3 Basics of SEO: How to Get Found on Google

Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, drives traffic to your website, and there are three pillars of SEO that create the foundation of SEO: technical, on-page and off-page. Google scans your content and links searchers to your site based on the words on your site, the links on your site, and the technical organization of your site. Let’s explore them.

Technical SEO

Your site’s technical features and abilities signal to Google that your site is organized and trustworthy. Look at the following technical elements of your site to find areas for technical SEO optimization.

1. Site Speed - Google takes note of slow-loading webpages, and will adjust your ranking accordingly. It matters how fast your site loads! Statistically, websites that take 2 seconds to load lose an average of 9% of searchers, who just can’t wait. A marginal slow-down of page speed (2-5 seconds) results in roughly 38% loss of customer interest!

2. Mobile-Friendliness - It’s incredibly critical that your site looks good on mobile phones, to avoid customers seeking out a mobile-friendly competitor site where info isn't cut off.

3. User Experience - 52% of users say they will abandon a site that looks bad and is badly organized? Make sure your buttons, links and menus are linked to the right place.

On-Page SEO

Google prioritizes well-constructed websites, with clear and original content. There are a few things you need to make sure your on-page SEO content is valuable to search engines and searchers.

1. Keyword Research - Search engines use keywords within your content to discern what your content is about, and how well it meets the needs of searchers. If you use the right keywords, it’s easier for Google to find your page.

2. Search Intent - This is the art and science of determining what keywords users are using, and what their overall intention is, and using that information to connect with those searchers. Most searches are performed by users seeking out information on general products and services, not your particular company or site. variations.

3. Content Strategy - Regularly create unique content, targeted at meeting business goals, and ensure this content is logical, well organized and draws on real-world experience!

4. Internal Linking - Internal links between your own pages and articles signals to Google that you are well organized and your site is valuable and informative.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO is any user or company activity outside your website, aimed at building search rankings on search engines. Examples of off-page SEO include posting as a guest on a blog, with internal linking to your page, or submitting comments or links on someone else's post or article.

• Backlinks - Backlinks are links from your site to another site. Both users and search engines scan for links to relevant and reputable content. Linking to other well-organized and carefully constructed sites signals to Google that you are just as reputable and well organized.

Don’t Forget About Local SEO!

Have you ever typed “near me” into a search bar looking for a local doctor, self storage facility or salon? SEO can help your business come up first on local SEO search results as well as internet search results!

3 Basics of Search Engine Optimization | Final Thoughts

An SEO consultant can help small business owners navigate the complexity of SEO. Hiring an SEO consultant, like StoryTime SEO, gives you the short or long-term SEO help you need to get started taking advantage of the endless benefits of SEO for small or medium sized business. For more information about top-to-bottom, successful SEO strategies, contact StoryTime SEO today!