📈 The Basics of SEO: What It Is & Why It Matters

Whether you're launching your first website or trying to grow your business online, one thing is clear: SEO matters. But what exactly is SEO, and how do you get started?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

🧠 What Is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of improving your website so it ranks higher on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo.

The better your SEO, the more likely people are to find your business when they search for things you offer.

🧩 Why Is SEO Important?

Most people never scroll past the first page of search results. If your business isn’t showing up there, you're missing out on potential customers.

SEO helps:

• Drive organic (free) traffic to your site

• Build trust and credibility with search engines

• Improve your site’s visibility and authority

• Reach the right people at the right time

🛠️ Key Elements of SEO

Here are a few foundational areas you should focus on:

1. Keywords

These are the words or phrases people type into Google. You’ll want to include relevant keywords in your:

• Page titles

• Headings

• Body content

• Image alt text

• Meta descriptions

💡 Example: If you're a wedding photographer in Utah, a good keyword might be “Utah wedding photographer.”

2. On-Page Optimization

This refers to everything on your website that helps search engines understand what your page is about. That includes:

• Title tags

• Headings (H1, H2, etc.)

• Internal links

• Image optimization

3. Technical SEO

This ensures your site runs smoothly and is easy for search engines to crawl. Basics include:

• Fast load times

• Mobile responsiveness

• Secure HTTPS connection

• Proper URL structure

• No broken links or errors

4. Content

Search engines love fresh, useful content. A regularly updated blog (like this one 👋) can:

• Help you rank for more keywords

• Answer questions your audience is asking

• Establish your brand as an expert

5. Backlinks

When other websites link to yours, it tells Google you're trustworthy. Think of backlinks as digital word-of-mouth.

You can earn backlinks by:

• Publishing helpful content

• Collaborating with other businesses

• Being featured in articles or directories

🚀 Ready to Improve Your SEO?

You don’t need to be an expert overnight—but taking small steps like optimizing your titles, creating great content, and speeding up your site can go a long way.

Need help with SEO? That’s what we do best.Let Four3Five Studios help you rise to the top of search results.