SEO Jargon Explained in Plain English
If you've ever looked up SEO advice and felt like you were reading another language, you're not alone.
SEO ( that’s Search Engine Optimisation) is full of confusing terms that sound more complicated than they need to.
SO SEO believes in keeping things simple, so here’s a plain English guide to the common jargon - and what it actually means for your business.
1. SEO
Short for "Search Engine Optimisation".
The work you do to help your website show up higher on Google when people search for things you offer.
Think of it like tidying up your online shop window so that more people see it and want to step inside.
2. Keywords
The words or phrases people type into Google.
For example, if you run a bakery in Southampton, keywords might be things like “birthday cakes Southampton” or “best bakery near me”.
Using the right keywords on your website helps Google understand what you do and who you serve.
3. Organic Traffic
Visitors who find your website naturally, not through ads.
You didn’t pay Google - your site showed up because it matched what people were looking for.
If someone in Chandlers Ford searches “mobile car valeting near me” and finds your site, that’s organic traffic.
4. Ranking
Where your website appears in search results.
If you’re the first bakery listed, you’re "ranking #1" for that search.
Better ranking = more visibility = more clicks (and customers).
5. Google Business Profile (GBP)
A free listing that helps your business appear on Google Maps and local searches.
It’s often the first thing people see when they search for businesses nearby.
For example, a “plumber in Totton” will likely see a map with local listings. If your profile’s set up well, you’ll be one of them.
6. On-Page SEO
Improvements you make on your own website to help it show up better.
This includes:
Clear page titles
Using local keywords
Fast loading times
Good mobile design
It’s like cleaning and organising your shop so customers (and Google) find what they need easily.
7. Backlinks
Links from other websites to yours.
They act like votes of confidence - if good sites link to you, Google trusts you more.
Example: If a local newspaper or a business partner in Southampton links to your site, that’s a valuable backlink.
8. Local SEO
Helping your business show up for searches near your location.
Perfect for businesses serving local areas like Southampton, Eastleigh, or Winchester.
It’s not just about showing up, it’s about showing up for the right people nearby.
9. SERP
Short for "Search Engine Results Page".
This is simply the page you see after you search for something on Google.
Ranking higher on the SERP means a greater chance of getting clicks to your website.
10. Bounce Rate
The percentage of people who visit your site and leave quickly.
A high bounce rate might mean:
Your page didn’t answer their question
The site loaded slowly
The layout was confusing
Lowering bounce rate helps you keep people on your site longer, and can help improve rankings too.
You don’t need to speak "SEO" to get found online - you just need to focus on the basics and keep showing up.
From Totton to Twyford, I help local businesses get seen (without the jargon).
If you want no-nonsense help setting up your Google Business Profile or getting your website noticed, SO SEO is here to help.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It means the work you do to help your website show up higher on Google when people search for things you offer.
What is a Google Business Profile (GBP)?
A Google Business Profile is a free listing that helps your business appear on Google Maps and local searches. It’s often the first thing people see when they look for businesses nearby.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is about helping your business show up for searches near your location, ideal for local areas like Southampton, Eastleigh, or Winchester.
