What is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Got questions about SEO? Let’s chat.
You’ve probably heard the term “SEO” thrown around a lot when talking about websites. But what is it really?

It’s not just some fancy acronym your techy friends use to sound smart. It’s something you need to understand if you want your website to be seen, and I mean really seen, by people who actually want to see it: your target audience.

So, imagine this: you’ve finally launched your dream website showcasing your amazing [insert relevant industry/niche here] blog. You’ve poured your heart into creating insightful content, but no one seems to be finding it.

You start wondering:

• Is my website lost in the digital abyss?
• What am I doing wrong with my SEO strategy?
• How can I get more readers to discover my work?

That last one is a common worry for bloggers! And that’s where search engine optimisation (SEO) comes in.

What are you worried about, mate?

Think of it this way: SEO is like making your website visible in a crowded marketplace. It’s all about making sure your blog shows up when people search online for things related to your content.

Let me explain. When someone types something into Google, like “how to start a gardening blog,” the search engine uses complex algorithms to scour the internet and find the most relevant results.

These algorithms look at many factors, but here are some key ones:

• Keywords: They’re basically the phrases people use in their searches. If you’re writing about gardening, you want your gardening blog posts to show up when someone searches for something related to that topic.
• Content: This means making sure your content is top-notch. It needs to be well-written, informative, and engaging.

Think of it like this: You wouldn’t expect a customer to find your stall in a bustling market if it was hidden away, right?

That’s what good SEO is about – making your blog visible, accessible, and interesting to the people looking for gardening tips and advice on Google.

So, back to the gardening blog! To make it pop up when someone searches for “how to grow tomatoes”, you need to use those keywords in your writing.

But here’s the thing, just shoving them in everywhere won’t work. You gotta be clever about it.

Think of all the ways people might search for that information – “best tomato varieties,” “easy tips for growing tomatoes,” “tomato care guide” etc. – and make sure your blog posts are targeting those keywords. Use them naturally, don’t just stuff them in there!

Here’s what you can do to improve your organic traffic on the web search:

• Use relevant terms: Don’t just write about “tomatoes” – think like someone searching for information about them. If they’re looking for a beginner’s guide to gardening, you need to mention it in your content!
• Go for long-tail keywords: Those long, specific phrases people use when they want detailed info?

“How to grow tomatoes in pots,” “best way to prune my tomato plants”?

These are your “long-tail” targets. Think about what your readers might actually type into the search bar.

• Optimize your content: Make sure it’s well-written, informative, and interesting. And don’t forget those long-tail keywords!
• Think beyond words: Use them in images, captions, and even your website’s URL structure.

That’s what I’m doing when someone searches for “How to grow tomatoes” online, you want your blog to be the first thing they see. It’s all about making sure your content is easily found.

Now, imagine this: your friend has a blog post about [your niche] and wants to know if it’s ranking well for relevant keywords. You could tell them:

• “I’m curious, what are people searching for when they come across your tomato growing guide?”

(This is where “how to grow tomatoes” might be a good keyword to include in the blog post itself)

• “You need to make sure Google understands what your article is about.”
• “Use relevant keywords throughout your content, including in the title, headings, and body text. Don’t just tell them “it’s about tomatoes,” you wanna show it too!
• (This refers to both search engines and users understanding the topic of the blog post)

Let’s say your friend is a gardening expert. You can help them by asking:

• “What kind of keywords are you using in your article?”
• “Are you using any long-tail keywords related to ‘tomatoes’ like “best tomato varieties for beginners”?
• “Do you have any tips for getting more people to find my blog on gardening?”

(Asking about the specific keywords used can help them understand what you need to do to improve your website’s visibility in search results)