SEO Explained in
Plain English
We believe you should understand what you're paying for. Here's everything you need to know about SEO—without the confusing jargon.
What Is SEO, Really?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In simple terms, it's the process of improving your website so that when people search for things you offer, your business shows up in the results.
Think of it this way:
When someone types "plumber near me" into Google, hundreds of plumbing businesses could appear. SEO is what determines which businesses show up first—and whether your business is one of them.
The goal isn't just to appear in search results—it's to appear when it matters most, to the people who are most likely to become your customers.
Why does this matter?
- 93% of online experiences start with a search
- 75% of people never scroll past page one
- Local searches lead to store visits within a day 50% of the time
The Four Pillars of SEO
SEO isn't one thing—it's a combination of different strategies working together.
Technical SEO
The behind-the-scenes work that helps search engines crawl and understand your website.
On-Page SEO
Optimizing the content and HTML elements on your actual web pages.
Off-Page SEO
Building your website's authority through external signals and relationships.
Local SEO
Specifically targeting customers in your geographic area who are searching for local services.
Common SEO Myths Debunked
There's a lot of misinformation about SEO. Here's the truth.
"SEO is a one-time thing"
SEO is an ongoing process. Search engines constantly update their algorithms, and your competitors are always working to outrank you. Consistent effort yields the best results.
"More keywords = better rankings"
Keyword stuffing actually hurts your rankings. Modern search engines reward natural, helpful content that genuinely answers user questions.
"You can guarantee #1 rankings"
No one can guarantee specific rankings. Anyone who promises #1 results is being dishonest. We focus on sustainable growth and realistic goals.
"SEO results happen overnight"
Real SEO takes time—typically 3-6 months to see significant results. Quick fixes often lead to penalties. We believe in doing it right.
"Social media directly improves SEO"
Social signals aren't a direct ranking factor, but social media can indirectly help by increasing brand visibility and driving traffic to your site.
"Paid ads help your organic rankings"
Google Ads and organic search are completely separate. Paying for ads won't improve your organic rankings, and vice versa.
SEO Glossary
A quick reference guide to common SEO terms you might hear.
Algorithm
The complex formula search engines use to determine which websites appear in search results and in what order.
Backlink
A link from another website pointing to your website. Quality backlinks signal authority to search engines.
Crawling
The process search engines use to discover and scan websites to understand their content.
Domain Authority
A score (1-100) predicting how likely a website is to rank in search results. Higher is better.
Indexing
When a search engine stores your website's information in its database so it can appear in search results.
Keywords
The words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services.
NAP
Name, Address, Phone number. Consistency of this information across the web is crucial for local SEO.
Organic Traffic
Visitors who find your website through unpaid search results, as opposed to paid advertisements.
SERP
Search Engine Results Page. The page you see after typing a query into Google or another search engine.
Citation
Any online mention of your business's name, address, and phone number, even without a link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to explain anything in more detail. Schedule a free consultation and let's talk about your specific situation.