This glossary is designed to help those with limited SEO knowledge understand the fundamentals of SEO. Throughout this document, we’ll use a simple metaphor:
Someone searching on Google for dog toys. 🐶🦴
Think of Google as a massive pet store, and SEO as the process of making sure your dog toy is easy to find, clearly labeled, and recommended by others.
Search Engine (Google)
What it means: A search engine helps people find information online.
Example: Google is like a giant pet store directory that tells shoppers where to find the best dog toys based on what they’re looking for.
Search Query
What it means: The exact words someone types into Google.
Example: A shopper types “durable toys for aggressive chewers” into Google.
Keywords
What it means: The words and phrases you want your website pages to show up for in search results.
Example: Keywords could be:
- “dog toys”
- “safe dog toys for puppies”
- “indestructible dog chew toys”
Your website should clearly show Google which type of dog toy(s) you sell.
Search Intent
What it means: The reason behind someone’s search.
Example:
- Someone searching “what toys are best for puppies” is researching.
- Someone searching “buy durable dog toys online” is ready to purchase.
Good SEO matches your page to the shopper’s intent.
Search Results Page (SERP)
What it means: The page of results Google shows after a search.
Dog toy example: After searching for dog toys, the SERP is the shelf of dog toys Google presents to the shopper.
Rankings
What it means: Where your website appears on the search results page.
Example:
- Top of page = your dog toy is on the front shelf at eye level.
- Page two = your dog toy is in the back aisle where fewer shoppers look.
On-Page SEO
What it means: Optimizations made on your website to help Google understand your content.
Example:
- Clear product name (page title)
- Accurate description of the toy
- Organized sections explaining size, durability, and safety
This helps Google know exactly what kind of dog toy you’re selling.
Title Tag
What it means: The clickable headline shown in Google search results.
Example: The label on the shelf that says:
“Durable Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers | Your Brand Name”
Meta Description
What it means: The short description shown under the title in search results.
Example: A quick summary telling shoppers why this dog toy is worth clicking:
“Long-lasting, safe chew toys designed for strong chewers.”
Headings (H1, H2, H3)
What it means: Headings organize content on a page.
Example: Signs in the aisle that say:
- “Why This Toy Is Durable”
- “Best for Puppies vs. Adult Dogs”
They make the page easier to read for both people and Google.
Technical SEO
What it means: Behind-the-scenes elements that help Google access and understand your site.
Example:
- Aisles are wide enough to walk through (site speed)
- Shelves are clearly labeled (site structure)
- The store is open and unlocked (indexing)
If the store is hard to navigate, shoppers (and Google) leave.
Indexing
What it means: Google adding your pages to its database so they can appear in search results.
Example: Google has officially added your dog toy to its store inventory. If it’s not indexed, it’s like the toy is stuck in the warehouse.
Local SEO
What it means: Optimizing your site to appear in location-based searches.
Example: Someone searches “dog toy store near me.” Local SEO helps your shop show up for nearby shoppers.
Backlinks
What it means: Links from other websites pointing to your site.
Example: A popular pet blog recommends your dog toy and links to it. Google sees this as a vote of confidence.
Authority
What it means: How trustworthy and credible Google believes your site is.
Example: A well-known, long-standing pet store with expert recommendations has more authority than a brand-new shop.
Conversions
What it means: When a visitor takes a meaningful action.
Example:
- Buying a dog toy
- Calling the store
- Filling out a contact form
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