Got a shiny new website but no new visitors? If the only people finding your site are those who already know your web address, you’re missing out on loads of potential clients.

Here’s where SEO enters the equation. These three magic letters stand for Search Engine Optimisation – put simply, making your website easy to find you online. Think of it as getting your website to speak two languages: the language your clients use AND the language search engines understand.

The key is to use words on your website that people actually type into a Google search. Forget the fluff. If you’re a designer, don’t call yourself a “digital artisan” when people are searching for a “graphic designer”. If you’re a photographer, use “professional headshots” instead of “corporate portraiture”. Simple words get better results.

Want to try some SEO yourself? Here’s what you can do today:

• List the top 5 keywords for your most important web pages
• Write clear page headings that say exactly what you do and including the main keyword
• Add alt tags to your images, describing the content and including a relevant keyword
• Write headings that use your primary keywords, and set them as H1 tags
• Write subheadings that include your secondary keywords, and set them as H2 tags
• Keep your text clear and easy to read, with the most important words at the start of the page, paragraph or sentence
• Make sure your images aren’t too big – to keep your site speedy
• Add links between your pages so search engines can learn what’s important

Still sound tricky? There are SEO experts, and SEO-literate content marketers and copywriters in the Creative Directory who can help your website climb the search ranks. But even doing these basic steps yourself can make a big difference.

Remember: having a beautiful website is great – but it’s even better when new clients can actually find it!