What is SEO

• 25th October 2023

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is your digital marketing sidekick. Beyond being a buzzword, it’s the secret sauce that makes your website irresistible to search engines like Google.

Ever wondered what SEO really is and how it works? Consider this your backstage pass. SEO is both an art and a science, and mastering it can boost your website to the top ranks, bringing in more clicks and potential customers.

In this blog, we’ll unravel the core principles of SEO and shed light on Google’s latest updates. 

How do search engines work?

Search engines are like the detectives of the internet. They use super-secret algorithms to scan websites, looking for keywords, links, and content quality. Then, they sort it all out like a giant puzzle and present you with the most relevant results.

Why SEO focuses on Google

SEO hearts Google because it’s the cool kid in the search engine playground. With billions of searches daily, Google holds the power to make or break your online presence. So, SEO pros focus on pleasing Google’s algorithms to get their websites on the front page. It’s where the action happens.

What is Google main goal

Google wants to be your best friend online. It craves relevant, high-quality content that answers your questions. It’s like a helpful librarian – it wants your website to be the go-to book on the shelf. So, give it what it desires: awesome content, mobile-friendliness, and speedy load times. Google’s happiness equals higher rankings.

It’s all about giving users what they want. Imagine you type ‘best smartphone reviews’ into the search bar. Google’s mission is to make you happy by swiftly displaying a list of top smartphone reviews. If it accomplishes this, you’re likely to click one of those results and be delighted. That’s the magic of understanding user intent – it’s as if Google can read your mind for a better search experience.

How Google makes profit

Google makes its cash by being the ultimate matchmaker. When you search for something, it shows you ads that fit your interests, and businesses pay Google to be on that prime advertising real estate. Clicks on those ads bring in the bucks. Plus, Google offers paid services like Google Workspace. 

What about search results?

Search results come in two flavours on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page): paid and organic. Paid results are the money-makers for Google, displayed prominently and often seen when you search for popular terms like ‘shoes.’ They fund the magic.

Organic results, on the other hand, are like the gems hidden below. Google ranks them based on quality and relevance, not revenue. Depending on your query, you might also see maps, images, or videos sprinkled in. So, the SERP is like a dynamic menu, serving up what you want, but with a side of ads.

Can SEO also boost organic results?

Absolutely! SEO primarily focuses on improving a website’s organic search results. By optimising various aspects of a website, including content, keywords, on-page elements, and technical aspects, SEO aims to enhance a website’s visibility and ranking in organic search engine results. This way, you can naturally climb those rankings. So, yes, SEO is your trusty sidekick in the world of organic search results.

SEO is like the website’s backstage magician. It tweaks content, keywords, and technical tricks to make Google fall in love with your site. The goal? To elevate your rankings in organic results, making your website the star of the search engine stage. Think of SEO as your digital marketing genie, illuminating your website in the online spotlight

What are the key principles of SEO that businesses should prioritise to rank higher online?

SEO is a multifaceted strategy with core principles that encompass various tactics, including:

• Keyword Research: Identifying and targeting specific keywords your audience searches for.
• Content Quality: Crafting valuable and relevant content that resonates with your audience.
• On-Page SEO: Optimising individual web pages, from content to HTML code.
• Off-Page SEO: Building backlinks, social media engagement, and other off-site strategies that signal your website’s quality to search engines.
• Technical SEO: Ensuring a technically sound website with fast loading times, mobile-friendliness, and security.
• Local SEO: Fine-tuning your online presence for local searches, vital for small businesses.
• Measurement and Analysis: Continuously assessing your SEO efforts with tools like Google Analytics to inform improvements.

How can businesses get started with SEO, especially if they’re new to the game?

Begin by understanding your audience and their online habits.

Then, dig into keyword research to find the words that resonate. Next, optimise your website – make it fast, mobile-friendly, and packed with quality content. Claim your Google My Business listing for local SEO and finally, build some backlinks by guest posting or collaborating with others.

Need more guidance? Feel free to reach out for personalised tips on getting your business’s SEO game on point. We’re here to help you rank online.