What is SEO, and how does it work?

SEO is an abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization. It is simply an organic way to appear among the first few results in a search. It can also be seen as a tool used to improve the quality as well as the quantity of website traffic a site gets. SEO is a great way to increase traffic which then leads to an increase in sales. Let’s illustrate this, so it’s easy to understand. If you run an online kids clothing store in Indianapolis, proper execution of the SEO tools will lead to your webpage being one of the first results when a searcher types out “online kids clothing store in Indianapolis.” The phrase the searcher typed out is what we refer to as “keywords.” A keyword is simply a word a potential customer or consumer will search for; therefore, you want to use those keywords organically so that whenever that phrase is searched for, your website will be shown.

Methods of SEO

1. Search Engine Optimized

Yes, the terms SEO does stand for search engine optimization; however, focusing on the search engine to the detriment of the human consumer will lead to high traffic but zero interaction. It will also lead to the website being suppressed or even banned. This occurs when the high-ranking keywords are not used organically. For instance, typing out the phrase “online kids clothing store in Indianapolis” over and over again with zero organic use will lead to the webpage being flagged as spam. This sort of method does work to draw traffic, but it doesn’t work for long. Sooner than you expect, the webpage gets flagged as spam, and you have to start all over again.

2. Human Optimized

Whilst using SEO tools, it’s important to remember that although you want to rank high on the search engine, you’re still catering to a human audience. The search engine may give your webpage high rankings when you spam the keywords, but a human will be confused by the content you produce. If you want to create a sustainable and long-term business, your use of SEO should be human-centered. This means using high-ranking keywords but using them organically.

Types of SEO

There are three types of SEO and we’ll discuss them in this section.

On-Page SEO

On-Page SEO are the SEO tools you use on your page, this entails web design, schema, subheadings, meta descriptions, and the use of keywords. As earlier stated, this should be done organically to ensure sustainability.

Off-Page SEO

Off-Page SEO occurs on other websites outside your website. For example, another website could link your product and this will boost your ranking in the search engine’s algorithm. Links are not easy to get. You simply have to focus on creating good content and products that people want to link. You can also offer affiliate links.

Local SEO

This is mainly SEO tools used to increase rankings in your area. This is specific to businesses with a physical location. A great place to start is Google Maps. Ensure your business is visible on the map.

What Does SEO even do?

You may be wondering, what’s the point of all this. What does SEO even do?

It offers you an edge. The world is gravitating towards the internet because the opportunities are practically endless. If you having an online clothing store you need to ensure your online marketing is in tip-top shape. One easy way to market your website is through SEO. If you’re looking to expand and intensify your SEO game, reach out to Circle City Digital.

Circle City Digital is a web design company based in Indianapolis. We specialize in all things digital. We offer website design, branding, automation, SEO, and other digital-oriented services, all at affordable rates. Contact us today to get started!