What is a SERP?

As one starts to research the terminology surrounding search engine optimization (SEO), you start finding even more abbreviated words. One of them you may have heard of - SERP?

Well, it's not short for serpentine, but for Search Engine Results Page. In laymens terms, this is the resulting page you get from a search engine after you type in your search query.

Why is this page important? Ultimately, you'd like to be on that first SERP and preferrably at the very top. Additionally, it shows you "organic" or natural search queries and paid listings.

In talking to numerous industry experts, it is pretty common that 30% of people will click on the paid listings (top and right side) and 70% will click on the organic listings.

That's a pretty good incentive to have your site listed in the organic section. On another note, with 30% clicking on the paid ads, that's a tremendous amount of opportunity, so if you aren't already placing ads, it might be something to look into. You can start your budget small and see how it works.