In it's simplest form, SEO can be defined as the technique of making web pages and sites accessible to search engines through two main considerations: keywords, and backlinks.

Keywords are actual text that define what we do, and who we are, online. They exist on our pages, in titles and descriptions. If a Web Designer has a web site in Los Angeles, CA - his keywords are his company name, and - more importantly: Los Angeles Web Design. It is very beneficial to have your keywords in your domain name, and on your pages in bold. When keywords exist on other web sites in the form of hypertext (a "clickable" link), and link to your pages directly - they are known as backlinks.

Backlinks are very important to SEO. Having many sites (other than your own) online that contain this keyworded hypertext, leading back to your site - is very beneficial. It creates an association - between keyword phrases, and your domain (site) within the search engine database. Google, Yahoo, and MSN search engines all count the number of backlinks you have, and use that in their assessment of how high you will rank for the search of those keywords.