What is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

Search Engine Optimization in 2026 has expanded far beyond keywords and backlinks. Google's December 2025 Core Update placed heavy emphasis on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and content that demonstrates first-hand knowledge. Modern SEO requires answer-first formatting where every section opens with a direct, stat-rich answer rather than building up to a conclusion. Core Web Vitals continue to be ranking signals: LCP must be under 2.5 seconds, INP under 200ms, and CLS under 0.1. Additionally, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) has become critical as AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity now influence 40%+ of search-adjacent discovery. Successful SEO strategies combine technical excellence, high-quality E-E-A-T content, structured data markup, and AI-friendly formatting to capture traffic from both traditional and AI-powered search experiences.