Search engine optimization (SEO) may best be described as the art and science of optimizing your website hosting, design, content and promotion, with the goal of increasing the number of visitors to your site by placing higher on search engines.

SEO makes a site more relevant and makes this relevant information clear and easily accessible to the search engines. This makes it easier for search engines to include your website when they select the most worthy sites based upon their own, proprietary relevancy factors for rankings.

For companies looking to conduct business online, generate leads and/or establish an online presence, search engine optimization is paramount. SEO is the perfect way to drive qualified customers directly to a website via search engines and directories. Being listed in most organic search engine results is considered free, making search engine listings a highly affordable forum for effective branding and marketing. For smaller businesses with limited marketing budgets, SEO is a cost-effective alternative to high-priced offline advertising such as print ads and billboards. For larger companies, SEO is becoming increasingly important as customers use search engines to shop online, find product information and learn more about organizations.

Realtors and real estate agents assist buyers and sellers in evaluating and purchasing commercial and residential property. Although job prospects for Realtors vary with economic conditions and the ups and downs of the housing market, there will always be a need for qualified Realtors. There are also some important differences between Realtors and real estate agents that you should keep in mind.

Buying or selling a home can be a very complex endeavor, so using a qualified Realtor is generally recommended. Realtors have a keen understanding of the local housing market and can match buyers and sellers based on their housing needs. Realtors also assist with price negotiations and complicated paperwork, including title insurance, financing and disclosures. A seller's agent works for the seller of a home, helps market the property to attract potential buyers and represents the seller in all negotiations. A buyer's agent works for the buyer and helps identify suitable properties.

Realtors generally work solely on commission, so their average salary can vary greatly based on years of experience and economic conditions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Realtors earn an average of $39,760 a year. Typically, the seller pays his agent's commission out of the proceeds of the sale, and the seller's agent will share part of that commission with the buyer's agent. The amount of commission is always negotiable between the seller and the agent. Realtors typically work on nights and weekends.

To ensure that your real estate agent is a Realtor, ask if they are a member of the National Association of Realtors. In addition, you can visit realtor.com to search for a Realtor in your area. One of the best ways to find a good Realtor in your area is to ask for a referral from friends or neighbors who have recently bought or sold a house.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, every Realtor is required to have a high school diploma and a license. If you are interested in becoming a Realtor, you can contact your state's real estate board or your local Realtors' association to find out more.