History of SEO — Visualwebz.com — Seattle Web Design — 425.336.0069

Visualwebz
5 min readOct 26, 2019

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History of SEO from 1945 onwards.

So, where and when did the history of SEO start?

The history of search engine optimization is difficult to dissect as it does not really have a particular emergence as its birth is very vague. But, there is a consensus that search engine optimization started in the early to mid-90s. As the Internet evolved, developers inspired greater insight into organizing and finding data and creating ways to search for information. Over the years, search engine optimization has evolved to create valuable and relevant relationships through engaging content.

The History of SEO dates back to 1945

The original idea for all of the world’s data to be put into a common archive was created in 1945. In July of that year, Dr. Vannevar Bush, who was at the time the director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, had published a proposal for “the collection of data and observations, the extraction of material… and the final insertion of new material into a common area.” This excerpt being almost relative to what Google’s mission is.

In early 1997 SEO was a new concept. But around 1998, most companies started to use this concept of search engine optimization. In fact, behind almost every online destination, whether it is a website, blog, social network, or app, there is a search engine. Search engines have become the means of connecting readers to the “appropriate” information. As a local Seattle SEO company, we have had our share of adapting and changing our practices based on historical search engine updates. Following is a timeline of what we recall:

Another two Stanford University students built and tested Backrub, a new search engine that ranked sites based on inbound link relevancy and popularity. Backrub would ultimately become Google. At this time, HotBot, powered by Inktomi, also launched.

Another phenomenon was emerging, which was social media. Google made its big bet on YouTube (although it would try again with Google+). But other networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all emerged as major players. Also, with many more to come and go in the following years, like Instagram, Telegram, etc.

Along with the rise of social media came speculation that social signals could impact search rankings. And no doubt, social media can help SEO, but indirectly just as other forms of marketing, it can help drive more traffic to your website and increase brand awareness.

A few SEO words…

2019 may have many website trends. In fact, googling for Google Algorithm Change History will give you a more in-depth summary of search engine updates. Without a doubt, search engines have a fair bit to go until searches are perfected. For example, as a Seattle SEO company, we continue to follow trends and equip ourselves with strategies and guidelines set by search engine providers. Hence our SEO practices, technologies continue to adapt. Thus ensuring that our customer's online presence and websites stay ahead of their competition.

Fast Forward to NO VOICE >>>

The history of SEO has shown many changes. In fact, search engines and SEO professionals will continue to adapt and morph based on what searchers like and want. With that said, key areas to set yourself to be ahead of the competition will be to continue with great content, steer more towards responsive devices and recognize that voice is here to stay. More importantly, SEO trends and web designing approaches will continue to change as long as search algorithms and website visitors expect them.

Finally, there may eventually be a day when no voice exists, and we think about what we want. In fact, MIT’s Media Lab has developed a technology that connects the human brain to the internet!

History of SEO Summary

Seattle SEO and other marketers alike have developed highly valued and shareable content that primarily focuses on readers, but what about audio? Especially with the likes of Alexa and similar services becoming the norm.

Search Engine Optimization in the Modern Day and Future

Our Seattle SEO services have determined that one-direction search engine optimization will improve search engines used on mobile devices. Mobile usage is at a percentage above 50% versus desktop computers. Another clear trend is that search engine optimization is evolving through voice searches. Currently, 20% of Google searches and 25% of Bing searches are done by voice. For example, companies like Amazon and Google have invested heavily in personal voice-activated assistants. Thus, resulting in more consumers utilizing such technologies in searching and finding online content.

Web Design, Current Trends, and Online Marketing Blog Posts:

We have summarized some areas small businesses should be aware of when having an effective online presence.

An SEO expert will always have an understanding of ranking formulas and practices. Also, clearly know the type of marketing that best fits any business. For example, to name a few, organic SEO, PPC, and Social Media strategies. Other areas, online marketing include are:

More Blog Posts on Web Design, Online Marketing, SEO, and related areas:

Google Panel | Google Adwords | Google Trends | Rich Snippets | | Internet Companies | HTTPS | | E-Commerce Website Developers | | 20 Years of Google | AI | Google Algorithms | Phishing & Compromising websites | Business Ranking in Seattle | Smart Homes | Ruby on Rails | Web Design History | Death of Google Plus | 5G | Micro-animations & Micro-interactions | Drop shipping | Check our multi-page generator that helps create multiple landing pages.

Yes, there are many cheaper options available, but you should know the pros and cons of cheaper website costs also, why cheap websites don’t always deliver what you expect.

Originally published at https://visualwebz.com on October 26, 2019.

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Visualwebz

A Seattle web design and online marketing agency that delivers high-end websites. A passion for web development and SEO.