# What Is SEO and What Are the Requirements? A Complete, Practical Guide
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of improving a website so it ranks higher in search engines like Google. When applied correctly, SEO increases visibility, brings more relevant users, and helps businesses grow without relying only on paid ads.
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## 1. Why SEO Matters
– Most users never go beyond the first page of search results.
– Organic traffic is more stable and cheaper than ads.
– High rankings build trust — people believe top results are reliable.
Good SEO means your website is seen, trusted, and clicked.
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## 2. Main Requirements for Successful SEO
### A. Technical SEO
Ensures your website is accessible and easy for Google to crawl.
**Technical requirements:**
– Fast loading speed (under 2.5 seconds)
– Mobile-friendly design
– Clean structure
– HTTPS (SSL certificate)
– Optimized images
– Correct indexing
– Clean, readable URLs
– Example: `https://example.com/product-category/handmade-soaps/`
**Useful tools:**
– Google Search Console
– PageSpeed Insights
– Screaming Frog
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### B. On-Page SEO
Everything visible on the page.
**On-page requirements:**
– Unique, valuable content
– Natural keyword placement in:
– Title tag
– Meta description
– H1
– H2/H3
– First paragraph
– Image alt tags
– Logical content structure
– Internal links
– SEO-friendly URL slugs
**Example Title & Meta:**
– **Title:** Handmade Natural Soaps – Organic Skincare for Sensitive Skin
– **Meta:** Discover our collection of handmade natural soaps. Organic ingredients, gentle formulas, and fast delivery. Perfect for sensitive skin.
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### C. Content Quality
Google rewards:
– Original writing
– Clear answers
– Long-form content
– Updated information
– E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
**Content must:**
– Solve real problems
– Match user intent
– Include comparisons, benefits, FAQs
– Be readable and well-structured
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### D. Off-Page SEO
Everything outside your site.
**Requirements:**
– High-quality backlinks
– Brand mentions
– Social signals
– Business listings (Google Business Profile, directories)
Quality > quantity.
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### E. Local SEO
If you work locally.
**Local requirements:**
– Google Business Profile
– Correct NAP (Name, Address, Phone) everywhere
– Local keywords
– Reviews
– Local backlinks
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## 3. Key SEO Ranking Factors
– Page speed
– Mobile-first optimization
– Quality backlinks
– High-quality content
– Clean website structure
– Keyword optimization
– Internal linking
– Correct indexing
– Good user engagement
– Regular content updates