SEO is an abbreviation for Search Engine Optimisation and is effectively the process carried out to a website to improves it’s rankings on the search engine websites such as Google, Bing or Yahoo.

Many companies offer SEO as a service from large marketing companies to individuals who are self-employed. SEO can be outsourced to a companies or individual based in another country and this is often done due to lower charges.

When working out how much you need to spend on SEO you need to consider the audience and phrases you are trying to target. For example, if you are wanting to target the general public for a broad phrase such as hairdressing salon then you would need to invest heavily if looking to compete on a national level as the competition is so high. Many companies start off by targeting a local area and then look to expand over time.