Updated October 2026
What does SEO stand for?
SEO stands for search engine optimisation: the process of improving a website and its online presence so it appears higher in unpaid search results on Google, Bing and AI search tools. Higher visibility for relevant searches brings more visitors, and for a local business, more calls and enquiries.
How does Google decide which websites rank?
Google decides which websites rank by crawling pages, storing them in its index, and then ranking indexed pages for each search based on relevance, quality and usability. That happens in three stages:
- Crawling: Googlebot follows links and sitemaps to discover pages.
- Indexing: Google reads each page, works out what it is about, and stores it.
- Ranking: for every search, Google's systems order the indexed pages by how well they match the searcher's intent and how trustworthy they appear.
Hundreds of signals feed ranking, but they group into a few themes: does the page answer the search, is the content helpful and trustworthy, do other sites vouch for it with links, and does it work well on a phone.
What are the main types of SEO?
The main types of SEO are technical SEO, on-page SEO, off-page SEO and local SEO.
| Type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Technical SEO | Whether search engines can crawl, render and index the site: speed, structure, redirects, structured data |
| On-page SEO | The content of each page: matching search intent, headings, titles, internal links |
| Off-page SEO | Signals from other websites: backlinks, brand mentions, reviews |
| Local SEO | Google Maps and the local pack: Google Business Profile, reviews, citations |
What is the difference between SEO and paid search?
SEO earns unpaid rankings that keep working without a cost per click, while paid search (Google Ads) buys placement that stops as soon as the budget stops. Read our full comparison of SEO vs Google Ads.
Does a small business in Manchester need SEO?
Yes, if customers search online for what you sell. A plumber in Stockport, a solicitor in Spinningfields and an online shop in Ancoats all depend on being visible when people search. SEO matters less for businesses that win all their work through referrals or tenders.
What does SEO involve month to month?
Month-to-month SEO involves fixing technical issues, improving and adding pages, building links and reviews, and measuring the results. A typical month for a local business includes Google Business Profile updates, one or two improved pages, outreach for links, and a report on enquiries.
How long does SEO take?
SEO usually takes three to six months to show clear results. See how long SEO takes for a detailed timeline.
Where should you start?
Start with an audit, so you fix the problems that matter most first. Our free SEO audit lists the top issues on your site in priority order.
Questions
Asked and answered
Can I do SEO myself?+
Yes. Many small businesses handle the basics themselves: a complete Google Business Profile, regular reviews, clear service pages and a fast website. Technical issues and competitive markets usually need specialist help.
Is SEO a one-off job?+
No. Competitors, search engines and customer behaviour keep changing, so SEO needs ongoing attention, although the intensity can drop once strong foundations are in place.