What is SEO or search engine optimization? The term is thrown around like dog treats at the kennel, but not everyone understands the meaning. So let us enlighten you with this short explanation.

Search engine optimization is a set of practices designed to improve the appearance and positioning of web pages in organic search results. Because organic search is the most prominent way for people to discover and access online content, a good SEO strategy is essential for improving the quality and quantity of traffic to your website. *

So, this set of practices is something that takes time and patience to build and perfect. And once it is complete, it should be monitored and adjusted.

SEO optimization is not for the faint of heart or those with time constraints due to running their business. It is a diligent practice that is best left to the professionals.

However, here are seven basic principles that will help you understand why SEO is essential to your website's success:

Heading Tags - Help search engines identify the most important headings. Use the H1 tag for the page or post title exclusively.

Title Tag - Use the primary keyword at the start of the title tag. The title tag controls the page title in the browser, and the title is shown in the search results, which is essential to encourage click-through.

Meta Description - The meta description is an important element in the search results and requires use of a primary keyword as it relates to the overall content. This area allows up to 160 characters and should provide a descriptive introduction to your page to encourage someone to click-through from the search results.

Image Alt Text - Every image on your website should have alt text. Search engines can't see the pictures on your website, so the alt text you use will help them understand the image. 

Internal Linking - Use internal linking to direct users to more helpful content on your website. Internal links help users read and engage with more content they might be interested in. They also help search engines find more pages on your website and index them in the search results.     

Mobile Responsiveness - Design a mobile-centric website as 40% or more of website visitors use their mobile devices to search the internet. Google and other search engines give more weight to websites that display well on mobile devices. 

Website Speed - The speed of your website is critical to SEO success and should load in under 2 seconds. Test your website speed using a tool such as GTMetrix, and if it loads in less than 2 seconds, it's time to call in the professionals

If this list was helpful and you would like to explore this concept further with one of our professionals,

Contact us today to discuss the ins and outs of on-page SEO tips and how Jason Hunter Design can help.

*https://moz.com/learn/seo/what-is-seo