An Intro to SEO: how to help people find your website

What even is SEO?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is like the secret sauce that makes your website more appealing to the all-powerful search engines. It's a blend of art, science, and a bit of magic that, when done right, can skyrocket your site to the top of search results. But if you're new to this world, it can feel like deciphering an ancient code. Fear not! Let's break down the basics of SEO into bite-sized pieces. We'll explore the three aspects of SEO: on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and technical SEO, and sprinkle in some resources to get you started.

Why is SEO important?

Imagine you've got this awesome lemonade stand, right? But instead of setting it up on a busy street, you decide to set up in a hidden alley. No matter how amazing your lemonade is, if people can't find you, they're not going to buy it. That's where SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, comes into play but for the internet. It's like putting up big, flashy signs that guide people straight to your website when they're searching for something you offer. It's all about being visible in the huge, bustling city that is the internet. So, if you want your site to be the first stop for online traffic, SEO is your best buddy. It's not just about being found; it's about being found first.

On-Page SEO: Your Website's First Impression

On-page SEO is all about making a great first impression to both your visitors and search engines. On-page SEO requires you to think about the content and source code of a page. By creating high quality and authoritative that uses relevant keywords throughout the text.

But it's not just about sprinkling keywords like magic dust; it's about creating valuable content that answers the questions your audience is asking.

According to a study by HubSpot, websites that blog consistently receive 434% more indexed pages. Yep, content really is king. But quality trumps quantity. Google's algorithms are smarter than ever, focusing on relevance and semantics in search queries. So, focus on creating content that's useful, informative, and engaging for your audience. Need some inspiration? Check out HubSpot's blogging statistics for more insights.

Off-Page SEO: Building Your Site's Reputation

Off-page SEO is like the social butterfly of SEO strategies. It's all about building your website's reputation and authority through external efforts. This primarily involves link building, which is the process of getting other reputable websites to link back to your site. Think of each link as a vote of confidence or a referral; the more you have from credible sources, the more search engines trust your site.

But it's not just about quantity; the quality of your backlinks is crucial. A study by SEO tool Moz showed that the quality of external links pointing to your site is one of the top factors Google's algorithm considers. So, focus on building relationships with industry leaders, bloggers, and websites that are relevant to your niche. Guest blogging, social media engagement, and influencer collaborations are great ways to build high-quality backlinks. For a deeper dive into link-building strategies, Semrush’s Beginner's Guide to Link Building for SEO is a fantastic resource.

Technical SEO: The Behind-the-Scenes Hero

Technical SEO is the unsung hero working behind the curtain to ensure your site is loved by both users and search engines. This includes optimising your site's structure, making it mobile-friendly, improving page speed, and ensuring it's secure. According to Google, page speed is a ranking factor for mobile searches, and as of July 2018, mobile page speed has been a ranking factor for mobile searches.

One often overlooked aspect of technical SEO is site architecture, including a clean, organised URL structure and a sitemap that makes it easy for search engines to crawl your site. Tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights can help you analyse your site's performance and offer recommendations for improvement.

Wrapping Up

Starting your SEO journey can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into on-page, off-page, and technical SEO can make it more manageable. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and continuous effort to see results. Stay informed by following SEO thought leaders and experimenting with different strategies to see what works best for your site.

Ready to dive deeper? There's a sea of resources out there. Websites like Semrush, Moz and Ahrefs are goldmines of information, offering up-to-date news, tips, and comprehensive guides to keep you on top of your SEO game. Happy optimising!