What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, a digital marketing strategy used to improve a website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. When someone types a query into Google, SEO helps your content appear in the results—ideally on the first page.
In simple terms, SEO is the process of making your website search engine-friendly so more people can discover your content organically (without paid ads).
Why is SEO Important?
Over 90% of online experiences begin with a search engine. If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, you’re missing out on a massive amount of potential traffic.
Here are a few reasons why SEO is essential:
Drives free, targeted traffic to your website.- Builds credibility and trust with users.
- Delivers long-term, sustainable results.
- Helps you rank higher than your competitors.
- Increases brand visibility and awareness.
How Does SEO Work?
Search engines like Google use bots (crawlers) to scan websites and gather information. Based on hundreds of ranking factors, the search engine then decides which websites to show at the top.
SEO involves optimizing different parts of your site, such as:
1. On-Page SEO
This focuses on optimizing content within your website:
- Keywords
- Headings (H1, H2, etc.)
- Meta descriptions
- Internal linking
- Image optimization
2. Off-Page SEO
This includes actions taken outside your website to boost rankings:
- Backlinks from other websites
- Social signals
- Brand mentions
3. Technical SEO
This improves the backend and structure of your website:
- Mobile-friendliness
- Site speed
- Secure connection (HTTPS)
- XML sitemaps and indexing
Key SEO Terms You Should Know
- Keyword – A word or phrase people type into search engines.
- Ranking – Your position on the search results page.
- Backlink – A link from another site to yours.
- Organic Traffic – Visitors who come through search engines, not paid ads.
- SERP – Search Engine Results Page.
Final Thoughts
SEO is not a one-time task—it’s a long-term strategy. The more valuable, optimized content you publish, the more likely you are to appear in front of the right audience.
Whether you’re starting a blog, an eCommerce store, or a personal portfolio, mastering SEO is one of the best investments you can make for your website’s future success.
So, if you’re wondering “What is SEO?”, now you know—it’s your gateway to getting found online.