SEO glossary: web and Google terms explained simply
In this SEO glossary I explain what each term means (SEO, local SEO, Google profile, reviews…) in plain words and without jargon.
SEO
It stands for “search engine optimisation”. In other words, the work done so your website appears higher on Google when someone searches for what you offer, without paying for each click.
Local SEO
SEO focused on a specific area. It aims to make your business appear when someone near you searches for your service, for example “barber in Girona”, both on Google and on Google Maps.
Ranking
It is the position where your website appears in Google’s results. Therefore, “ranking” a website means getting it to the top positions for the searches that matter to you.
Google Business Profile
It is your business’s free listing on Google (formerly called Google My Business). Also, it shows your name, phone, opening hours, photos, reviews and directions, on Google and on Google Maps.
Google profile
The short way of referring to your Google Business Profile: the box with your business details that appears when people search for you on Google or on the map.
Google Maps
Google’s map. Many people search there directly for nearby services (“taxi near me”) and call straight from the map. That is why appearing well on it is key for a local business.
Reviews
The opinions and stars your customers leave on your Google profile. They build trust with new customers and, also, help Google show you more.
Keyword
The words people type into Google to search for something, such as “office cleaning in Reus”. Knowing which ones your customers use helps prepare your website for those searches.
Mobile-friendly website
A website that looks and works well on any screen, especially on mobile, which is where most of your customers search for you. It’s also called a “responsive website”.
Loading speed
How long your website takes to open. If it takes too long, people leave before seeing it and Google rates it worse too.
Call to action
A button or message that invites visitors to do something specific, like “Ask for a quote” or “Message me on WhatsApp”. That is why a good website always has them at hand.
Domain
The address of your website, for example “yourbusiness.com”. It’s like the street name of your shop on the internet.
Hosting
It is the “premises” where your website is stored so it is available on the internet 24 hours a day. Also, good hosting makes your website fast and stable.
WordPress
It is the software behind a large share of the world’s websites. It also lets you change texts and photos yourself without knowing how to code.
SSL certificate
It is what makes the padlock appear next to your website address and makes it start with “https”. It also protects your visitors’ data and builds trust.
Backup
A complete copy of your website stored separately. If something goes wrong, it lets you restore it exactly as it was.
Website maintenance
The care a website needs after it goes live: updates, backups, security and small changes, so it keeps working well.
Landing page
A page designed for a single goal, for example getting people to message you on WhatsApp. That is why it is often used with Google ads.
Google Ads
Google’s advertising. You pay for your business to appear in the results or on the map when someone searches for something specific.
Conversion
When a visitor does what you want: calls you, messages you on WhatsApp or fills in the form. In other words, a website that “converts” is a website that brings you customers.
Indexing
When Google discovers and stores a page of your website so it can show it in its results. If a page isn’t indexed, it doesn’t appear on Google.
NAP details
Your name, address and phone number (“Name, Address, Phone”). So, keeping them identical on your website, your Google profile and other directories helps your local SEO.
Want to know more? Besides this SEO glossary, Google explains these concepts in its SEO Starter Guide. And if you have more questions, see the FAQ or write to me directly.
Still have a question?
Ask me anything, because I explain it in plain words and with no obligation.
- Write to me or send me a voice note: I reply in writing in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Arabic.
