What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) encompasses strategies that help a website be effectively read, analyzed, and indexed by search engines, with the aim of ranking as high as possible in search results. This, in turn, attracts potential customers to the site, increasing sales, profits, and brand awareness. An SEO agency can assist in achieving these goals!
SEO can be broadly classified into two categories: OnPage and OffPage optimization. OnPage optimization focuses on the website itself, while OffPage optimization involves building backlinks (links from other websites) and social signals such as Twitter mentions and Facebook "Likes." Effective and ethical SEO is an ongoing process that strives to maintain a website's high ranking in search engines for months or even years.
In addition to a well-structured and visually appealing website, keywords (search terms) and content (text) play a crucial role in SEO. Keywords are the search terms that potential customers use when searching online. For instance, for a hotel owner in Munich looking to attract more guests via their website, "Hotel Munich" and "Accommodation Munich" would be important keywords. Identifying and compiling appropriate keywords is a vital aspect of SEO, and these keywords should be included in the website's text at an appropriate density for the target audience.
Unlike in the past, when merely including keywords in low-quality text could influence search engine rankings, today's search engines demand high-quality content that provides value to potential customers while incorporating relevant keywords. Engaging and informative text is essential for effective SEO, as both search engines and potential customers appreciate well-written content.
After optimizing the website's content for SEO, OffPage measures come into play, primarily focusing on acquiring as many backlinks from other websites as possible. Numerous backlinks from other sites can lead to more visitors, and search engines consider well-linked sites important, ranking them higher in search results. However, it's essential to have links from reputable, relevant sites, as search engines have complex algorithms to evaluate the importance of external links.
In summary, professional SEO involves a clearly structured website with an appealing layout, the identification and incorporation of suitable keywords/search terms, engaging and relevant content, a high number of quality backlinks, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Why is SEO so important?
More than 80% of internet users regularly rely on search engines for information, with the majority having a purchasing intent when conducting a search. Almost 90% of users don't look beyond the first results page. With competition continually increasing, professional SEO is essential to ensure your website ranks high and gains the attention it deserves.