SEO Glossary: 300+ Search Engine Optimisation Terms Explained Including Nigerian SEO Abbreviations
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) like most professions is full of abbreviations and acronyms that people in the know use and understand. For example if you work in the judiciary in the US, you will know the meaning of DA (district attorney) but DA in SEO world means domain authority.
Some acronyms used by Nigerian SEO experts, such as NIN, NAFDAC and others will mean nothing to a non-Nigerian or a Nigerian SEO professional who just started her journey. To make the journey for such a beginner, this glossary brings some popular SEO abbreviations together both to demystify the professional and to make it easy for rookie search engine marketing professionals to navigate SEO.
Continuing with our series of SEO articles, which started with our step-by-step guide to learning SEO in Nigeria. We brought you these useful abbreviations to help you in your SEO learning journey. If you are interested in SEO certification, you may find this post useful.
A – Z of SEO Abbreviations and Acronym used in Nigeria and Internationally
A
1. Algorithm
A search engine system used to determine how pages rank in search results.
2. Alt Text
A description of an image used by search engines and screen readers.
3. Anchor Text
The clickable text in a hyperlink.
4. Authority
The credibility or trustworthiness of a website in search engines.
5. Algorithm Update
A change to a search engine’s ranking formula.
6. AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)
A technology designed to load webpages faster on mobile devices.
7. API (Application Programming Interface)
A system allowing software tools to communicate with each other.
8. AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
Optimising content to appear in AI and voice search answers.
9. Attribution
Tracking where website traffic comes from.
10. Audience Targeting
Optimising content for a specific group of users.
B
11. Backlink
A link from another website pointing to your site.
12. Black Hat SEO
SEO techniques that violate search engine guidelines.
13. Bounce Rate
The percentage of visitors who leave a website without interaction.
14. Blog SEO
Optimising blog posts for search engines.
15. Bing SEO
Optimising websites for Bing search engine.
16. Broken Link
A link that leads to a missing page.
17. Branded Keyword
A keyword that includes a brand name.
18. Browser Cache
Temporary storage of website data to improve loading speed.
19. Bot
A program used by search engines to crawl websites.
20. Breadcrumb Navigation
Navigation links showing page hierarchy.
C
21. Canonical Tag
An HTML tag that indicates the preferred version of a webpage.
22. CTR (Click Through Rate)
The percentage of users who click on a search result.
23. Crawl
The process of scanning webpages by search engines.
24. Crawling Budget
The number of pages search engines crawl on a site.
25. Content Marketing
Creating content to attract and engage audiences.
26. Conversion Rate
Percentage of visitors who complete a desired action.
27. CPC (Cost Per Click)
The cost paid for each ad click.
28. CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions)
Advertising cost per thousand views.
29. Core Web Vitals
Metrics measuring page speed and user experience.
30. CMS (Content Management System)
Software used to manage website content.
D
31. Domain Authority (DA)
A score predicting a website’s ranking ability.
32. Duplicate Content
Content appearing in more than one location online.
33. Domain Name
The address of a website.
34. Deep Linking
Linking to a specific page inside a website.
35. Data Analytics
Analyzing website performance data.
36. Digital Marketing
Marketing using online platforms.
37. Disavow Tool
Tool used to reject harmful backlinks.
38. Dwell Time
Time users spend on a page before returning to search results.
39. Dynamic URL
A URL generated from database queries.
40. Directory Submission
Listing a website in online directories.
E
41. E-E-A-T
Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness.
42. Engagement Rate
Level of user interaction with content.
43. Evergreen Content
Content that remains relevant over time.
44. External Link
A link pointing to another website.
45. Exit Rate
Percentage of users leaving a page.
46. Exact Match Keyword
Keyword that exactly matches a search query.
47. Email Marketing
Promoting products through email campaigns.
48. Entity SEO
Optimising content around topics and concepts.
49. Engagement Signals
User behaviour metrics used in ranking.
50. Editorial Link
A naturally earned backlink.
F
51. Featured Snippet
Highlighted answer at the top of search results.
52. Funnel
Stages a user goes through before conversion.
53. Footer Link
Links placed in website footers.
54. Fresh Content
Recently updated content.
55. First Contentful Paint
Time until the first visible element loads.
56. Follow Link
A link that passes SEO juice.
57. Frame
HTML structure embedding content.
58. File Compression
Reducing file size for faster loading.
59. Forum Marketing
Promoting websites through forums.
60. Frequency Capping
Limiting ad exposure to users.
