SEO remains one of the most effective methods for attracting more visitors to a website and achieving success as an online business.
It’s a discipline I’ve worked extensively with and shared my knowledge about in previous posts.
Today, however, we’ll focus on the essence of what SEO truly is.
Let’s dive in!
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which translates to søgemaskineoptimering in Danish.
It involves optimizing the use of search engines, particularly Google, which continues to be the most widely used search engine globally.
We use Google’s search engine to find everything from travel information and recipes to shoes and movie reviews. Each search presents us with the most relevant results.
This was one of Google’s missions when it launched in 1998 – to present users with relevant results rather than forcing them to search through directories like a digital encyclopedia.
With each search, we now see two types of results: sponsored and organic.
Sponsored results, or paid ads, are managed through Google Adwords and are not directly related to the SEO disciplines discussed in this post.
Organic results, however, depend on a solid search engine optimization strategy to rank high in search results and achieve maximum visibility.
Internal and external SEO
When discussing SEO, there are two primary types: internal and external. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Internal SEO
Internal SEO refers to the content that makes up your website.
To drive traffic to your site, it’s crucial to invest in content such as blog posts, articles, guides, and FAQs.
Your website’s subpages with content directly related to your business offerings have a better chance of ranking high on Google when users search for relevant keywords.
As your site grows with relevant content, internal links can also help users navigate your pages more effectively.
For example, if your latest guide or blog post contains information that relates to an earlier post, linking to it can improve user experience and signal to Google that your site structure is beneficial for users.
External SEO
External SEO involves strategies like external link building.
While internal links help Google understand your website’s structure, external links provide insights into its credibility.
Relevant external links pointing to your site act as endorsements, enhancing your website’s authority and boosting its visibility in search results.
If these links come from trusted sources, Google prioritizes your site, recognizing its relevance for users’ queries.
Technical aspects of SEO
Google’s mission has always been to present users with the most relevant pages for their queries. This is achieved not only through content but also through technical elements.
Structure
Google favors websites with a clear, navigable structure. Ensure your site has an intuitive menu and a well-organized layout.
A sitemap also plays a crucial role in helping search engines properly index your site, ensuring all relevant subpages are included in Google’s index.
Speed
Website speed is critical for both desktop and mobile users. Optimize your site by resizing images appropriately and avoiding excessive content per page.
Title tags and meta descriptions
Title tags and meta descriptions are another key aspect of technical SEO.
These elements represent the title and description shown to users in search results. They should be relevant to the search query and accurately reflect the page they link to, helping both Google and users identify which pages are worth clicking on.
While technical SEO can be challenging, various tools are available to help website owners continuously optimize their sites.
Comments