What is search engine optimization (SEO)?

Search engine optimization (SEO) refers to the process of improving a website's visibility in search engines, which directly affects how easily users can find that site when searching for relevant keywords or phrases. The main goal of SEO is to increase organic traffic by enhancing a website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). This involves optimizing various elements such as website content, keywords, meta tags, and backlinks, which together help search engines understand the site’s relevance to specific search queries.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect SEO's true purpose. Improving product distribution pertains more to supply chain management and logistics than to online visibility. Creating advertisements online falls under digital marketing strategies but is separate from the organic nature of SEO, which focuses on non-paid strategies. Reducing website maintenance costs does not relate to SEO, as maintenance refers to keeping a site functional and updated, while SEO is specifically about maximizing visibility and attracting visitors from search engines.