How and What: Understanding the Key Differences in SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucially important for any website or online business looking to succeed. However, there are different approaches to SEO, and it’s important to understand the key differences between them. One common point of confusion is the difference between “how” and “what” in SEO.
What is SEO?
Before we discuss the differences between how and what in SEO, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what SEO is in the first place. Simply put, SEO is the process of optimizing website content, structure, and other elements to improve search engine rankings and drive more targeted traffic to a website.
SEO involves a wide range of techniques and strategies, from keyword research and on-page optimization to link building and social media marketing. The ultimate goal of SEO is to increase visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more qualified, relevant traffic to a website.
How: Technical SEO
“How” in SEO refers to the technical aspects of optimizing a website. Technical SEO includes improving website speed, crawling, indexing, mobile responsiveness, and more. These are the foundation of good SEO practices and foundational work that must be done before on-page and off-page SEO can even begin to have any real impact.
Examples of technical SEO practices include:
Optimizing website speed and load times for better user experience and higher search rankings
Improving website accessibility for both users and search engines
Ensuring that website structure and navigation are clear and easy to use
Optimizing website images, videos, and other multimedia for faster load times and better user experience
What: On-Page SEO
“What” in SEO refers to the content on a website and how it’s optimized for search engines. On-page SEO includes optimizing website content, such as blog posts, product pages, and other website pages, to rank better in search results.
Examples of on-page SEO tactics include:
Performing keyword research and incorporating relevant keywords into website content
Creating high-quality, engaging content that answers user questions and satisfies user intent
Optimizing website headlines, meta titles, meta descriptions, and other on-page elements for search engines
Using relevant internal and external links to improve user experience and signal authority to search engines
Conclusion
SEO is a complex and multifaceted process that involves many different technical and creative elements. By understanding the differences between “how” and “what” in SEO, you can create more effective strategies for optimizing your website and improving its search engine rankings. Whether you focus more on technical SEO or on-page SEO, the ultimate goal is to create a rich, engaging experience for users that will lead to better search engine rankings and more organic traffic to your website.
