Understanding SEO: Key Terms and Concepts
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful, free marketing tool that can boost traffic to your website. While SEO might seem complicated with its technical jargon, it’s quite accessible once you understand the basics. Here, we demystify six common SEO terms to help you kick-start your SEO strategy.
1. Domain/URL
A domain is the address of your website, such as www.healthhosts.com. Each domain is unique, like a physical business address. When creating a website, your URL is one of the first decisions. It should ideally match your business name or be closely related to help users find you easily. We can assist in finding and setting up an available domain name for you.
2. SERP
SERP stands for “Search Engine Results Page.” This is the page displayed by a search engine when you search for something online. The main goal of your SEO strategy is to have your website appear in relevant searches related to therapists or therapy, making it visible to potential clients.
3. Algorithm
An algorithm in SEO is a set of rules used by search engines to determine the relevancy of a webpage to a search query. These rules decide where your webpage ranks among search results. Each search engine has a unique and evolving algorithm. Staying updated on these changes, such as by subscribing to SEO newsletters, is crucial for a successful SEO strategy.
4. Bots
Bots, short for “robots,” are programs that read through your webpages using the algorithm to determine your page rankings.
5. Link Building
Link building involves creating hyperlinks to other relevant pages on your site or other websites. This helps search engine bots understand your website’s context and importance. For example, linking a page about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to an article explaining CBT or a blog post discussing its benefits can improve your SEO. The goal is to create a network of valuable links, enhancing your site’s visibility on search engines.
6. Keyword/Key Term
Keywords or key terms are words and phrases relevant to your business that you want to rank highly for on search engines. For a therapy business, relevant keywords might include “therapy,” “therapists,” “therapists in London,” “CBT therapist,” and “therapy for grieving.” Creating a comprehensive list of keywords is essential for driving traffic to your website.
7. Keyword Density
Keyword density refers to how often a targeted keyword appears in your webpage text. Higher keyword density can improve your page’s ranking for that term. However, avoid overusing keywords, as search engines may penalize you for “keyword stuffing.” Instead, write naturally relevant content that seamlessly includes your keywords.
Conclusion
SEO is a valuable tool for increasing your website’s visibility and attracting more visitors. By understanding and implementing these key SEO concepts, you can effectively enhance your online presence and grow your therapy business.
