Organic or “natural” SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing websites so that they gain better search engine rankings for relevant keywords. It also includes efforts to obtain inbound links from other websites, without paying for them. Read on for more details about what organic SEO is and what it is not.

Organic SEO involves such techniques as adding/improving META tags, targeting pages to specific search keywords, creating site maps, and optimizing keyword density. Manually suggesting links to web directories or related link lists can be another component of organic SEO work. Other tasks may include ensuring that search engine spiders can navigate a website, making reciprocal link requests to similar sites, and selecting search engine optimized webpage filenames.

What isn’t organic SEO? Purchasing links, guaranteed inclusion in results, or pay-per-click listings cannot be considered part of this SEO strategy, nor are attempts to unethically manipulate search results or deceive search engine spiders. The same goes for any form of promotional “spam”. Usually the webpages promoted with organic SEO are designed to actually satisfy the user’s need, rather than just trying to make people click the link.

It also isn’t deemed organic when someone uses software which sends out thousands of directory or link list submissions, automatically generates poor-quality keyword optimized content, or posts generic comments to blogs just so that they can put a link in the “website” field. Organic SEO involves specific attention to the site being promoted, not a “one size fits all” solution or formula. It is also less likely to face opposition from other website owners, and better addresses the need for links on relevant pages.

Compared to other promotional methods, organic SEO is less costly and more likely to remain effective without additional work or expense. It also doesn’t face much risk of penalization by the search engines, unless their policies drastically change. On the other hand, it can take longer to see results with organic SEO, and it is fairly time-consuming. This strategy cannot guarantee any specific ranking or level of traffic.

In general, this approach to search engine optimization is an effective website marketing strategy which involves a variety of distinct techniques. It necessitates little or no direct cost to the person carrying it out, but does take a substantial amount of effort. Keep in mind that one person or company’s definition of what organic SEO means can differ slightly from that of another.