Search Engine Optimisation

SEO: What It Is and Why You Should Care
What does SEO even mean?

It's something I get asked about a lot.

People think it's all about complicated algorithms and weird code words, but SEO is just about making it easier for people to find your website.

Think of it like this:

You know how sometimes you're at a party,

and you're trying to have a conversation with someone,

but they keep talking about how their latest project uses
"semantic keyword integration" and "back-end optimisation"?

Yeah, me too.

It's like listening to someone drone on about
the stock market, but instead of talking about stocks and bonds,
they're talking about


SEO: What does it mean?

It means your website needs to be clear and concise,

using language that people actually search for.

Think of it like a conversation at a party.

You want to make sure you're using the words they'd
actually say, right?

So, what is SEO really about? It's about understanding how people find things online.

When someone wants something, anything, they don't just ask their friends. They Google it! And if you want them to find your website instead of the competition, you need to make sure your friend isn't the only one who knows what you're all about.

Think back to that time you were trying to find a recipe for chocolate cake online?

You probably didn't search for "complex algorithms" and "SEO strategies",

did you?

No, you searched for something simple like "best chocolate cake recipe".

That's what search engine optimisation (SEO) is all about: making your website show up in the top results when someone searches for something related to your content.

Here's a breakdown of what SEO actually involves:


Keywords: These are words people type into search engines like "chocolate cake recipe" or "easy chocolate cake".

Think of it as a cheat sheet for Google,
think of keywords like ingredients.

You need the right ones to create something delicious, just like
you need them to help people find your website when they're searching for specific
things.

So how do you make sure your website is using the right "ingredients" for SEO success?


Using the right words:  Use keywords that are relevant to your business and the content on your website.

Think of it like this, if your website sells chocolate cake, and you want people to find it when they search for things related to
baking, then your website content should include relevant terms like
"chocolate cake recipe", "chocolate cake ingredients", "easy baking recipes"
and "delicious chocolate cake".

Here's why using the right keywords is important:


Keywords: Using the right words helps Google understand what your website is about and show it to people searching for those things.

Think of them as the "recipe" for success. Just like a recipe needs the right ingredients,
your website needs the right keywords to attract the customers you want.

Here's how to use keywords effectively:


Use keywords throughout your content: In your website copy, blog posts, product descriptions, etc.

Think about what people are looking for: What would someone type into Google to find your products or services?

Make sure your website is accessible to search engines: This means having a good site structure and using clear, descriptive language.

Here's how to make it easier for people to find the right keywords:

Think about the questions your audience asks: what are they searching for online when they
need something specific? How can you help them find what they need quickly and easily?

Here are some ways to make sure you're using ingredients (keywords) effectively:


Use a variety of keywords: Don't just rely on one or two. Use a mix of general and specific terms related to your website's topic.

Focus on long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases people use in search engines
like "best chocolate cake recipe for beginners" is more
specific than just "chocolate cake".

Remember, the key is to use language that people actually use when they're looking for something like your website, not just technical terms like "keyword research".

What are some examples of long-tail keywords?


For a website about baking:



"easy chocolate cake recipe with buttercream frosting"

"best chocolate cake recipe for birthday party"

"how to make a chocolate cake without eggs"



Think about where your website content fits in: Is it about
recipes, techniques, or both?



Include variations: Use long-tail keywords that are relevant to your specific niche and target audience.



Focus on long-tail keywords: Think like your user! What are they
searching for when they want a recipe for "chocolate cake"?


"simple chocolate cake recipe"

"how to bake a chocolate cake from scratch"

"vegan chocolate cake recipe"

Keep it simple: Use clear and concise language, focusing on terms your target audience would likely search for.
This helps them find what they need, even if they don't know the exact "ingredients" needed for a successful search.