“How do I get my website to show up on Google?” is a common question we get. The answer lies in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which involves optimizing your website so search engines like Google and Bing can find and rank it when people search for products or services you offer.
While SEO can be broken down into many types, the two main categories that matter most are On-Page SEO and Off-Page SEO.
Understanding these core strategies is key to improving your website’s visibility and attracting more customers.
Now, let’s dive right into what SEO actually is.
What is SEO?
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of improving your website to appear higher in search results on Google or Bing. When people search for something you offer, SEO improves your website’s visibility, making it easier for people to find you.
It includes strategies like improving your website’s content, structure, and speed. It also involves building links from other sites to boost your website’s credibility and trustworthiness.
The goal of SEO is to bring more visitors to your website organically without the expense of paying for ads.
Now, let’s explore On-Page SEO and Off-Page SEO together.
What is On-Page SEO? The Foundation of Your Website
On-page SEO is the first step to getting your website noticed on search engines like Google. It includes everything you can control on your website to help it rank higher. In simple terms, it’s about making sure your site is easy for both search engines and visitors to understand.
Here’s what On-Page SEO includes:
- Website Content – The words on your site matter. Using the right keywords in page titles, headings, and text helps search engines connect your site to what people are looking for.
- Tip: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find the best keywords, but avoid overstuffing them in your content.
- Technical SEO – This covers things like making sure your site loads quickly, works well on mobile, and is easy to navigate.
- Tip: Google considers page speed when ranking sites. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to check and improve your site’s loading time.
- Image SEO – Search engines can’t “see” images, so they rely on descriptions. Optimizing images by compressing them and adding relevant alt text helps improve rankings.
- Tip: Name image files with descriptive keywords (e.g., “organic-pumpkin-pie.jpg” instead of “IMG12345.jpg”).
- Local/Mobile SEO – More people search from mobile devices when looking for local businesses. Optimizing for local searches is crucial if your business serves a specific area.
- Tip: List your business on Google My Business and use a mobile-friendly website design so it looks great on any device.
On-page SEO lays the groundwork for better visibility, helping search engines and potential customers find you more easily.
What is Off-Page SEO? Getting Your Website Noticed
Once your website is optimized with On-Page SEO, the next step is Off-Page SEO. This focuses on everything outside your website that helps improve your search rankings and bring in more visitors.
- Backlinks – These are links from other websites pointing to yours. Search engines see them as “votes of confidence,” which can boost your site’s credibility and rankings.
- Tip: Reach out to trusted websites or blogs to share your content, write guest posts, or request that collaborators link back to your website.
- Social Media – Sharing your content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X helps drive traffic and shows search engines that people find your content valuable.
- Tip: Post regularly where your audience is active, add links to your site, and encourage followers to share your content.
- Google & Bing Business Listings – If you have a local business, setting up and updating your business listings on Google My Business and Bing Places helps people find you easily.
- Tip: Keep your business details accurate, including your address, hours, website, and phone number.
- Video SEO – Videos are a powerful way to engage users and attract traffic, especially on platforms like YouTube.
- Tip: Use keywords in your video title, description, and tags, and add a link to your website in the description.
- PPC Advertising – While not technically SEO, paid ads (like Google Ads or Bing Ads) can instantly get your site to the top of search results.
- Tip: Use PPC ads to gain visibility while waiting for your SEO efforts to improve your rankings naturally.
Off-page SEO helps build trust and authority, making your site more visible beyond search engines.
Now, if you’re a business owner or DIY marketer who loves learning, let’s break down 12 types of SEO and how they can help your business grow.
The 12 Types of SEO (and a Tip for Each!)
Let’s be clear: SEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. There are 12 types of SEO, each playing a unique role in improving your online presence. With that said, here’s a quick breakdown of 12 different kinds of SEO with a straightforward tip for each:
1. On-Page SEO
This involves optimizing your website’s content—such as keywords, headings, and internal links.
Tip: Use clear, descriptive titles and subheadings to make your content easier to read and search-engine-friendly.
2. Off-Page SEO
This covers everything outside your website that helps with ranking, like backlinks (links from other websites).
Tip: Build relationships with other businesses in your industry and offer valuable content to earn quality backlinks.
3. Technical SEO
This addresses the behind-the-scenes elements that make your site easier for search engines to crawl.
Tip: Improve site speed by compressing images and using a fast web hosting service.
4. Mobile SEO
Google favors websites that are mobile-friendly since most people browse on their phones.
Tip: Use a responsive design so your site looks good on any device.
5. Local SEO
For businesses that serve specific locations, local SEO helps you show up in Google searches nearby.
Tip: Claim and optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate hours, location, and services.
6. Paid Search (PPC)
This isn’t technically SEO, but it works alongside SEO using paid ads to boost visibility.
Tip: Combine organic SEO with PPC ads to dominate search results for important keywords.
7. Image SEO
Search engines can’t “see” images, so you have to optimize them properly.
Tip: Use descriptive filenames and alt text so Google understands what your images are about.
8. eCommerce SEO
If you run an online store, eCommerce SEO helps people find your products.
Tip: Write unique product descriptions instead of copying the manufacturer’s text.
9. International SEO
For businesses targeting multiple countries or languages, international SEO ensures the right people see the correct version of your site.
Tip: Use hreflang tags to signal to Google which language version of your site to show.
10. Voice Search SEO
With the rise of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, people are searching differently.
Tip: Optimize for natural, conversational phrases instead of short, choppy keywords.
11. Video SEO
Video is huge for engagement, and SEO helps your videos rank on YouTube and Google.
Tip: Use keyword-rich video titles and descriptions, and always add subtitles.
12. Social SEO
Social media doesn’t directly affect rankings, but helps drive traffic and brand awareness.
Tip: Share your blog posts on multiple social platforms to get more eyes on your content.
While yes, if you want to get nitty-gritty. Technically, each of the items above does have a specific task. However, focusing on the minor details will only cost you more money. Instead, our team looks at the initial path your clients take to find you and then optimizes from there.
What About PPC? Is It Part of SEO?
While PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising is technically not part of organic SEO, it does work hand in hand with it. PPC involves paying for ads that appear at the top of search results, providing immediate visibility for your business.
Unlike SEO, which takes time to boost rankings organically, PPC gets traffic to your site fast. But since it’s a paid strategy, your visibility depends on how much you’re willing to spend.
*Bonus* Tip: Use PPC and SEO to complement your long-term strategy. While you work on ranking organically, PPC can give you immediate traffic to your site.
There You Have It!
SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By focusing on On-Page SEO to optimize your website and Off-Page SEO to drive traffic, you create a strong foundation for long-term success. PPC advertising can also complement your SEO efforts by driving immediate traffic while your organic rankings grow.
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