Can you explain SEO to me like I’m 5?
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is like a game where the goal is to make your website show up at the top when someone searches for something on Google or other search engines. Imagine you have a library with millions of books, and you want to make sure your book is easy to find. SEO helps your website be that book that everyone can easily find.
How Does SEO Work?
Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines. Think of them as the main topics of your book. If you want your book to be found when people search for “best pizza in Columbus,” you need to use those exact words in your book’s title and content. Similarly, in SEO, you use these keywords in your website’s content to help search engines understand what your site is about.
On-Page SEO
On-page SEO is like organizing your book’s content in a way that makes it easy to read and understand. This involves using keywords in important places like titles, headings, and throughout the content. It also includes making sure your website is user-friendly, loads quickly, and works well on mobile devices.
Off-Page SEO
Off-page SEO is like getting other people to talk about your book. If lots of people are recommending your book, it becomes more popular. In SEO, this is done through backlinks. Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more search engines see your site as trustworthy and relevant.
Technical SEO
Technical SEO is like making sure your book’s pages are easy to flip and read. This involves ensuring your website has a good structure, loads quickly, and is secure (using HTTPS). It also includes creating a sitemap, which helps search engines understand how your site is organized.
Why is SEO Important?
SEO is important because it helps your website get found by people who are searching for information, products, or services that you offer. Without SEO, your website might get lost in the vast sea of the internet. Good SEO practices can lead to more visitors, which can turn into more customers and more business for you.
Types of SEO
Local SEO
Local SEO is about making your website show up when people search for businesses near them. For example, if you run a pizza shop in Columbus, you want your site to appear when someone searches for “best pizza in Columbus.” This involves using local keywords, creating a Google My Business profile, and getting local reviews.
Content SEO
Content SEO focuses on creating high-quality, relevant content that answers the questions your audience is asking. This includes blog posts, articles, videos, and other types of content that provide value to your visitors. The better your content, the more likely people will stay on your site and recommend it to others.
E-commerce SEO
E-commerce SEO is for online stores. It involves optimizing product pages, using the right keywords, and ensuring a smooth shopping experience. This can include creating detailed product descriptions, optimizing images, and making the checkout process easy.
How to Improve Your SEO
Research Keywords
Start by researching the keywords that are relevant to your business. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find out what people are searching for. Look for keywords that have a good search volume but aren’t too competitive.
Optimize Your Content
Once you have your keywords, use them naturally in your content. This includes your titles, headings, and throughout your text. Don’t stuff keywords; make sure they fit naturally.
Build Backlinks
Reach out to other websites and ask for backlinks. This could be through guest blogging, partnerships, or creating content that others want to link to. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your SEO.
Improve Technical SEO
Make sure your website is fast, secure, and mobile-friendly. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s speed and find areas to improve. Ensure your site is using HTTPS, and create a sitemap to help search engines crawl your site.
Use Social Media
While social media links don’t directly affect SEO, they can help drive traffic to your site. Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to reach a wider audience.
How 614 Digital Can Help
At 614 Digital, we specialize in Local SEO in Columbus. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with optimizing your business for local searches. Our team of experts can help you with keyword research, on-page SEO, and building high-quality backlinks to improve your search engine rankings. We also focus on technical SEO to ensure your website runs smoothly and efficiently.
We know how important it is for your business to be found by local customers. That’s why we offer tailored solutions for Local SEO in Columbus, helping you reach more potential customers in your area. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, our goal is to boost your online visibility and drive more traffic to your site.
Let 614 Digital help you navigate the world of SEO and get your business the recognition it deserves. Contact us today to learn more about our Local SEO in Columbus services and how we can help your business grow.
By following these simple steps and strategies, you can improve your website’s SEO and attract more visitors. Remember, SEO is a long-term investment, but with patience and consistency, you can achieve great results. And if you need help, 614 Digital is here to support you every step of the way with our expertise in Local SEO in Columbus.
Corey VanDeVelde is the founder and owner of 614 Digital, a Columbus, Ohio-based digital marketing agency established in 2015. With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, Corey has built more than 100 websites and actively manages over 30 SEO campaigns for businesses throughout Columbus and beyond. His work focuses on delivering high-performing, conversion-driven websites alongside long-term SEO strategies that generate measurable growth.
Corey’s background spans across web design, SEO, paid advertising, and full-scale digital marketing strategy. Through 614 Digital, he has helped businesses across multiple industries strengthen their online presence, improve search rankings, and generate consistent leads. His approach is rooted in real-world performance, combining clean website design with proven SEO techniques that drive traffic and revenue.
His journey into digital marketing started with a passion for fitness, where he built a meme-based social media account that grew to over 50,000 followers. That early success sparked a deeper understanding of audience engagement and content strategy, ultimately leading to the creation of 614 Digital.
Today, Corey continues to work hands-on with clients, offering services including website design, SEO, social media management, email marketing, and paid advertising—helping businesses scale with practical, results-focused digital strategies.