What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization
TL;DR
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of improving your website so it appears higher in Google search results when people search for relevant topics.
Example
When someone searches "best pizza in Oslo," which restaurants appear first?
The top results didn't get there by accident. They optimized their websites to rank well for that search.
SEO is about understanding what your potential customers are searching for, and making sure your website is the best answer to their question.
What SEO involves:
- Writing content that answers what people are actually searching for
- Making sure your website loads fast and works well on mobile
- Getting other reputable websites to link to yours
- Using the right words in the right places (titles, headings, etc.)
- Making your site easy for Google to understand and index
The payoff: Free, ongoing traffic from people actively looking for what you offer. Unlike ads, you don't pay per click.
Explanation
The Three Pillars of SEO
1. Technical SEO
Making sure Google can find and understand your website:
- Fast loading speed
- Mobile-friendly design
- Secure connection (HTTPS)
- Clean site structure
- Proper use of HTML tags
2. On-Page SEO
Optimizing the content on your pages:
- Writing useful, comprehensive content
- Using relevant keywords naturally
- Creating compelling titles and descriptions
- Organizing content with headings
- Adding alt text to images
3. Off-Page SEO
Building your site's reputation:
- Getting links from other reputable websites (backlinks)
- Social media presence
- Online reviews and mentions
- Brand recognition
How Google Ranks Pages
Google uses hundreds of factors, but the main idea is simple: show users the most helpful, trustworthy result for their search.
Google looks at:
- Does this content actually answer the search query?
- Is this website trustworthy and authoritative?
- Do users stay on this page or immediately leave?
- Do other websites link to this as a good resource?
Why It Matters
For Business Owners
Compounding returns. Unlike paid ads that stop when you stop paying, SEO builds over time. A well-ranking page can bring traffic for years.
High-intent visitors. Someone searching "buy running shoes" is much more likely to purchase than someone who sees a random ad.
Cost-effective long-term. While SEO takes time and effort upfront, the cost per visitor decreases over time as your rankings improve.
Builds credibility. Ranking high in Google signals to potential customers that you're a legitimate, trustworthy business.
SEO Takes Time
SEO is a long game. Expect 3-6 months minimum before seeing significant results. If someone promises you #1 rankings in a week, run away.
Common Misconceptions
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