G
61. Google Analytics
Website traffic tracking tool.
62. Google Search Console
Tool for monitoring search performance.
63. Googlebot
Google’s crawling robot.
64. Google Ranking Factors
Signals affecting ranking.
65. Google Penalty
Ranking drop caused by guideline violations.
66. Geo-targeting
Targeting users in specific locations.
67. Guest Blogging
Writing articles for other websites.
68. Google Discover
Content recommendation feed on mobile.
69. Google Business Profile
Local business listing tool.
70. Google Index
Database of indexed webpages.
H
71. HTML
HyperText Markup Language.
72. HTTPS
Secure web protocol.
73. H1 Tag
Main heading on a webpage.
74. H2 Tag
Subheading used for structure.
75. Header Tags
Heading hierarchy in HTML.
76. Hidden Text
Text invisible to users but visible to search engines.
77. Homepage SEO
Optimisation of the main website page.
78. Hyperlink
Clickable link between pages.
79. Hosting
Server space storing website files.
80. HTTP Status Codes
Server response codes.
I
81. Indexing
Adding pages to search engine databases.
82. Internal Link
Link between pages on the same site.
83. Impression
Number of times a result appears in search.
84. Image SEO
Optimising images for search engines.
85. Influencer Marketing
Promotion through influential people.
86. Indexed Pages
Pages stored in search engine databases.
87. IP Address
Unique identifier for devices on networks.
88. Index Coverage
Report showing indexed pages.
89. Intent (Search Intent)
Purpose behind a search query.
90. Index Bloat
Too many low-quality pages indexed.
J
91. JavaScript SEO
Optimising JavaScript-heavy websites.
92. JSON-LD
Structured data format.
93. Joomla SEO
SEO practices for Joomla CMS.
94. Jargon
Specialised technical language.
95. Java Rendering
Search engines processing JavaScript.
K
96. Keyword
Word or phrase searched online.
97. Keyword Density
Frequency of keyword use.
98. Keyword Difficulty
Competition level for ranking.
99. Keyword Research
Finding search terms to target.
100. Keyword Stuffing
Overusing keywords unnaturally.
101. Keyword Planner
Tool for keyword discovery.
102. Keyword Mapping
Assigning keywords to pages.
103. Keyword Ranking
Position of a keyword in SERPs.
104. Keyword Gap
Keywords competitors rank for but you don’t.
105. Knowledge Graph
Google database of entities.
L
106. Landing Page
Page designed for conversions.
107. Link Building
Acquiring backlinks.
108. Link Juice
SEO value passed through links.
109. Local SEO
Optimisation for geographic searches.
110. Long-Tail Keywords
Specific multi-word search queries.
111. Link Profile
Collection of backlinks.
112. Link Equity
Ranking power from links.
113. Lazy Loading
Loading images only when needed.
114. Log File Analysis
Studying server logs.
115. Lead Generation
Attracting potential customers.
M
116. Meta Title
Title shown in search results.
117. Meta Description
Summary of webpage content.
118. Mobile-First Indexing
Ranking based on mobile site version.
119. Manual Penalty
Penalty applied by Google reviewers.
120. Machine Learning SEO
AI used in ranking systems.
121. Marketing Funnel
Stages from awareness to purchase.
122. Microdata
Structured data format.
123. Mobile SEO
Optimisation for mobile users.
124. Metadata
Data describing webpage content.
125. Monetisation
Generating revenue from traffic.
N
126. NAP (Name Address Phone)
Business information for local SEO.
127. Natural Link
Editorial backlink earned organically.
128. Niche SEO
Optimising for specific markets.
129. NoFollow Link
Link that does not pass ranking value.
130. Navigation Menu
Website navigation structure.
O
131. Organic Traffic
Visitors from unpaid search results.
132. On-Page SEO
Optimisation on the webpage itself.
133. Off-Page SEO
SEO activities outside the website.
134. Outbound Link
Link pointing to another website.
135. Organic Ranking
Position in unpaid search results.
P
136. Page Authority
Ranking strength of a webpage.
137. Page Speed
Time it takes a page to load.
138. PageRank
Google’s link evaluation algorithm.
139. PPC (Pay Per Click)
Paid advertising model.
140. PBN (Private Blog Network)
Network of sites built for link manipulation.
Q
141. Query
A search entered into a search engine.
142. Qualified Traffic
Visitors likely to convert.
143. Query Intent
Purpose of a search query.
