what is SEO

What The Heck Is SEO?

Diane MouraBlog

As a business owner, you may have heard the term SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, and wondered, “What the heck is SEO?” In this blog post, we will demystify SEO and break it down into simple, actionable steps. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what SEO is, why it matters, and how you can leverage it to grow your business. Let’s get started!

What is SEO?

At its core, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing your website to improve its visibility and ranking on search engine result pages (SERPs). When someone searches for a specific topic or keywords related to your business, you want your website to appear among the top results. SEO helps you achieve that goal by ensuring search engines understand your website’s content and consider it relevant and authoritative.

What are the 3 Types of SEO?

  • On-page SEO

On-page SEO optimizes individual web pages to improve their visibility and ranking. It involves various factors, such as keyword research, content optimization, and technical enhancements. When it comes to keywords, selecting ones with sufficient search volume but not excessively high competition is essential. By including these keywords naturally in your page content, you send positive signals to search engines about the relevance and quality of your website.

In terms of content length, it’s generally recommended to have a minimum of 500 words per page. However, research suggests that longer content, around 1,500 to 2,000 words, can have an even more positive impact on your page’s ranking. Remember, the goal is to provide valuable and informative content to your audience while incorporating relevant keywords.

  • Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO refers to strategies executed outside your website to improve its visibility and authority. One essential aspect of off-page SEO is building backlinks. Backlinks are links from other websites that lead back to your site. When a reputable and high-ranking website includes a link to your content, it signals to search engines that your website is trustworthy and authoritative. Just a link isn’t enough though.  Google wants to see that link embedded into relevant content.  Building quality backlinks can significantly enhance your website’s SEO performance.

  • Local SEO

Local SEO focuses on optimizing your website and Google Maps listing for local search results. This type of SEO is especially relevant for businesses that operate in specific geographical areas. The goal is to ensure that your business appears in the local “three-pack,” which is the top three results displayed on Google Maps when someone searches for a local service or product. Optimizing your Google Maps listing, including accurate business information and positive customer reviews, is crucial for local SEO success.

Why is SEO Important?

  • Organic Search: Picture this—organic search contributes to a whopping average of 53% of all website traffic. That alone should highlight the immense value of SEO. In fact, the global SEO industry is projected to reach a staggering $122.11 billion by 2028. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can tap into this substantial traffic source and gain a competitive edge.
  • Journey Starts with Search: Whenever someone wants to find information, purchase, or embark on any online journey, it typically begins with a search. Whether it’s traditional search engines like Google and Bing, social platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, or retailer websites like Amazon, search is where it all begins. Research indicates that 61% of US online shoppers kickstart their product search on Amazon, and 49% turn to search engines like Google. This fragmented search landscape makes it crucial to be “search engine friendly” on every platform where users might search for your brand or business.
  • Trillions of Searches: Each year, trillions of searches occur across various platforms. Search serves as the primary source of website traffic, making it essential for your brand to improve visibility and rank higher than your competitors. Investing in SEO increases your chances of being discovered by potential customers actively seeking what you have to offer.
  • Competitive SERPs: Search engine results pages (SERPs) are highly competitive and packed with search features and pay-per-click (PPC) ads. From knowledge panels and featured snippets to maps, images, videos, news stories, and interactive elements like “People Also Ask” and carousels, SERPs are brimming with opportunities. By optimizing your website, you enhance your chances of securing prime visibility and occupying valuable real estate on these SERPs.
  • Sustainable Impact: Unlike other marketing channels, it provides sustainable results. Good SEO work lays a solid foundation for continuous organic traffic, which can have a long-lasting impact on your business’s success.
  • Holistic Marketing: SEO forms the bedrock of holistic marketing. By understanding your target audience’s wants and needs, you can align your campaigns, website content, and social media properties to deliver a consistent and engaging user experience. Search Engine Optimization allows you to connect with your audience at every touchpoint, driving the traffic necessary to achieve your business goals, such as conversions, visits, and sales.
  • Trust and Authority: A well-ranked website is synonymous with trust and authority. When your website appears at the top of search results, it signifies to users that your brand is reliable and knowledgeable. This perception of trustworthiness aligns with Google’s ranking principles, as they reward authoritative websites with better rankings. By investing in SEO, you build trust with your audience and position your brand as a credible source of information.

Curious to learn more about how SEO can boost your business’s online presence? Let’s connect!