WTF is SEO? (And Why You Should Care)

Let’s be real—“SEO” sounds like one of those buzzwords marketing people throw around to sound smart.

But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t optional—it’s essential if you want to be seen online.

So, what is it?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and it’s the art (and science) of helping your website show up when people Google things like “best real estate agent near me” or “custom brand design Minneapolis.” Basically, SEO helps you get found by the right people at the right time.

Still with me? Cool. Let’s break it down.

Why SEO Matters (Even if You Hate Tech Stuff)

Think about your own habits—when was the last time you went past Page 1 of Google? Exactly. If your site isn’t showing up where people are actually looking, it might as well not exist.

A solid SEO strategy helps you:

• Attract dream clients who are already searching for what you offer
• Build authority and trust (Google favors real, consistent content)
• Get more organic traffic—which means less $$ on ads
• 
  

The Basics: What Goes Into SEO?

Here’s the (non-boring) rundown:

• Keywords: These are the words or phrases your ideal client is typing into Google. You want to sprinkle them naturally into your site copy, blog posts, and even image names.
• Content: Blogs, videos, FAQs—basically anything valuable you publish that gives Google more reason to trust and rank your site.
• Tech stuff: This includes how fast your site loads, how mobile-friendly it is, and how your pages are structured. (Good news: I handle this part when I build your site.)
• Links: Google loves sites that are connected—both internal links within your own content and external links from other credible sites.

So... Do You Need SEO?

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: If you're building a brand or running a business online and you want more of the right people to find you without begging for attention on social media 24/7—then yeah, SEO is your best friend.

Don’t Worry—You Don’t Have to DIY



The great news? You don’t need to become an SEO expert overnight. At Modern by Mandy, every website I design is built with smart SEO foundations baked in from day one. And if you’re ready to go deeper (like blog strategy, local SEO, or lead-gen magic), I’ve got packages for that, too.

So the next time someone says “WTF is SEO?” you’ll know the answer—and your site will be at the top of their search results.

Want your site to work smarter, not harder?

Let’s talk SEO.