In the last part of this multi part article series titled Search Engine Optimization Terms Explained: Pl - Re, a number of important terms related to the search engine optimization industry were discussed. These terms are critical for all web masters and business owners to understand in order to get top positions in the search engines for coveted high dollar value terms. The last article's terms included Plugins, Press Release Syndication, PPC and Referring Domains, while in this installment we'll discuss the meaning of the terms Sandboxed, Search Engine, SEM and SEO.

*Sandboxed

If you're wondering about this term, you might be in trouble. To be sandboxed refers to a website that has been severely penalized by Google or another search engine. This penalty usually results in significantly reduced rankings for key terms and phrases, and in some cases a website can be removed from a search engine's index altogether.

Websites that get sandboxed have usually violated the terms of service of the penalizing search engine. This can be as a result of duplicate content, spam, restricted link building or any deceptive tactics used to generate traffic, backlinks or any other benefit from a search engine. Once sandboxed, it can be difficult to recover.

*Search Engine

A search engine is an internet utility that allows a user to find information by entering in a search term. Most large search engines are comprised of 2 parts: a web crawler and a query server. The web crawler scan the internet and collects and indexes data and content. The query server returns results base upon complicated algorithms as it searches through the index for the most logical and relevant data to return.

Search engines are generally used for organic search and paid search services, and many offer additional services such as email accounts, web master tools and so on. The three largest search engines are Google, Yahoo and Bing, although Bing and Yahoo have joined together to launch a PPC platform to compete with Google's infamous Adwords program.

*SEM

SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing and is completely independent from SEO. Search engine marketing is aptly named because advertisers are able to use the way search engines market to people to generate revenue. This is generally accomplished by PPC or Pay Per Click advertising models, but can also include other programs that differ from search engine to search engine.

SEM can be used to drive conversions for a number of purposes, including building an email list, to sign up visitors for a newsletter, or to gain instant conversions with the purchase of products or services. Search Engine Marketing is extremely effective because it allows even new websites with no backlinks or established authority to compete against websites and businesses that have extensive organic search rankings.

*SEO

Search Engine Optimization refers to strategies and methods of improving the organic rankings of a website or web page for important keywords and keyphrases in search engines. SEO requires both On-Page and Off-Page optimization techniques in order to be most effective. This includes backlink building strategies and the development and placement of high quality content.

SEO is a huge, complex industry with serious implications for your website or business. For a free consultation to learn how you can get better rankings right now, use the links below to take immediate action.