Introduction

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an ever-evolving process that dates back to the 1990s. It originally began as a simple way to list websites near the top of search engine ranking pages, which would ultimately result in more visits and potential customers. But over the years, search engine optimization has transformed into much more than just a way to rank higher - it has become a powerful tool for digital marketing and online content creation. In this article, we will explore the history of search engine optimization, from its infancy in the 1990s to where it currently stands today. 

The Beginning - The 1990s

Back in the 90s, SEO was relatively simple - it was all about including words or phrases that users would input into search engines, like Yahoo or AltaVista. Website owners would give their websites “meta tags”, which would contain these keywords or phrases. Then, search engines would read the tags and decide how to rank the website. At this time, search engine optimization was largely unknown and website owners used tactics that were intended to trick search engines into ranking their websites higher than they deserved.

Early 2000s – The Infancy of SEO

By the early 2000s, search engine optimization (SEO) had started to become more complex. Google, which was founded in 1998, was beginning to gain traction in the world of search engines. While meta tags were still used, SEO professionals began to recognize the importance of quality content. SEO experts started to create detailed keyword-rich content for their websites, instead of just relying on meta tags. They also began to review their websites more frequently and make changes to ensure the best results in search engine rankings.

Modern SEO – The Present Day

Today, SEO is much more complex. Google’s algorithms are constantly changing and becoming more advanced. For example, they take into account the number of backlinks, quality of content, and other factors when determining rankings. This means that website owners must constantly monitor their sites to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest SEO tactics. Additionally, with the rise of social media and voice search, SEO professionals must also think about how their sites will rank for voice queries and shareable content.

Summary

Overall, search engine optimization has come a long way since its inception in the 90s. Gone are the days of relying solely on meta tags and tricking search engines into higher rankings. Now, SEO is a complex and constantly changing process, requiring website owners to be at the top of their game and utilize a variety of tactics to stay current. By understanding and implementing the latest SEO strategies, website owners can ensure that their websites will rank higher and receive more visits from potential customers.