Search Engine Results Page
The goal of search engine optimization is to increase the ranking of your site on Google’s Search Engine Results Page.
The Search Engine Results Page (SERP)
But which part of the page? As you can see from the picture above, there are 3 parts to a Search Engine Results Page: The Google Adwords Ad (aka Sponsored Links, or Pay per Click) section, the Google Map (or Local Search) section, and finally the Organic (“natural”) Ranking section.
The Organic Section are “free” search results. How well you rank on a page depends on search engine optimization factors such as keywords on the page, inbound links and so forth.
The Pay per Click section isn’t free. To get ranked in this section you pay a fee for each time someone clicks on your link. The higher the fee the higher you are ranked.
There appears to be no consensus on Organic versus PPC. Some feel only 2 out of every 10 people click PPC results. And on a scale of 1 to 10 when it comes to trust, editorial reputation and rankings carry more weight than sponsored ads (since you have to earn the spot to maintain a high ranking).
However, others claim the split is approximately 35% organic and 65% PPC.
The “Local” section is generated when Google detects a “Geo-targeted” keyword or keyphrase, such as “dentist Portland Oregon”.
The “Local” section listing is free through the Google Local Business Listing.
See Also
- SEO Portland Oregon – The Home Page.
- SEO, Web Design, Video SEO… – Our Services page.
- Search Engine Optimization Services – More on our SEO services.
- Website Design Services – More on our Web Design services.
