What does SEO stand for in web design?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which is a crucial aspect of web design and digital marketing. It involves optimizing a website to improve its visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is achieved through various strategies that enhance both the content and structure of a website, making it more attractive to search engines like Google, Bing, and others.

Effective SEO practices can include optimizing keyword usage, improving site speed, ensuring mobile compatibility, using descriptive meta tags, and developing quality backlinks. The primary goal of SEO is to drive organic traffic to a website, which is often more cost-effective compared to paid advertising methods and can result in sustainable long-term growth for a website's audience and engagement.

Understanding SEO is fundamental for web designers, as it influences not just how a site is built but also how it performs in the competitive digital landscape. Implementing strong SEO principles during the web design process can significantly impact a website’s success.