SEO isn’t just one thing it’s a mix of strategies. Think of your website as a car:
- On-Page SEO = The fuel (content, keywords, optimization).
- Off-Page SEO = The reputation (reviews, backlinks, trust).
- Technical SEO = The engine (speed, crawling, indexing).
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Local SEO = The GPS (helps people nearby find you).
All 4 must work together if you want to win the race to the top of Google.
1. On-Page SEO (Inside Your Website)
This is about optimizing what’s on your pages so search engines and users understand your content.
Key elements:
- Keywords in titles, headings, and content.
- Meta descriptions.
- Internal linking.
- High-quality, relevant content.
Example: A roofing company writes a blog post “Best Roofing Materials in 2025.”
- Title tag → includes keyword.
- Content → useful, detailed, easy to read.
- Internal links → connect to “Roof Repair Services” page.
2. Off-Page SEO (Outside Your Website)
This is about building authority and trust.
- Backlinks (links from other websites).
- Social media signals.
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Brand mentions and PR.
Example: If a local news site links to your roofing company after you sponsor a charity event, Google sees your site as more trustworthy.
3. Technical SEO (Behind-the-Scenes)
This focuses on how search engines crawl and index your website.
- Fast loading speed.
- Mobile-friendly design.
- Secure website (HTTPS).
- Fixing broken links.
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Submitting sitemaps.
Example: If your site takes 10 seconds to load, people leave → Google drops your ranking.
4. Local SEO (For Location-Based Businesses)
This is crucial for businesses targeting specific areas.
Key elements:
- Google Business Profile optimization.
- Local citations (business directories).
- Reviews from local customers.
- Local keywords (“flooring contractors in Toronto”).
Example: A flooring company in Toronto appears on Google Maps when someone searches “flooring contractors near me.”
FAQs about Types of SEO:
Which type of SEO should beginners focus on first?
Start with On-Page SEO → content and keywords. Without it, other efforts won’t matter.
Is Off-Page SEO only about backlinks?
No. It’s also about reputation, reviews, and brand authority.
Do I need Technical SEO if I use WordPress?
Yes. Even with WordPress, you must optimize speed, security, and indexing.
Who needs Local SEO?
Any business that serves a specific location (restaurants, contractors, dentists, shops).
Activity for You:
Take one page of your website (or pick any blog online).
Identify:
- 1 On-Page SEO element (e.g., keyword in title).
- 1 Off-Page SEO signal (e.g., backlink).
- 1 Technical SEO issue (e.g., slow loading).
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1 Local SEO factor (e.g., missing Google Business Profile).
This will help you see SEO in action.
So,
SEO is a 4-part system:
- On-Page (content & optimization).
- Off-Page (trust & authority).
- Technical (site health & crawling).
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Local (visibility in maps & local searches).
Together, they make your site visible, credible, and rank-worthy.