The ABCs of SEO: How to Get Your Business Found Online

At Cup O Content, we get it—SEO can sound like a complicated mess of algorithms, rankings, and tech jargon. But here’s the thing: it’s not as scary as it sounds, and it’s absolutely essential if you want people to find your business online.

If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses pop up at the top of Google while others seem to disappear into the abyss of page three (or worse), it all comes down to SEO—Search Engine Optimization. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to understand how it works.

We’re breaking SEO down into the ABCs—Authority, Basics, and Content—so you can get a grip on what really matters and how to make your website work for you instead of against you.

A is for Authority—Because Google Needs to Trust You

Google is like that friend who always fact-checks everything. If your website doesn’t seem credible, you’re not getting a prime spot in search results. One of the biggest ways Google measures authority is through backlinks—links from other reputable sites that point to yours. Think of them as digital referrals. The more trustworthy sites linking to you, the more Google sees you as a reliable source.

Building authority doesn’t happen overnight, but there are ways to speed things up. Creating valuable, shareable content, getting mentions from other industry leaders, and making sure your site looks professional and secure (hello, SSL certificate!) all play a role. If your site lacks authority, search engines won’t take it seriously, and that means fewer eyeballs on your business.

B is for Basics—The Stuff Your Website Needs to Function

Even the best-looking website won’t rank well if it’s a mess behind the scenes. If your site is slow, hard to navigate, or impossible to use on a phone, Google won’t be impressed.

Page speed is a big deal—people expect a site to load within two seconds. If it takes longer, they’re gone. Mobile-friendliness is just as important since more than half of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site looks great on a desktop but is a disaster on a phone, you’re losing customers before they even get a chance to see what you offer.

Other SEO basics include structuring your site properly, using keywords strategically (without stuffing them everywhere like it’s 2005), and making sure your pages have clear, descriptive titles and meta descriptions. If Google can’t figure out what your site is about, it’s not going to rank well.

C is for Content—Because SEO Without Good Content is Useless

SEO and content go hand in hand. Google’s whole job is to deliver useful, relevant information to people searching for answers. If your website is packed with valuable content that helps your audience, you’re already ahead of the game.

Content isn’t just about blog posts (though those help a lot). It includes product descriptions, FAQs, case studies, how-to guides, and even videos. The key is to answer the questions your audience is asking in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. When you create high-quality content, people stay on your site longer, share your pages, and—most importantly—trust your brand.

Google also loves fresh content, so keeping your site updated with new posts, product updates, and relevant information helps boost your rankings over time.

Why This Matters for Your Business

If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, you’re missing out on potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer. SEO isn’t just about getting more traffic—it’s about getting the right traffic. People searching for your services or products are already interested, which makes them way more likely to convert into paying customers.

A strong SEO strategy means your business is easier to find, builds credibility, and stays competitive in the digital space. It’s an investment that keeps working for you, bringing in leads and sales long after you’ve put in the effort.

Let’s Get Your SEO Sorted

At Cup O Content, we help businesses like yours make sense of SEO and turn their websites into lead-generating machines. Whether your site needs a total overhaul or just a few tweaks, we’ve got you covered.

If your website isn’t getting the traffic or leads you need, let’s fix that. Contact us today for an SEO audit, and let’s get you ranking higher, getting more visitors, and turning clicks into customers.