R
144. Ranking
Position in search results.
145. Redirect
Sending users to a different URL.
146. Robots.txt
File controlling crawler access.
147. Rich Snippet
Enhanced search result with extra data.
148. Referring Domain
Website linking to another.
S
149. SEO
Search Engine Optimisation.
150. SERP
Search Engine Results Page.
151. Sitemap
List of website pages.
152. Schema Markup
Structured data helping search engines understand content.
153. Site Speed
Website loading time.
154. Spam Link
Low-quality backlink.
155. SSL Certificate
Encryption for secure websites.
156. Search Intent
User purpose behind a search.
157. Social Signals
Engagement metrics from social media.
158. Structured Data
Code helping search engines interpret content.
T
159. Technical SEO
Optimising website infrastructure.
160. Title Tag
HTML title shown in search results.
161. Traffic
Visitors to a website.
162. Topical Authority
Expertise on a topic.
163. Trust Flow
Metric measuring link quality.
U
164. URL
Webpage address.
165. UX (User Experience)
Ease of website use.
166. UGC (User Generated Content)
Content created by users.
167. Unique Content
Original content not duplicated elsewhere.
V
168. Voice Search
Search performed via voice commands.
169. Viral Content
Content spreading rapidly online.
W
170. White Hat SEO
Ethical SEO techniques.
171. Web Crawlers
Bots scanning websites.
172. Web Hosting
Server storing website data.
X
173. XML Sitemap
Structured list of website pages.
Y
174. YMYL (Your Money Your Life)
Content affecting finances or health.
Z
175. Zero Click Search
Search results where users get answers without clicking.
(To reach 300, additional SEO metrics, tools, link metrics, analytics terms, and Nigerian-specific search terms can be expanded.)
Nigerian SEO Terms Often Used in Local Search
These terms appear frequently in Nigeria-focused SEO content:
176. CAC – Corporate Affairs Commission
177. BVN – Bank Verification Number
178. NIN – National Identification Number
179. NAFDAC – Food and drug regulator
180. FCCPC – Consumer protection regulator
181. SME – Small and Medium Enterprises
182. NGN – Nigerian Naira
183. Lagos SEO – Local SEO targeting Lagos
184. Abuja SEO – SEO targeting Abuja
185. Nigeria Fintech SEO
Nigerian Government & Business Terms (Common in Search)
186. CAC – Corporate Affairs Commission
Nigeria’s government agency responsible for business registration. Many SEO articles target searches like “CAC business registration Nigeria.”
187. NAFDAC – National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
Regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in Nigeria.
188. FCCPC – Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
Regulates digital loan apps and consumer protection in Nigeria.
189. NIN – National Identification Number
A national ID system often searched online for registration and linking with SIM cards.
190. BVN – Bank Verification Number
Used by Nigerian banks to identify customers.
191. FIRS – Federal Inland Revenue Service
Nigeria’s tax authority.
192. TIN – Tax Identification Number
Required for Nigerian businesses paying tax.
193. SMEDAN – Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria
Supports Nigerian SMEs.
194. BOI – Bank of Industry
A Nigerian development finance institution supporting businesses.
195. CBN – Central Bank of Nigeria
Nigeria’s central banking authority.
Nigerian Business & Startup SEO Terms
196. SME – Small and Medium Enterprise
Small businesses that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
197. MSME – Micro Small and Medium Enterprise
A common classification used in Nigeria’s business sector.
198. Startup Nigeria
Refers to emerging tech and digital companies in Nigeria.
199. Fintech Nigeria
Nigeria’s fast-growing financial technology sector.
200. Agritech Nigeria
Technology used in Nigeria’s agriculture industry.
Nigerian Digital Economy Terms
201. Naira (NGN)
Nigeria’s official currency used in pricing keywords.
202. Mobile Money Nigeria
Financial services via mobile devices.
203. POS Business
A common small business model in Nigeria involving payment terminals.
204. USSD Banking
Banking using short codes without internet.
205. Agency Banking
Financial services delivered through local agents.
Nigerian Fintech Search Terms
These keywords generate high organic traffic in Nigeria.
206. Loan Apps Nigeria
Mobile apps providing short-term loans.
207. Digital Bank Nigeria
Online banks without physical branches.
208. Crypto Nigeria
Cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria.
209. Blockchain Nigeria
Blockchain technology development in the Nigerian tech space.
210. Payment Gateway Nigeria
Online payment processors.
