What Exactly is SEO and Why Do I Keep Hearing About It?
If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve heard people talk about something called SEO. You might be wondering……“What on earth is SEO, and why do I need to know about it?”
Let’s break it down in simple terms, so you can understand exactly what SEO is, why it's important, and how it can help your business succeed.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Sounds technical, right? But here’s what it really means: SEO is all about making sure your website is easy for search engines (like Google) to find and understand. When someone searches for something related to your business, SEO helps make sure your website shows up in the results.
Think of it like this: You know how when you walk into a library and need to find a specific book? The librarian uses a system to help you find the book you're looking for. In this case, Google is the librarian, and SEO is the system that helps Google find your website and “recommend” it to the right people.
Why is SEO Important for Your Business?
Now, you might be asking, "Why should I care about SEO?"
Here’s why: SEO can help people find your business online, and that’s super important! Most people search for products or services on Google, and if your website isn’t optimized, you could be missing out on new customers. By having good SEO, your website is more likely to show up when someone types in something like “plumber in Sydney” or “best cafes in Manly.” If you’re not showing up on the first page, it’s like your business is invisible to people searching online!
How Can You Improve Your SEO?
Luckily, you don’t need to be a tech expert to start improving your SEO.
Here are some simple things you can do:
Use the right words (keywords): Think about what people might type into Google to find your business. For example, if you’re a café, words like “best coffee in Sydney” or “Manly café” might be important to include on your website.
Create useful content: Google loves websites that provide useful, clear information. So, make sure your website explains what you do, where you are, and how people can contact you.
Get listed on Google My Business: This is a free tool from Google where you can create a profile for your business. It helps your business show up when people search locally, like "café near me."
Make sure your website works on mobile: More and more people are using their phones to search for things. If your website doesn’t work well on mobile, Google might not rank it as high.
Still confused?
If all of this still sounds a bit confusing, you’re definitely not alone! SEO can be complicated, and there’s a reason why there are so many SEO experts and tools dedicated to helping businesses improve their rankings. The good news is, that you don’t need to be an expert yourself—just understanding the basics can go a long way in helping your business get found online.
Here’s a great resource to dive deeper into SEO:
WIX - What is SEO? A Beginner’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization:
This guide explains the essentials of SEO and how it helps your business get noticed.
WIX - SEO Explained for Beginners (Video): A simple, visual explanation of SEO that breaks it down in an easy-to-understand way.
Remember, SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and I’m here to help.
At AdVancify, I can provide direction on affordable, easy-to-use tools that integrate seamlessly into your website, helping you improve your SEO without the complexity. Then, when you need more specialized expertise, I collaborate with trusted SEO specialists who work alongside AdVancify to deliver expert solutions. Together, we can ensure your website and business have the visibility and growth they deserve.
