SEO stands for search engine optimization, which is the process of improving a website’s visibility in organic search results on Google and Bing, or other search engines. SEO involves researching search queries, creating helpful content, and optimizing the user experience to improve organic search rankings.

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) improves website visibility in search results by optimizing content, researching keywords, and enhancing user experience
• Search engines work through three main steps: crawling (reading content), indexing (storing content), and ranking (evaluating content using 200+ factors)
• Three main types of SEO: On-page (content and keywords), Off-page (backlinks and reputation), and Technical (site speed and structure)
• Key ranking factors include quality content, backlinks, page speed, HTTPS security, and mobile-friendly design
• Primary benefits include increased organic traffic, better audience targeting, higher quality leads, and cost-effective marketing compared to paid advertising

How search engine works

1. Search engines crawl the web via web crawlers or spiders.
2. Search engines index this crawled content.
3. Search engines evaluate the crawled content using more than 200 factors.
4. Search engines use their evaluation and index to generate relevant organic search results.

How search engine optimization works

• Off-page SEO, which defines your site’s online reputation. You’ll often evaluate your off-page SEO by looking at your external backlinks (what sites link to your website) and the authority or reputation of those backlinks.
• On-page SEO, which emphasizes your site’s existing and future content. You’ll evaluate several areas here, including title tags, meta descriptions, keyword targeting, content helpfulness, and more.
• Technical SEO, which focuses on your site’s accessibility. You’ll evaluate things like your site architecture, page speed, accessibility, internal linking, and other areas that often require collaborating with a developer.
• Local SEO, which focuses on your site’s visibility in localized search results, like ‘bakery near me’ or ‘bakery in la’. You’ll evaluate a few areas here, including your local listings (think Google Business Profile), on-site content, and more.
• Ecommerce SEO, which emphasizes your site’s product-based URLs. You’ll often evaluate your ecommerce SEO similar to your on-page SEO, with the addition of schema markup and Google Merchant Center.

Why is SEO important?

SEO is important for several reasons, helping businesses:

• Reach their target market
• Connect with consumers and business buyers at every funnel stage
• Educate users to help them make informed decisions
• Invest in a cost-effective marketing strategy
• Improve traffic quality
• Increase lead generation
• Generate revenue