SEO is the acronym for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the practice of optimizing websites to make them reach a high position in Google’s search results. SEO focuses on rankings in organic (non-paid) search results.
Google’s algorithm
In order to make web pages appear in high positions in the search results, SEO tries to shape a website according to Google’s algorithm. Although Google’s algorithm remains secret, over a decade of experience in SEO has resulted in a pretty good idea about the important factors.
Google’s algorithm can be divided into two categories, on-page and off-page:
On-page SEO
On-page SEO factors are all the things you can influence on your own website. All kinds of technical aspects of your website are important for the chances of your website to rank in the search engines. WordPress actually is a rather SEO-friendly platform. The structure of your website, your site speed and the content of your site are other important on-page SEO factors.
Off-page SEO
Next to on-page SEO factors, there are off-page SEO factors. Being the best result means focusing on technical excellence, great User Experience, flawless website security, and really awesome content.
Holistic SEO
good technical SEO
a great user experience
writing quality content
keeping your site secure
Having an awesome website with high-quality content, a great user experience and up to date security will in the long run have a positive effect on your website’s SEO. Attractive websites have a lower bounce rate and a much higher chance to receive social media attention.
Stay up-to-date
Websites are complex beings. A recent study shows that 56% of WordPress installations were running out of date versions of the core. Updates need to extend beyond WordPress core. The same study shows that a very large percentage of the website hacks came from out-of-date, vulnerable, versions of plugins.