What is SEO and why is it important?

22 January 2025

Once upon a time, Mapped Out Media consisted of just Mike, whose expertise centres around website design and development, digital artwork, and brand identity. Increasingly, Mike was being asked by our clients to write website text and to help increase the visibility of his websites on search engines such as Google. Whilst this is a staple part of his website design and development process, in the ever-evolving digital landscape, he was having to spend increasingly more and more time staying up-to-date with current best practices when his passion is rooted in design, development, and branding. 

Enter Matt. 

Matt is an intermediate member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and a freelance editor and copywriter. Having worked for companies such as Fantasy Football Fix and GameRant.com, Matt came with plenty of experience when it comes to optimising web copy for search engines.

“GameRant, in particular, are masters of SEO,” Matt explains. “It took as long for me to prepare the backlinks, add alt-text to images, and research key search terms, as it did to write the articles! They had very stringent parameters for each article. If you didn’t follow the procedures, you got the lead editor on your back. And for good reason too; what they do works.” 

Matt combines his SEO experience and writing skills, to ensure web content is working in the interests of the business and ensuring maximum exposure to search engines. There is a dark art to this because writing SEO-effective text is a balancing act. Too much emphasis on keywords leads to clunky, jarring text which will alienate customers or clients. Too little and the text won’t be effective at boosting the website up the rankings. The skill is to create website copy which ticks both boxes.

But what is SEO and why is it so important?

In today’s digital age, having a stunning website isn’t enough. If your potential customers can’t find you online, your business could be missing out on valuable opportunities. That’s where SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, comes into play. At Mapped Out Media, we specialise in helping businesses like yours stand out in the competitive online world by harnessing the power of SEO.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s the process of improving your website to increase its visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords and phrases. Simply put, SEO helps your website rank higher on Google, Bing, and other search engines, making it easier for your target audience to find you.

SEO involves a combination of strategies and techniques, including:

  • Keyword Research: Identifying the terms your audience is searching for.
  • On-Page SEO: Optimising individual pages with targeted keywords, meta tags, and headers.
  • Off-Page SEO: Building high-quality backlinks from reputable websites.
  • Technical SEO: Enhancing your site’s structure, speed, and mobile-friendliness.
  • Content Creation: Producing valuable, relevant, and engaging content that resonates with your audience.

Why is SEO Important?

SEO isn’t just about ranking higher; it’s about connecting with your audience at the right time. Here are some reasons why SEO is crucial for your business:

1. Increases Visibility and Traffic

When your website ranks higher on search engines, more people can find you. The top results on Google receive the majority of clicks, meaning better visibility directly translates to more traffic.

2. Builds Credibility and Trust

Websites that rank well are often perceived as more trustworthy and authoritative. A well-optimised site shows search engines (and users) that your business is legitimate and relevant.

3. Cost-Effective Marketing

Unlike paid advertising, SEO provides long-term results. While it takes time to see significant changes, the organic traffic generated through SEO can offer a high return on investment.

4. Improves User Experience

Good SEO practices go hand in hand with creating a better user experience. Fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and easy navigation not only help with rankings but also keep visitors engaged.

5. Keeps You Competitive

If your competitors are investing in SEO and you’re not, they’re likely capturing the audience that could have been yours. Staying ahead in the rankings ensures your business remains competitive.

How Mapped Out Media Can Help

At Mapped Out Media, we take the stress out of SEO by offering tailored solutions that align with your business goals. Here’s what we bring to the table:

  • Customised Strategies: No two businesses are the same, so we create bespoke SEO plans that target your unique audience.
  • Comprehensive Audits: We dive deep into your website to identify areas for improvement.
  • Ongoing Optimisation: SEO isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing process. We’ll keep refining and updating your site to ensure lasting results.
  • Transparent Reporting: Stay in the loop with regular updates on your site’s performance and our progress.

Ready to Boost Your Online Presence?

SEO is more than just a buzzword; it’s a vital component of any successful digital marketing strategy. Whether you’re looking to attract local customers, dominate your niche, or simply grow your brand’s online presence, Mapped Out Media is here to help.

Let’s map out your journey to the top of the search results! Contact us today to learn more about our SEO services and how we can help your business thrive.