Introduction to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving a website so that it appears higher on search engines like Google. The main idea is simple: when people search for something related to your business, your website should show up. SEO helps you attract organic traffic, build trust, and get more conversions without paying for ads. By creating helpful content, using the right keywords, and ensuring your site is technically sound, you make it easier for both Google and users to understand and trust your website.
How SEO Works
1. Crawling
2. Indexing
After scanning, Google stores the information in its database, this is called indexing. Indexed pages are eligible to appear in search results.
3. Ranking
When someone searches for a keyword, Google uses hundreds of ranking factors to decide which pages should appear first.
The top results are the ones Google thinks are most relevant and helpful to the user.
Key Elements That Improve SEO
1. Keywords
Words or phrases users type into Google.
Example: “best digital marketing course in Bangalore.” You place these keywords naturally in your content, headings, URLs, and meta tags.
2. High-Quality Content
Google prefers useful, informative, easy-to-read content. If your article answers the user’s question better than others, you rank higher.
3. On-Page SEO
These are optimisations done directly on your website, such as:
- Title tags
- Meta descriptions
- Image alt text
- Internal linking
- URL structure
4. Technical SEO
Improves how search engines access your website.
Includes:
- Fast loading speed
- Mobile friendliness
- Secure website (HTTPS)
- XML sitemaps
- Clean website structure
5. Off-Page SEO
This focuses on building trust and authority outside your website, mainly through:
- Backlinks (links from other websites to yours)
- Mentions on social media
- Guest posts
A Simple Example of SEO in Action
Imagine you run a bakery in Bangalore and you write a blog titled: “Best Chocolate Cakes in Bangalore”
Here’s how SEO would help:
- You include relevant keywords like “chocolate cake Bangalore”, “best cake shop in Bangalore”, etc.
- You write detailed content about flavours, quality, pricing, and delivery options.
- You add images with alt text like “fresh chocolate cake in Bangalore”.
- You get a few food bloggers to mention your shop (this gives you backlinks).
- Your website loads fast and works well on mobile.
When someone searches “best chocolate cake in Bangalore”, Google sees your page as relevant and helpful so your website can appear at the top.
Why SEO Matters
- It increases your website traffic without paying for ads
- It builds trust and credibility
- It helps your business reach the right audience
- It brings long-term, consistent results
- It improves overall user experience