What is SEO, Anyway?
You’ve probably heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization)—but what does it actually mean, and why should you care? At Mainstay, we believe SEO should be straightforward, easy to understand, and baked right into your website. Here’s a simple overview of what SEO is, why it matters, and how our web design packages help your business get found online.
What Exactly is SEO?
SEO stands for “Search Engine Optimization.” Simply put, it’s the process of improving your website so it shows up higher in search engine results (think: Google) when someone searches for the types of products or services you offer.
The better your SEO, the easier it is for potential customers to find your website, helping you attract more traffic and grow your business.
Why is SEO Important for Small Businesses?
For small businesses, visibility is crucial. If customers can’t find you online, you’re missing out on opportunities. Good SEO helps your website appear in relevant searches, attracting visitors who are actively looking for what you offer. Plus, strong SEO can build trust, credibility, and long-term growth.
How Does SEO Work?
SEO involves several components, including:
- Keyword Research: Identifying the words your potential customers use when searching online.
- On-Page SEO: Making sure each page of your website clearly communicates your products and services, using strategic keywords, optimized headings, and easy-to-read content.
- Technical SEO: Ensuring your website is easy for search engines to understand and fast for visitors to use.
- Local SEO: Helping your website appear in searches by people located near your business.
Common SEO Terms Explained:
Rank:
Your position in search engine results for specific keywords. The higher, the better.
Keywords:
The words or phrases people type into search engines to find websites like yours.
Organic Traffic:
Visitors who find your website naturally through search engines, not through paid ads.
Backlinks:
Links from other websites pointing back to yours, signaling to search engines that your site is credible and valuable.
How We Include SEO in Your Website
At Mainstay, we take care of these details so you can focus on running your business.
Foundational SEO
Every website we build includes structural on-page SEO—things like metadata, URL optimization, internal linking, and schema markup. This means your site is ready to perform well in search results from day one. For clients looking for more advanced support, we offer upgraded SEO services in our higher-priced packages and as add-on services.
SEO-Friendly Content Creation
High-quality, helpful content is one of the best ways to improve SEO. Regularly publishing relevant blog posts helps drive traffic, establish your expertise, and improve your search visibility. Don’t have time to write? No problem—we offer easy, professional content and blog writing services as an upgrade, designed specifically for small businesses.
Have more questions about SEO?
SEO can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out to us anytime—we’re always happy to chat, explain further, and help you choose the best path for your website and business goals.