Demystifying SEO: Answering Frequently Asked Questions

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) plays a crucial role in boosting online visibility and driving organic traffic to websites. However, it can be a complex and ever-changing field that raises numerous questions for businesses and website owners.

In this blog post, we aim to demystify SEO by addressing some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) we get surrounding this topic. Let’s dive in and shed some light on the key aspects of SEO.

What is SEO and what makes it important?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) refers to the practice of optimising websites to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. It is important because a higher ranking increases visibility, drives targeted organic traffic, and ultimately helps businesses reach their online goals.

Google has a useful starter guide here.

How do search engines determine rankings?

Search engines use complex algorithms to evaluate and rank websites based on various factors. While the specifics are not publicly disclosed, key considerations include relevance of content, website authority, user experience, site speed, mobile-friendliness, backlinks, and social signals.

Google often post about the latest updates regarding their algorithm, which can be found here.

What is on-page SEO and how can I optimise my website for it?

On-page SEO involves optimising elements on your website to improve its visibility in search results. This includes optimising page titles, meta descriptions, headings, URL structure, keyword usage, content quality, internal linking, and image optimisation. By focusing on these factors, you can enhance your website’s on-page SEO and improve its chances of ranking higher.

How does off-page SEO impact my site?

Off-page SEO refers to activities that take place outside your website but influence its rankings. Key off-page factors include backlinks from reputable websites, social media mentions, online reviews, and brand mentions. Building a strong off-page presence helps search engines recognise your website’s credibility and authority, thus improving its rankings.

Semrush has a great guide for on-page and off-page SEO, find out more here.

Is keyword research still relevant for SEO?

Absolutely! Keyword research is crucial for understanding the language and phrases your target audience uses when searching for products, services, or information. By conducting thorough keyword research, you can identify high-demand keywords, optimise your content accordingly, and increase your chances of ranking higher in relevant searches.

Not sure how to conduct keyword research? Discover our guide here.

How long does it take to see results from SEO efforts?

SEO is a long-term strategy, and results can vary depending on various factors such as competition, website age, content quality, and optimisation efforts. While it may take time to see significant results, implementing effective SEO practices consistently can yield positive outcomes over time. Patience and persistence are key.

Are there any SEO practises to avoid?

Yes, there are certain practices that should be avoided as they can harm your website’s rankings. These include keyword stuffing, buying links, publishing low-quality content, cloaking (presenting different content to search engines and users), and engaging in link schemes. Following unethical practices can lead to penalties and long-term damage to your website’s reputation.

Final thoughts

SEO can be a complex and ever-changing field but understanding the fundamentals and addressing common questions can help demystify the process. By focussing on on-page and off-page optimisation, conducting thorough keyword research, and following ethical practices, you can improve your website’s visibility, attract organic traffic, and ultimately achieve your online goals.

Stay informed, adapt to algorithm changes, and remember that providing value to users should always be at the core of your strategy.

Does your business need assistance with establishing a strong keyword strategy? Get in touch with our friendly team today to increase your discoverability.