What Is SEO Exactly?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) What exactly is it? And why does it even matter?

The three basic parts of SEO:

  • On-page SEO: Is the optimization of images, title tag hierarchy, meta description and keyword research.
  • Technical SEO: Is optimizing the health of your website. Finding areas to improve, like site speed, mobile-responsiveness, user-friendliness and code structure.
  • Off-page SEO: Is link building AKA backlinks. This involves acquiring high-quality links from other reputable websites that link back to yours. This increases your website's authority and trust in the eyes of search engines like Google.

Further defined:

  • Page title: The page title is the text that appears in the search engine results pages (SERPs) and at the top of a web browser window. It should be clear, concise, and accurately reflect the content of the page.
  • Meta description: The meta description is a brief snippet of text that appears below the page title in the SERPs. It should give users a better understanding of what the page is about and entice them to click through.
  • Image optimization: Image optimization involves optimizing the images on your website so that they load quickly and are easy for search engines to understand. This includes using descriptive file names and alt text.
  • Title tag hierarchy: The title tag hierarchy refers to the way that you use H1, H2, and H3 tags on your web pages. H1 tags are the most important, followed by H2 tags, and then H3 tags. Use these tags to structure your content and to highlight the most important keywords.

In addition to these elements, there are many other factors that contribute to SEO, such as the quality and relevance of your content, the use of internal links, and the overall structure of your website.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) encompasses a comprehensive strategy to enhance a website's organic visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This two-fold approach addresses both on-page and off-page optimization.

On-page SEO focuses on controllable elements within your website. This includes optimizing content with relevant keywords, ensuring a user-friendly website structure, and maintaining a fast loading speed. By implementing these measures, you improve the overall user experience for visitors and signal relevance to search engines.

Off-page SEO, on the other hand, is a long-term strategy for building your website's authority and credibility. A crucial factor here is acquiring backlinks, which are links from high-quality websites pointing back to your own. One effective way to achieve this is by consistently creating informative and in-depth blog content that establishes you as an expert in your field. This valuable content will naturally attract backlinks from other websites that recognize the value you provide to their audience.

However, SEO is an ongoing process. Even after successful website launch, it's essential to continuously update and improve your content to stay relevant and competitive in search results. Google's algorithms are constantly evolving, so staying informed about best practices and user behavior is critical for maintaining a strong SEO presence.

While some well-established businesses might already have a loyal customer base and can choose to forgo extensive SEO efforts, most new and existing businesses can significantly benefit from implementing these strategies. By strategically optimizing your website and building your online authority, you'll increase your chances of reaching the top of SERPs, ultimately attracting more organic traffic and potential customers.