If you have a website and desire more traffic, then undoubtedly, SEO should be included in your marketing efforts. It is an excellent method to acquire and retain visitors on your website. However, what does it really involve? In this article, we will elucidate what SEO entails and provide guidance on how to get started!
Google's search result page for the term 'neptune planet'In the above image, we can observe the first few results when someone searches for the keyphrase 'Neptune planet'. In this case, Wikipedia occupies the top position, signifying that their Neptune page ranks #1 for this search term. The fundamental idea behind SEO is that by optimizing your page to become the best result, you can ascend in the rankings and become one of the initial results people see. This, in turn, results in increased clicks and traffic to your site!While the example above illustrates only organic results, this is not always the case. Depending on the search term employed, there may also be ads, a rich result at the top, or a few products from Google Shopping. Numerous possibilities exist, and what Google displays can also rely on its knowledge about the searcher, such as the country they reside in.Premium offers numerous features and grants free access to our SEO courses!Source
Understanding SEO
SEO, which stands for 'Search Engine Optimization', refers to the practice of optimizing your web pages to achieve a high position in the search results of Google and other search engines. In simpler terms, it increases the chances of people encountering your website when conducting online searches. SEO primarily focuses on enhancing rankings in organic search results, which are non-paid outcomes.
Google's search result page for the term 'neptune planet'In the above image, we can observe the first few results when someone searches for the keyphrase 'Neptune planet'. In this case, Wikipedia occupies the top position, signifying that their Neptune page ranks #1 for this search term. The fundamental idea behind SEO is that by optimizing your page to become the best result, you can ascend in the rankings and become one of the initial results people see. This, in turn, results in increased clicks and traffic to your site!While the example above illustrates only organic results, this is not always the case. Depending on the search term employed, there may also be ads, a rich result at the top, or a few products from Google Shopping. Numerous possibilities exist, and what Google displays can also rely on its knowledge about the searcher, such as the country they reside in.The Importance of SEO
You have created a website with the intention of enticing individuals to purchase your product, subscribe to your service, or read your content. Regardless of your goal, you want people to visit your website. If, for instance, you own a donut shop in Amsterdam, you desire your website to top the list when individuals search "donuts Amsterdam" on Google. This is because the chances of people clicking on your website are significantly higher when it appears as the top result!But how do you accomplish this? One word: Search Engine Optimization! SEO is an exceptional means of driving individuals to your website without spending a fortune on advertising, especially if you are a small business owner with limited resources.Determining Your Ranking
Your position in search results is influenced by Google's algorithm. While certain aspects of the algorithm remain undisclosed, years of SEO experience have provided us with insight into the most critical ranking factors. These factors can be classified into two categories:On-page SEO factors
The ranking of your pages is partially determined by on-page factors. On-page factors refer to elements on your website that you have direct control over. Examples of these factors include technical aspects like code quality and site speed, as well as content-related aspects such as your website's structure and the quality of its copy. Addressing these crucial on-page SEO factors can greatly impact your rankings.Off-page SEO factors
In addition to on-page factors, your rankings are influenced by several off-page SEO factors. These factors include links from other websites, social media attention, and other marketing activities that occur off your own website. Although influencing off-page SEO factors can be more challenging, it is not impossible. The most significant factor among these off-page factors is the number and quality of links that point to your site. The more high-quality and relevant sites that link to your website, the higher it will rank in Google's search results.Another off-page factor that affects SEO is the level of competition within your specific business niche. Ranking can be more difficult in certain niches compared to others. Therefore, the competitiveness of your market significantly influences your chances of ranking well.Holistic SEO: A Long-term Strategy
At Yoast, we practice 'holistic SEO.' With holistic SEO, the primary objective is to construct and maintain the best possible website. Instead of attempting to deceive Google, you invest your time and effort in a sustainable, long-term strategy. By focusing on improving your pages and creating a high-quality website, your chances of ranking well also improve. After all, Google's intention is to present its users with the best search results, and the best results typically possess remarkable content, user-friendliness, speed, and accessibility.Ranking prominently in search engines such as Google necessitates a comprehensive SEO strategy that encompasses all aspects of your website and its marketing. This includes technical aspects, user experience, and the content on your website, which should all meet high standards. Adopting a holistic SEO approach not only enhances your rankings but also enables users to find what they need more quickly. Moreover, it contributes to environmental sustainability!How Can We Assist You in Getting Started?
At Yoast, our mission is to make SEO accessible to everyone. That's why we offer several plugins to assist you, including our popular Yoast SEO plugin. We provide both a free and premium version of this plugin. One of the primary advantages is that it helps you produce high-ranking content. Our free SEO and readability analysis provide detailed suggestions to create content that both humans and search engines appreciate!The premium version of our plugin takes you to the next level, enabling you to optimize your content with synonyms, related keywords, and enhance your site structure through our internal linking suggestions. In addition, you gain access to all our SEO courses, where you can acquire crucial SEO skills that you can immediately apply!Upgrade to Premium and Unlock All Our Features!
Premium offers numerous features and grants free access to our SEO courses!Conclusion
SEO entails the process of optimizing websites to achieve a high position in the search results of Google or other search engines. At Yoast, we believe that employing a holistic SEO approach is the most effective way to rank your pages, as it emphasizes optimizing all aspects of your site. Avoid using unethical strategies since these can negatively impact your rankings. Instead, engage in sustainable SEO practices while considering the user experience, and you will reap long-term benefits. For more information on ranking highly in Google, read our guide on how to rank high in Google or, if you utilize WordPress, explore our ultimate guide on SEO in WordPress.Read more: The ultimate guide to WordPress SEO "Marieke van de RaktMarieke served as the head of strategy and former CEO at Yoast. Following the sale of Yoast to Newfold Digital in 2021, she is no longer active at Yoast as of 2023. Marieke, along with her husband Joost, actively invests in and advises several startups through their company, Emilia Capital.
Source
