SEO Basics: Why Search Terms Matter More Than You Might Think

Written by Kate McCann
 
Reading Time: 3 minutes
You’ve likely come across the term SEO – short for Search Engine Optimisation – and heard that it’s something your business needs. But between the buzzwords and acronyms, it can all start to sound a bit technical.
 
At its core, SEO is about helping people find your business online. It’s about showing up when someone searches for something you offer – whether that’s on Google, Bing, or whatever search engine they happen to use. And one of the most important pieces of the puzzle? Search terms.

💡 What Makes Search Terms So Important?

Search terms are the words and phrases people type in when they’re trying to find something – whether it’s “cheap flights to Barcelona” or “best hotels in Cornwall.” If you’re offering exactly what they’re looking for but your website doesn’t appear in the search results, there’s a missed opportunity. One that could cost you clicks, enquiries and ultimately, business.
 
If your website isn’t optimised to reflect what people are genuinely looking for, then even the best design or branding won’t bring in traffic.
seo and rocket graphics on black background

🔎 It’s Not Just About Stuffing in Keywords

It’s a common misconception that SEO is just a matter of shoving in a few popular phrases here and there. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
 
Use too few relevant terms, and you won’t be found. Use too many, and your content starts to sound robotic, or worse, Google thinks you’re trying to cheat the system and knocks you down the rankings. There’s also the question of which terms to target in the first place, which is where it gets a bit trickier.

♟️ A Bit of Strategy Goes a Long Way

Getting SEO right means doing a bit of digging: what are people searching for? How competitive are those terms? Are they looking to buy, or just browsing? This isn’t just guesswork – it takes proper tools, a bit of data analysis, and a keen understanding of your industry and your audience.
 
It’s not something most business owners have time to worry about, and rightly so — you’ve got other things to do, like running your business.

🔧 Why a DIY Approach Doesn’t Always Pay Off

We know many businesses try to tackle SEO themselves — and with so much advice out there, it’s easy to see why. Creating blog content, adding keywords, tweaking pages — it all helps. But without a clear strategy behind it, results can be hit and miss. In some cases, well-intended changes can even affect your site’s visibility if search engines interpret them the wrong way.

 

Search engines are constantly evolving. The way people search is changing all the time. That’s why having an expert in your corner can make all the difference.

🩷 What VOVO Digital Can Do

At VOVO Digital, we don’t just tick boxes or follow outdated checklists. We take the time to understand your business, your goals, and the people you want to reach. From there, we build a tailored SEO approach that actually works.

 

We focus on search terms that make sense – and make a difference. We know how to strike that balance between clear, engaging content and proper optimisation. No stuffing, no shortcuts, no guesswork.

🫵 Time to Be Found

Search terms might sound simple on the surface, but the thinking behind them is anything but. And while it’s tempting to try and handle SEO yourself, the reality is: proper optimisation takes time, experience, and a fair bit of know-how. So if your website isn’t showing up when it should, or if you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help.
 
Let’s have a proper conversation about how SEO can help your business grow – and how VOVO Digital can make it happen. Contact one of our team today and get started on your SEO journey!