SEO basics for business owners
Plain-English guides to search engine optimization — from how Google works to keywords, local SEO, and measuring your results.
Search engine optimization (SEO) helps people find your business online. These guides explain what SEO actually is, what it takes, and how to make smart decisions about it — without any technical background needed.
We cover the essentials: how Google finds your site, what keywords are, how to write content Google loves, and how to tell if your SEO is working.
If you only read three things
- What is SEO? — the foundation.
- SEO: setting realistic expectations — so you don't get burned by snake oil.
- Common SEO myths debunked — what you don't need to spend time on.
Basics
What is SEO?
A plain-English introduction to search engine optimization.
How search engines work
How Google finds, reads, and ranks your website.
SEO: setting realistic expectations
Why SEO takes time — and how to spot unrealistic promises.
Keywords & content
Keywords, explained
What keywords are and why they matter for your site.
Keyword research basics
How to find the words your customers are actually searching for.
Writing SEO-friendly content
How to write pages and posts that both readers and Google love.
SEO & content marketing
How blogging and content help your site rank over time.
On-page SEO
On-page SEO explained
The SEO elements you control directly on each page.
Page titles & meta descriptions
The two most important SEO fields on every page.
Headings & content structure for SEO
How to use headings to help Google understand your page.
Image SEO & alt text
How images affect SEO and how to write good alt text.
Internal linking explained
How links between your own pages help SEO and readers.
SEO-friendly URLs
What makes a URL good for search engines and users.
Technical SEO
Technical SEO basics
The behind-the-scenes factors that affect how Google sees your site.
Sitemaps & robots.txt explained
Two files that tell search engines where to go on your site.
Mobile-friendliness & SEO
Why Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites — and what that means for you.
Site speed & SEO
How fast your site loads affects where it ranks.
Backlinks, explained
What backlinks are and why other sites linking to you matters.
Local SEO
Local SEO basics
How to show up when people search for businesses near them.
Google Business Profile for SEO
How your Google Business Profile affects local search rankings.
Measuring & myths
How to measure SEO results
The tools and metrics that show whether your SEO is working.
Common SEO myths debunked
Popular SEO beliefs that are wrong — and what's true instead.
SEO terms, explained simply
A plain-English A–Z glossary of SEO vocabulary.
Need a hand?
Switching from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 (or the other way)
What migrating between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 actually involves — email, files, contacts, and what to expect from the process.
What is SEO?
A plain-English introduction to search engine optimization — what it is, why it matters, and how it helps people find your business online.