Examples:
- Paystack
Flutterwave - Monnify
Nigerian Local SEO Terms
Local SEO terms help rank for Nigerian cities.
211. Lagos SEO
SEO targeting Lagos businesses.
212. Abuja SEO
SEO targeting Nigeria’s capital city.
213. Port Harcourt SEO
Local SEO targeting Port Harcourt businesses.
214. Ibadan SEO
215. Kano SEO
216. Enugu SEO
217. Abeokuta SEO
218. Benin City SEO
219. Kaduna SEO
220. Owerri SEO
Nigerian Internet & Technology Terms
221. ISP – Internet Service Provider Nigeria
Companies providing internet connectivity.
222. Data Bundle Nigeria
Mobile internet packages.
223. Smartphone Market Nigeria
224. Mobile Internet Nigeria
225. Broadband Nigeria
Nigerian Online Business SEO Terms
226. E-commerce Nigeria
227. Dropshipping Nigeria
228. Online Business Nigeria
229. Digital Skills Nigeria
230. Freelancing Nigeria
Nigerian Content Marketing Terms
231. Naija Content Marketing
232. Nigerian Blogging
233. Nigerian YouTube Creators
234. Influencer Marketing Nigeria
235. Nigerian Social Media Marketing
Nigerian Job & Career SEO Terms
236. Remote Jobs Nigeria
237. Digital Marketing Jobs Nigeria
238. SEO Specialist Nigeria
239. Freelance SEO Nigeria
240. Tech Jobs Nigeria
Nigerian Education & Learning SEO Terms
241. Online Courses Nigeria
242. Digital Marketing Training Nigeria
243. SEO Training Nigeria
244. Tech Bootcamps Nigeria
245. Coding Schools Nigeria
Nigerian Consumer Search Behaviour Terms
These reflect how Nigerians search online.
246. Cheap Data Nigeria
247. Free Internet Nigeria
248. Best Loan Apps Nigeria
249. Make Money Online Nigeria
250. Business Ideas Nigeria
Nigerian Finance & Money SEO Terms
251. Savings Apps Nigeria
252. Investment Apps Nigeria
253. Forex Trading Nigeria
254. Crypto Trading Nigeria
255. Side Hustles Nigeria
Nigerian Lifestyle SEO Terms
256. Nigerian Fashion
257. Nigerian Entertainment
258. Nigerian Music Industry
259. Nollywood
260. Nigerian Sports News
Nigerian Tech Ecosystem SEO Terms
261. Yaba Tech Hub
262. Nigerian Startup Ecosystem
263. Venture Capital Nigeria
264. Angel Investors Nigeria
265. Tech Incubators Nigeria
Nigerian Social Media SEO Terms
266. Twitter Nigeria
267. TikTok Nigeria
268. Instagram Nigeria
269. Facebook Nigeria
270. LinkedIn Nigeria
Nigerian Mobile Usage SEO Terms
271. Android Users Nigeria
272. Mobile Browsing Nigeria
273. Mobile Commerce Nigeria
274. App Downloads Nigeria
275. Smartphone Penetration Nigeria
Nigerian Local Search Examples
276. Restaurant Lagos
277. Hotels Abuja
278. Real Estate Lagos
279. Schools Lagos
280. Hospitals Abuja
Nigerian Government Programs & Grants
281. Youth Entrepreneurship Nigeria
282. N-Power Program
283. Nigerian Startup Act
284. Business Grants Nigeria
285. SME Grants Nigeria
Nigerian Online Opportunity Terms
286. Affiliate Marketing Nigeria
287. Blogging Nigeria
288. YouTube Monetisation Nigeria
289. Digital Entrepreneurship Nigeria
290. Online Hustle Nigeria
Nigeria + SEO Combined Keywords
These are powerful for local search rankings.
291. SEO Nigeria
292. SEO Agency Nigeria
293. Digital Marketing Nigeria
294. Content Marketing Nigeria
295. Website Design Nigeria
Nigerian Traffic Keywords
296. Naija Business
297. Nigerian Startup News
298. Nigerian Tech News
299. Nigeria Online Market
300. Nigerian Digital Economy
300 but plenty more to come
Language in general and SEO related language in particular are evolving all the time. There is bound to be quite a number of abbreviations missed out in this compilation, if you can think of any popular one, please suggest it by commenting on this blog post. If you are new to SEO or would like to learn more about SEO training in Nigeria, please contact us for more information. Organisations leading on language use such as BBC pidgin, are potentially a source of new SEO abbreviations and language use.
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