Search engine optimization (SEO) has received widespread attention recently as job opportunities and media coverage of this field continues to grow. Many of us who either dabble in SEO or are full time SEO consultants will know those curious glances or enquiries when we mention the term ’search engine optimization’ to lay persons. While the internet is accessed by over 20% of the global population, it is surprising to realize just how little most users know about their favorite search engine.
So when did SEO begin?
Well, I doubt that any of us can claim to know the exact origins of the field of search engine optimization. But it would be logical to assume that the field of SEO was born on the day that the first search engine made its appearance on the internet. We will not go into detail about the history of search engines but you will find tons of interesting resources on the history of search engines and SEO online. If you are wondering, Archie is technically the first search engine and used a script to sort through its database of websites and deliver relevant links with regards to your query.
Link Directory to Search Engine : The Evolution
Initially, most of the search engines that we know of today started of as link directories. A webmaster submits his website link along with a short description to the appropriate category on a link directory. This was usually a free service but if you were prepared to cough up a few dollars, your website would be a featured link at the top of the category page. Better positioning means more traffic. Poor quality websites scored if they had the financial backing to buy a featured link. Good quality websites suffered and the average user found that they were not always getting quality information through the link directories.
This prompted the birth of the search engine.
Manipulating the System
When webmasters realized that they could no longer buy their positions/rankings on search engines, they had to develop appropriate techniques to manipulate their rankings while adhering to the guidelines of each search engine. It took a bit of creativity, a lot of analysis and a good understanding of the internet, HTML and web development. As we often say, SEO is like feng shui of website development.
Search engine optimization has evolved over the years. The basic principles of SEO still hold weight but new techniques add to the effectivness of optimization. Some techniques have come and gone. Others have evolved. While us SEO’s are at the mercy of the search engines, we should never forget the basics. They will always hold true and any new developments on the part of the search engines simply enhance the system.