When you don’t know the answer to a question or are looking for something specific, what is usually the first thing you do?
Chances are, you Google it. (Other search engines do exist, but let’s be honest—Google reigns supreme.)
The websites that appear on the first page of results didn’t get there by chance. They’re there because Google believes they offer the most relevant, helpful information.
So how does Google know? This is where SEO comes in.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s the process of helping search engines like Google understand what your website is about. When Google “gets” who you are and what you offer, it’s more likely to show your website in search results when someone searches for related terms or questions.
Think of SEO as your hardest-working employee:
- It works 24/7
- Never takes a break
- Consistently promotes your business
- Doesn’t need a salary or commission
But it can’t do its job unless you feed it the right information and it starts with keywords.
Why Keywords Matter
Keywords are the words and phrases your potential customers are typing into search engines. If those same keywords appear in your website content, Google knows your site is relevant.
Using keywords throughout your website (in headings, body copy, image alt text, and meta descriptions) not only helps your visitors but also signals to search engines what you do.
10 SEO Terms You Need to Know
1. Search Engine
A tool (like Google, Bing or DuckDuckGo) used to find information online. When someone types a query, the search engine uses algorithms to deliver the most relevant websites.
2. Algorithm
A set of rules or processes search engines use to decide which pages appear in search results and in what order. Google updates its algorithm regularly, so SEO is not a one-and-done job. It evolves.
3. On-Page SEO
The practice of optimising elements on your actual website, this includes using keywords in strategic places, writing strong meta descriptions, improving page load speed, making your site mobile-friendly, and more.
4. Alt Text (Alternative Text)
Describes the content of images for screen readers and search engines. It helps improve accessibility and SEO by providing another opportunity to include keywords.
36% of people use image search. Therefore, alt text isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.
5. Meta Description
A short summary of a page’s content that appears below the title in search results. It should include keywords and entice users to click.
6. Backlinks
Links from other websites to yours. These are like “votes of confidence” that signal your content is trustworthy and valuable. Quality backlinks can dramatically improve your rankings.
7. Sitemap
A file that lists all the pages on your website. It helps search engines crawl and understand your site’s structure. Best practice is to upload your sitemap to Google Search Console.
8. Organic Traffic
Visitors who find your website naturally through search engines, without clicking on paid ads. SEO’s goal is to increase this type of traffic.
9. User Experience (UX)
How easy and enjoyable your website is to use. If people land on your site and leave quickly, Google sees that as a red flag. The better your UX, the more time people will spend on your site and that improves your ranking.
10. Analytics
Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console show you how people are finding and using your website. This data helps you refine your content and SEO strategy over time.
SEO isn’t about tricking Google, it’s about making your website clear, relevant, and valuable for both your audience and search engines.
If you want your website to show up on the first page of results, you need to speak Google’s language. That means using the right keywords, creating helpful content, and optimising your site for performance and user experience.
In short: the more Google understands what you offer, the more it will reward you with visibility.
