What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO), is the process of making your website more easy to access for search engines like Google. The goal is to have your site show up higher in search results when people look for things related to your business. Think of it as trying to get noticed in a crowded marketplace.

Terms Used in Search Engine Optimization (Glossary)

Search Engine: A tool like Google or Bing that people use to find information online.

Keyword: These are the texts or phrases people type into a search bar when they’re looking for something. For example, if someone wants to buy running shoes, they might search for “best running shoes.” Using the right keywords in your website content helps search engines understand what your site is about.

On-Page SEO: This is about optimizing the content and structure of your website. It includes things like using relevant keywords, creating good-quality content, and ensuring your website loads quickly.

Off-Page SEO: This involves activities outside of your website that can improve its ranking. The most important part of this is getting other websites to link back to your site, which signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant.

Backlink: A hypertext or link pointing from another website to your site is considered a Backlink. It’s like getting a recommendation from someone else, which boosts your credibility in the eyes of search engines.

Meta Tags: These are small pieces of code in your website that tell search engines what each page is about. 

SERP (Search Engine Results Page): This is the page you see after you search for something on Google. The higher your website appears on this page, the more likely people are to visit it.

Organic Traffic: This refers to the visitors who come to your website through search engines. Also, it excludes traffic from advertisements.

Ranking: This is the position your website holds on the search engine results page. The higher the ranking, the better.

Algorithm: A set of rules that search engines use to decide how to rank websites. Google, for example, uses a complex algorithm that takes many factors into account.

Content: This is the information on your website. Having high-quality, relevant content as per user intent is key to good SEO because it attracts visitors and keeps them engaged.

Bounce Rate: This is the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing just one page. A high bounce rate can mean that your site isn’t providing what visitors are looking for.

Conversion Rate: This measures how many visitors take a desired action on your website, like making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.

Keyword Research: This is the process of finding out which keywords people are using to search for products or services like yours. Understanding this helps you target the right keywords in your content.

Local SEO: This is a strategy focused on optimizing your website to attract visitors from local searches. It’s especially important for local businesses.

Mobile Optimization: This means making sure your website works well on smartphones and tablets. With more people using mobile devices to browse the web, this is crucial for good SEO.

SEO Tools: These are software programs that help with different aspects of SEO, like finding keywords, analyzing backlinks, and tracking your website’s ranking.

Tips for Effective SEO:

Using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and getting other reputable websites to link to your site are all key parts of effective SEO. It’s also important to make sure your site loads quickly, works well on mobile devices, and regularly check how your website is performing.

Remember, SEO is a long-term plan, and it takes time and effort to see results. But with consistent effort, it can significantly increase your website’s visibility and attract more visitors.