Navigating the online world of SEO can sometimes feel like stepping into a web of confusing terms and technical jargon. As a creative business owner, we know that you are focused on honing in on your craft, delivering outstanding work and engaging with your customers, not deciphering the latest SEO buzzwords.
Yet, understanding these terms will go a long way in boosting your online presence and driving traffic to your website. In this blog, we will be breaking down some of the most common SEO jargon into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces. By the end of the blog, you should feel more confident in your ability to discuss and start to implement effective SEO strategies.
So first things first.
What is SEO?
Search engine optimisation, or SEO, is the practice of enhancing your website to improve its visibility on search engines like Google, Bing or Yahoo. Essentially, it is about making your website more appealing and visible to search engines so that they will rank your website high in search results.
For creative businesses like yours, this means making sure that potential clients can find your portfolio and contact information easily when they are searching online for relevant search terms.
Understanding the terminology used in SEO, will help you make informed decisions and collaborate effectively with digital marketing experts that you may work with to improve your website.
Common SEO terms unpacked
Here are some common terms that you may come across.
Keywords
Keywords are specific words or phrases that users will type, or dictate, into search engines when looking for information. For example, if you are a wedding photographer, relevant keywords may include "wedding photography", " Choosing the right keywords for your business will involve researching the terms that your target audience and potential customers are using, and integrate them naturally within the fabric of your content. This will help you attract the right audience to you and improve your website ranking.
Backlinks
These are links from other websites that point to your website. Backlinks are important as they signal to search engines that the content that you have on your website is valuable and credible. It creates site authority which impacts on ranking. The more high-quality backlinks that you can build, the better your website's authority and ranking will be. To build up these backlinks, focus on creating valuable content that others want to be referencing, reaching out to relevant websites or blogs to share your work. You can also consider links from your suppliers. For example, if you run craft workshops, asking the venue to link to reference you and your services from the website.
On-page SEO
This specifically looks at strategies and optimisations that you can apply directly on your website to improve your ranking. You will start to hear terms such as meta data, titles, descriptions, headers and content. The keywords that you have determined relevant should be included in your content across all of these properties. Proper on-page SEO will ensure that your content is easily readable and understandable by both your users and search engines.
Off-page SEO
Unlike the on-page SEO we just covered, the off-page SEO pulls in actions that you take outside of your website that will influence your rankings. We have already touched on the high-quality backlinks, but this also includes engaging on social media, and participating in online communities. Similarly to the backlinks, it helps to build your website's reputation and authority, and can have a positive impact on your search engine ranking.
SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
The search engine results page (SERP) is that page that displays the results of a search query. When you search for a term, you will see a list of results that include a mix of organic, paid advertisements and other features like features snippets, or introduced more recently, AI generated overview. Where does your page rank on the SERP? Did you know that most people are unlikely to scroll beyond page 2. Understanding this will help you know what you need to do to climb higher. Focusing on SEO best practice will improve your visibility and help attract more clicks to your website.
Local SEO
When was the last time that you searched 'find a restaurant near me'? Local SEO is a subset of SEO that is focused on optimising your website to attract more local visitors. For creative businesses this could include examples such as "local bands near me", "photographer near London", "craft workshops within 20 miles". By introducing and including your location in your keywords on your website, you will be optimising your site to help you connect with clients within your geographical area, making it easier for them to find and contact you.
Content marketing
Content marketing involves creating and sharing valuable content to attract your audience. It supports SEO by providing relevant information that can be indexed by search engines. How can you get your keywords on your website when your focus is on visual or auditory content, I hear you ask? We will touch on this in another blog, but think about how to introduce blog posts, videos, or infographics to your website. By producing high-quality content, you not only enhance your SEO but also build trust with your audience.
Practical tips for navigating the SEO jargon
[Recommended tools and resources for learning more, and suggest ways to stay updated with SEO trends] Now that we have run through an intro to the jargon, here are some practical tips that you can apply to help you on your journey.
Use SEO tools. Tools like Google Analytics, Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs and SEMrush can help you understand and implement your strategies. We will cover some of the tools and how to use them in a future blog.
Stay updated. It is safe to say that SEO is an ever-evolving field. With new terms like SGE (search generative experience) coming into the mix, follow reputable SEO blogs and forums to keep up-to-date with the latest trends.
Ask for help. We know that your priority is creating. If the jargon is still overwhelming or you'd rather be doing something else, don't hesitate to seek help from an SEO expert who can guide you through the process.
Conclusion
Understanding SEO jargon can seem overwhelming and daunting at first, but breaking it down into manageable chunks can make it a little easier. With an initial grasp of these terms, you'll be better equipped to understand how to optimise your website and enhance your online presence. If you're ready to dive deeper into SEO or need personalised help, feel free to reach out - we're here to help you succeed!
Ready to boost your online visibility? Contact us today for an initial review of current website and a tailored strategy that fits your creative business needs. Download our SEO glossary infographic to stay ahead of the game.
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