What is SEO?

This article offers a beginner-friendly explanation of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). We'll cover the fundamental concepts without jargon or complex techniques to give you a clear overview.

What is SEO?

SEO refers to strategies used to improve a website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) like Google.

These strategies generally fall into three categories:

• Content optimization
• Technical optimization (coding)
• External evaluation (link building)

What is Content Optimization?

Content optimization involves strategically incorporating keywords into your web pages. This helps search engines understand that your page provides valuable information related to specific search queries.

For example, if you want to rank for "ramen," include this keyword in your page title, body text, and image descriptions (alt tags). You should also incorporate related terms in your headings.

Related keywords are terms users might search for when looking for information about "ramen," such as "best ramen restaurants," "ramen history," "ramen recipes," and "ramen types."

Basic Steps of Content Optimization

Content optimization typically follows these three steps:

• Choose target keywords and create content specifically designed for those terms
• Enhance the page's structure using on-page SEO techniques
• Monitor search rankings and analyze performance

Content SEO is relatively straightforward to implement, making it an ideal starting point for in-house SEO teams.

What is Technical SEO?

Technical SEO involves making adjustments that help search engine crawlers properly understand and assess your website.

This typically means cleaning up your HTML and CSS code and structuring it according to search engine guidelines, which can improve how search engines value your site.

Do You Need Technical SEO Skills?

If you're a solo blogger, selecting an SEO-ready template is a great first step. Technical SEO can be complex for beginners.

For companies, SEO managers can bring in coding experts or SEO firms. Automated tools can also help identify issues.

Still, a basic understanding of HTML and CSS is valuable. It can reduce costs for outside help and allow you to suggest practical fixes when problems arise.

What are External Evaluation (Backlink) Strategies?

External evaluation focuses on increasing the number of links (backlinks) pointing to your site from other websites, building your site's reputation and authority.

Effective ways to earn backlinks include:

• Publishing original research and data
• Creating high-quality content that naturally attracts links
• Building relationships with bloggers and influencers in your field

Why SEO is Important

Research shows that 89% of consumers research products online before making a purchase decision.

2012 Digital Influence Index Shows Internet as Leading Influence in Consumer Purchasing Choices | Fleishman-Hillard

Since most consumers use search engines like Google before buying, ranking high in search results creates valuable opportunities directly connected to business growth.

What Users Search For

• "How much does it cost?"
• "Where can I buy it?"
• "Which brand is recommended?"
• "Is it durable?"
• "What is this product used for?"

SEO specialists identify these common questions and create content that provides helpful answers.

By naturally introducing their products within this valuable content, they create a seamless path from search query to purchase.

Three Types of Search Keywords

Search keywords generally fall into three categories:

• Informational - Examples: "What is an action camera?" "How to use an action camera"
• Comparative - Examples: "Action camera comparison" "GoPro vs Osmo differences" "GoPro models compared"
• Transactional - Examples: "Buy GoPro online" "GoPro best price" "Where to purchase GoPro"

An effective SEO strategy includes content addressing all three keyword types, tailored to match the user's search intent at each stage.

Growing your business requires understanding what your target customers are searching for and providing high-quality content that meets their needs.

Consistently delivering reliable information not only helps users but also builds long-term brand value and trust.

Summary

SEO requires patience—results take time to appear, and rankings may fluctuate with algorithm changes.

Nevertheless, it remains one of the most effective approaches for sustainable growth in website traffic and sales.

If you're interested in exploring SEO further, let's embrace these challenges together!

Thank you for reading.