What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, and it’s all about making your website easier for people to find on search engines like Google.
When someone searches for something related to your business – like “how to put up a shelf” or “best pizza in Taunton” – SEO helps your website appear higher in the search results. The higher you rank, the more likely people are to visit your site.
SEO works by improving different parts of your website to make it more appealing to both search engines and visitors.
This includes using the right keywords (the terms people search for), making your site fast and easy to navigate, and creating helpful, high-quality content that answers people’s questions. It’s a bit like making sure your shop window is clean, clear, and inviting so people want to step inside.
Essential SEO Terms
Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for something.
For example, if you’re running a bakery, keywords like “fresh bread near me” or “handmade birthday cakes in Taunton” might be relevant.
SEO involves finding the right keywords for your business and using them in places like your website’s titles, descriptions, and content.
This helps search engines understand what your site is about and match it to searches.
On-page SEO
This refers to optimising the pages of your website to make them more search-engine friendly.
It includes things like adding keywords to your headings, improving the page structure, and making sure images have descriptive names.
For example, renaming an image from “IMG1234.jpg” to “chocolate-cake.jpg” helps Google know the image is related to chocolate cake, boosting your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
Technical SEO
This is about making sure the technical side of your website works well.
It includes fixing broken links, speeding up your site, and making sure it works on mobile phones.
For example, if your website takes too long to load, visitors (and search engines) might lose interest. Improving load times can keep people on your site longer and improve your ranking.
Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites that lead to yours.
They act like votes of confidence – if a trusted site links to you, search engines see your website as more reliable.
For example, if a popular food blog links to your bakery, it can boost your SEO.
The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your site’s reputation becomes.
Local SEO
If you run a business with a physical location, like a bakery or shop, Local SEO helps attract customers nearby.
This involves showing up in “near me” searches and on Google Maps.
For example, if someone searches “best bakery in Taunton,” your Local SEO ensures your business appears in the results with your address, opening hours, and reviews.
Content Creation
Creating helpful, engaging content is key to improving SEO.
For example, writing blog posts like “Top 7 Tips for Baking Cakes at Home” can attract visitors searching for baking advice.
The more useful content you create, the more likely people are to visit your site – and the more search engines will reward you with higher rankings.