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.
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”.
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.
4. Ranking
Where your website appears in search results.
If you’re the first bakery listed, you’re "ranking #1" for that search.
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.
6. On-Page SEO
Improvements you make to your website to help it show up better.
This includes writing clear page titles, using the right keywords, and making sure your site loads quickly.
7. Backlinks
Links from other websites to yours.
They act like votes of confidence - if good sites link to you, Google trusts you more.
8. Local SEO
Helping your business show up for searches near your location.
Perfect for businesses serving local areas like Southampton, Eastleigh, or Winchester.
9. SERP
Short for "Search Engine Results Page".
This is simply the page you see after you search for something on Google.
10. Bounce Rate
The percentage of people who visit your site and leave quickly.
A high bounce rate might mean they didn’t find what they wanted - or your site was slow to load.
You don’t need to speak "SEO" to get found online - you just need to focus on the basics and keep showing up.
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.
