Have you ever wondered how websites show up on Google? Or better yet, how your website can appear there? That’s where SEO comes in.
SEO, short for Search Engine Optimisation, is all about improving your website so that search engines like Google can understand it and show it to the right people.
Let’s walk through the basics, the different types of SEO, and what you can do to start improving your site today.
What Is SEO, Exactly?
SEO is the process of making changes to your website to increase its visibility on search engines. The goal? To show up when someone searches for something related to your business or content.
For example, if you run a yoga studio in Brighton and someone types “yoga classes near me” into Google, good SEO helps make sure your site is one of the top results they see.
Why SEO Matters
More visibility = more clicks
More clicks = more potential customers
SEO is free traffic — unlike paid ads, you don’t have to pay each time someone clicks your site
But SEO is a broad topic, so let’s break it down into the main types you need to know about:
1. On-Page SEO (The Content and Structure)
This is all about what’s on your website. These are the key elements:
Keywords
These are the words or phrases people type into search engines. Use relevant ones naturally throughout your pages.
Headings
Clear, well-structured headings (like the ones in this blog post) help search engines understand your content.
Title tags and Meta descriptions
These appear in search results and help encourage clicks.
Internal links
Link between pages on your site to help users (and Google) navigate easily.
Image alt text
Add descriptions to your images so search engines can “see” them too.
Friendly URLs
Keep your page addresses short, descriptive, and easy to read (e.g. /yoga-classes-brighton instead of /page?id=123).
Tip: Think about what your customers are searching for and create helpful content around that.
2. Technical SEO (The Behind-the-Scenes Bits)
This is the part of SEO most people don’t see — but it’s just as important. Here are some things to check:
Site speed
Faster websites rank better (and keep people from bouncing).
Mobile-friendliness
Google favours sites that work well on mobile devices.
Secure connection (HTTPS)
Your site should use SSL (shown as a padlock in the address bar).
Clean code
Well-structured code helps search engines crawl your site properly.
Sitemap and robots.txt
These help search engines find and index your pages.
You don’t need to know how to code to care about technical SEO — but it’s worth working with someone who does.
3. Off-Page SEO (Building Trust and Authority)
This type of SEO happens outside of your website and helps build your reputation online. These are the key areas:
Backlinks
When other trustworthy websites link to yours, it tells Google your site is valuable and has authority.
Social signals
While not a direct ranking factor, shares and mentions on social media can help your content reach more people.
Google Business Profile
If you’re a local business, this is essential for showing up in local search and Google Maps.
Tip: Guest blogging, getting featured in local directories and being active in online communities can all help your off-page SEO.
4. Local SEO (For Location-Based Businesses)
If you’re targeting customers in a specific area — like Brighton — local SEO is crucial. Here’s what you should focus on:
Google Business Profile
Add your services, location, hours and photos.
Local keywords
Include location-based terms like “yoga classes in Brighton” or “Brighton yoga classes”
Local listings
Make sure your business info is consistent across sites like Yell, Yelp, and Bing Places.
Customer reviews
Positive reviews help your business stand out and build trust.
How Long Does SEO Take?
SEO is a long-term game. You won’t see overnight results, but with consistency and the right strategy, improvements can start showing in a few weeks to a few months.
Quick Wins to Get You Started
If you’re new to SEO, here are some simple actions you can take today:
✅ Make sure each page has a clear title and meta description
✅ Use headings (H1, H2, etc.) to structure your content
✅ Add alt text to all images
✅ Use clean, descriptive URLs that include keywords (e.g. /yoga-classes-brighton)
✅ Check your site speed on Google PageSpeed Insights
✅ Set up a free Google Business Profile if you serve local clients
✅ Start a blog and write helpful content regularly
Final Thoughts
SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. At its core, it’s about helping your website be clear, helpful, and trustworthy — not just for search engines, but for real people too.
If you’d rather focus on your business and leave the SEO to someone else, I can help. I offer custom-built, SEO optimised websites designed to get your business seen online.
Need help with your SEO? Get in touch and let’s chat about how we can improve your site’s visibility.
Posted by AH WebTech