If you’re new to Search Engine Optimization, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll tell you how SEO works, its importance, and how you can get incredible results in the always-changing SEO environment.
What is SEO?
Websites which appear on top pages of search engines receive massive traffic. It’s every website owner’s dream to get their site ranked among the top best sites, as these can generate leads. Search Engine Optimization, therefore, is a strategy which helps people improve their rankings in non-paid search results.
SEO was started many years ago when search engines emerged. And even though many individuals ignored it back then, nowadays it has become an essential marketing strategy for businesses of all types.
SEO helps individuals run their website for their target audience. As such, business owners are always trying to leverage SEO to help generate relevant traffic, leads, sales, and most importantly, revenue for their business. Simon Timms, a leading London based seo consultant and digital marketing expert, gives a few pointers,
Why Is SEO Important?
Individuals search for the things they want online. Traffic is, therefore, essential for any website. But how do you ensure that you drive this traffic? That is where SEO comes in. Now the good thing about this marketing strategy is that one doesn’t just get lots of traffic, but, very targeted and high intent traffic.
If someone is selling a skin product, for instance, they can opt to buy a billboard which costs lots of money. Place it in their area so that all people, whether or not they have an interest in that product, see their advert. Or they can take their marketing online, where everyone who searches for that skin product will see it.
While the choice is ultimately theirs, the latter strategy would be more effective since it’ll help them reach out to clients who are interested in their product.
Individuals are always searching for all sorts of things related to one’s business. SEO helps businesses to interact, connect, and become a trusted resource for their clients.
Two Types of SEO:
- On-Page
On-page search engine optimization involves optimizing one’s website to affect unpaid search results. As the name suggests, these are things that one can do on the site. They include content optimization such as using Meta tags, headings, website speeds, keywords, structured data, etc.
- Off-Page
Also called offsite are all activities you can do outside your website, which will improve its SEO authority. They usually aim at getting backlinks from other websites. These activities include email outreach, guest blogging, use of influencers and social media efforts, among others.
Can I do SEO Myself?
Yes. You don’t necessarily need an expert to carry out SEO efforts on your behalf. But you should know that search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo use some algorithms for ranking websites. These factors include quality content and backlinks. However, they may be more technical as well, such as site speed and URL type.
The good news is you don’t have to know all these factors to improve your website’s ranking. Just remember that internet users use search engines when searching for something. So, make your website be that “something” these users are looking for. Whether a product, blog, service, or anything else.
Final Thoughts
Search engine optimization is an effective marketing strategy that helps websites remain top-ranked. Remember that if your website is not indexed by search engines, no one will even know you exist. That’s why you need SEO. If you’re highly ranked, you’ll receive higher traffic. And if this traffic is engaged, it’ll bring conversions.
