In today’s digital age, having a website isn’t enough – it must also be found by your audience. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) comes in. But how does SEO work? This guide covers the essentials, from keywords and content quality to technical factors and backlinks. Whether you’re new to SEO or looking to refresh your knowledge, you’ll learn how to make your website search engine-friendly and improve its ranking.
What Is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, a strategy focused on increasing a website’s visibility in search engine results. It’s how search engines, like Google and Bing, decide which sites appear at the top of their results page. By optimising your website for SEO, you can increase organic traffic, gain credibility, and ultimately boost sales or engagement.
How Do Search Engines Rank Websites?
Search engines use complex algorithms to determine which sites should rank higher. These algorithms evaluate several factors, including:
- Keywords: Are the relevant keywords included on the page?
- Content Quality: Is the content helpful, engaging, and trustworthy?
- User Experience (UX): Does the site load quickly and work well on mobile devices?
- Backlinks: Are other trustworthy sites linking to the page?
Each of these factors plays a part in how search engines decide where to place a website in search results.
How Long Does SEO Take to Work?
SEO is a long-term strategy. While some changes may lead to quick improvements, it typically takes several months to see significant progress. Consistent effort, such as publishing fresh content and building backlinks, leads to lasting results.
