What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization — the practice of improving your website so it ranks higher in search engine results (like Google or Bing). The higher you rank, the more people visit your site.
Think of SEO as a way to make your website more attractive and understandable to search engines, so they show it to people who are looking for what you offer.
How Does SEO Work?
SEO works by helping search engines understand what your website is about and ensuring your content is relevant, trustworthy, and user-friendly. Here are the key components:
1. Keyword Research
It all starts with keywords — the words people type into search engines. For example, if you run a bakery in Mumbai, people might search for “best cupcakes in Mumbai.”
Using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest, you can find popular keywords in your niche and then create content around them.
2. On-Page SEO
This involves optimizing individual pages on your website. Here’s what it includes:
- Title Tags: The page title that appears in search results.
- Meta Descriptions: A brief summary of your page.
- Headings (H1, H2, H3…): Helps structure your content.
- URL Structure: Clear, keyword-friendly URLs.
- Image Alt Text: Descriptions for images, which also help in image searches.
- Internal Linking: Linking to other pages on your website to guide users and improve crawlability.
3. Content is King
Search engines love fresh, relevant, and helpful content. That means:
- Writing blog posts that answer common questions.
- Creating guides or how-tos.
- Using keywords naturally (not stuffing them!).
- Updating your content regularly.
High-quality content keeps visitors on your site longer — another ranking factor.