SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In plain English: it’s the art of making your website "attractive" to search engines like Google.
When you type a question into Google, it wants to give you the best, most helpful answer possible. SEO is how you prove to Google that your website is that answer.
How Google Works (The 3-Step Process)
To understand SEO, you need to know how Google "sees" the internet:
- Crawling: Google sends out digital "spiders" to scan every corner of the web.
- Indexing: It takes all the info those spiders find and files it away in a giant digital library.
- Ranking: When someone searches, Google looks through its library and picks the best pages to show at the top.
The Three Pillars of SEO
You don't need to be a coder to master SEO. Most of it falls into three simple buckets:
Pillar 1: On-Page SEO
This is about making sure the content on your website is clear.
- Keywords: These are the actual phrases people type into Google (e.g., "best pizza in Chicago" or "how to fix a leaky faucet").
- Helpful Content: Google rewards "people-first" content. Write for your customers, not for a computer.
- Titles & Headings: Use clear titles so both readers and Google know exactly what a page is about.
Pillar 2: Technical SEO
Don't let the word "technical" scare you. For most people, this just means:
- Speed: Does your site load quickly, or do people get bored and leave?
- Mobile-Friendliness: the "padlock" icon (HTTPS) in the browser bar?
Pillar 3: Off-Page SEO
This is about how the rest of the world views you.
- Backlinks: When another website links to yours, it’s like a "vote of confidence." The more quality votes you have, the more Google trusts you.
- Reviews: Especially for local businesses, Google reviews are a massive signal that you are a real, reliable business.
How to Find the Right Keywords
Before you write a single word, you need to know what your customers are actually searching for.
The "Seed" Strategy: Start with a broad term (e.g., "Baking"). Then, think of the questions a beginner might ask: "How to bake sourdough for beginners" "Best flour for bread making" "Common bread baking mistakes" Pro Tip: Use the "People Also Ask" section on Google. It’s a goldmine of free keyword ideas!