SEO Glossary
Definitions of commonly used terms in the SEO industry
We've defined and simplified commonly used terms in the SEO industry, with examples and uses, so that you can understand what SEO experts are talking about!
Some of these terms are not unique to SEO, however, they come up frequently in articles and conversations about SEO.
Terms & Definitions
301 Redirect
Definition: A 301 redirect is a permanent web instruction that tells browsers and search engines a page has moved to a different URL.
Why it Matters: It helps preserve rankings and traffic when a page moves.
Simple Example: If /old-service-page is replaced by /services, a 301 redirect sends people to the new page.
Related Terms: URL, Crawl, Index, Canonical
404 Error
Definition: A 404 error is a web response that means the requested page or file could not be found.
Why it Matters: Too many important 404 pages can waste crawl activity and create a poor user experience.
Simple Example: A deleted blog post that has no replacement may show a 404 page.
Related Terms: Crawl, URL, User Experience (UX), Sitemap
.htaccess File
Definition: An .htaccess file is a small settings file used on some websites to change how certain URLs and pages behave.
Why it Matters: It can affect whether users and search engines reach the right pages.
Simple Example: A developer may use it to redirect old URLs to new URLs on some Apache-based websites.
Related Terms: 301 Redirect, Hosting, URL
Above the Fold
Definition: Above the fold is the part of a webpage a visitor sees before scrolling.
Why it Matters: Important content and calls to action should be easy to see quickly.
Simple Example: On a service page, the headline and main contact button may appear above the fold.
Related Terms: Landing Page, User Experience (UX), Conversion
ADA
Definition: ADA, short for Americans with Disabilities Act, is a law often referenced when discussing website accessibility for people with disabilities.
Why it Matters: ADA-compliant websites are easier for more people to use and can reduce legal and user-experience risk.
Simple Example: A website with readable text, keyboard-friendly navigation, and image descriptions is more accessible.
Related Terms: Alt Text, User Experience (UX), Web Design
Ahrefs
Definition: Ahrefs is a company that provides an SEO tool used to research keywords, backlinks, competitors, and website performance.
Why it Matters: It helps SEOs find opportunities and understand why pages rank.
Simple Example: You might use Ahrefs to see which websites link to a competitor.
Related Terms: Backlink, Keyword, Domain Rating, Content Gap
Algorithm
Definition: An algorithm is a set of rules or calculations a system uses to make decisions.
Why it Matters: Search engines use algorithms to decide which pages are likely to be most helpful for a search.
Simple Example: Google’s ranking systems evaluate pages before showing search results.
Related Terms: Google Update, SERP, Ranking
Algorithmic Penalty
Definition: An algorithmic penalty is a ranking drop caused by a search engine’s automated systems rather than a manual action.
Why it Matters: It can reduce traffic even when there is no message in Google Search Console.
Simple Example: A site with thin or unhelpful content may lose visibility after an update.
Related Terms: Manual Penalty, Google Update, Helpful Content Update (HCU)
Alt Text
Definition: Alt text, short for alternative text, is a short written description added to an image in a webpage’s code.
Why it Matters: It helps search engines and screen readers understand what an image shows.
Simple Example: An image of a blue sofa might have alt text like “blue velvet sofa in a living room”.
Related Terms: HTML, Accessibility, Image SEO
Anchor Text
Definition: Anchor text is the clickable text in a link.
Why it Matters: It gives users and search engines a clue about what the linked page is about.
Simple Example: In the link learn about HVAC maintenance, the anchor text is learn about HVAC maintenance.
Related Terms: Link, Internal Link, Backlink
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