What On Earth Is SEO?

What On Earth Is SEO?

by | Jun 2, 2025 | SEO Basics

If you’ve ever thought “What on earth is SEO, and do I really need to know about it?”—you’re not alone. Search Engine Optimisation might sound like a mouthful, but it’s simply about helping people find your website when they search online. It’s not about tricking Google or stuffing in keywords—it’s about being helpful, clear, and easy to find.

And the best bit? You don’t need to be techy to get started.

So… What On Earth Is SEO?

Imagine your website is a little shop on a quiet street. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is like putting up a lovely sign, sharing your opening hours, and popping a few helpful arrows on nearby roads so people can find you.

Search engines like Google are trying to match people’s searches with the most useful, trustworthy sites. So when someone types in “easy knitting patterns” or “how to start a blog,” SEO helps your content appear in those results.

That’s really all it is—being visible and helpful at the same time.

Coffee shop owner wondering 'what on earth is seo'

Why It’s Worth Knowing

Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect blog post or writing a heartfelt page about your new business—only for no one to see it. That’s the online version of shouting into the wind.

But with even a basic understanding of  SEO, you can:

  • Reach the people who need what you offer

     

  • Save time by letting your content do the work long-term

     

  • Build trust and grow your audience gently

     

And you don’t have to do it all at once. A few thoughtful steps can make a big difference.

Making Your Website a Joy to Visit

Good SEO and a great user experience go hand-in-hand. You don’t need flashing graphics or clever tricks. What you do need is:

  • Clear headings

  • Pages that load quickly (especially on phones)

  • Simple, helpful content

When your visitors enjoy being on your site, search engines notice—and that’s a win-win.

Speak Your Audience’s Language

One of the best ways to gently improve your SEO is to use the words your audience is already searching for.

These are called keywords, and they’re the answer to “what on earth is SEO” in action. For example, if someone’s looking for “blogging tips for beginners,” and you’ve written j

ust that, naturally and clearly, you’re much more likely to be found.

How to Do Keyword Research is part of learning what on earth is seo

Add in helpful little extras like:

  • Meta descriptions (the little blurbs you see under search results)

  • Clear image names (e.g., “knitting-pattern.jpg” instead of “image123.jpg”)

  • Internal links to other posts you’ve written (like Choosing a Niche or SEO Basics)

It’s not about cramming words in—it’s about showing that you’re here to help.

You're More Ready Than You Think

SEO isn’t just for techy types or big businesses. It’s for kind-hearted people like you, quietly building something special and wanting to be seen.

Understanding what on earth is SEO is the first step to growing your online presence in a steady, confident way. And the sooner you begin, the more those small efforts start to build momentum.

And Finally...

If you’re feeling curious, these beginner-friendly resources might be helpful.”

  • Google Search Central: SEO Starter Guide
    A surprisingly readable official guide from Google itself. Covers basics like keywords, mobile-friendliness, and content clarity.

  • Yoast: What is SEO?
    A very beginner-friendly overview with real-world examples. It’s gently technical, but clear and not overwhelming.

  • Moz Beginner’s Guide to SEO
    A slightly more detailed guide, but still great for those who want to understand the “why” behind SEO. You can link to the intro or a specific chapter (like on keywords or links).

Have you asked yourself “what on earth is SEO?” before?

What’s felt confusing, and what’s starting to make more sense? Leave a comment and let’s learn together—I’d love to know where you are on your journey.

Affiliate Disclosure:
 Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

Stop Polishing And Publish The Post

Stop Polishing And Publish The Post

by | May 30, 2025 | Content & Blogging

Here’s this week’s focus:
Stop polishing—publish the post.

Every Friday, I’m  sharing one simple thing you can do to move your online journey forward—no fluff, no overwhelm, just honest, helpful action. Think of it as your end-of-week nudge to stop faffing and start finishing. The Friday Focus has arrived.

If you’re anything like me in the early days, you’ve probably got a few blog posts sitting in your drafts folder. They’re not quite ready. The intro doesn’t feel clever enough. You’re wondering if that image looks a bit blurry. You keep meaning to come back to them—after one more tweak.

Why it matters

Perfect doesn’t help anyone. But your words—even if they’re a bit wobbly—just might. Someone out there is searching for the answer you’re quietly holding back.

I used to think I needed the perfect title, the right graphic, and exactly three keywords. But one day, I finally hit “Publish” on a post I’d reworked to death.
 And do you know what happened?

Don't be perfect just publish the post

A kind reader messaged me to say it was just what she needed. She didn’t notice the less-than-perfect image. She didn’t care that the title wasn’t dazzling. She just needed the encouragement. That changed everything for me.

An imperfect post that’s out there helping people will always be better than the perfect one no one sees.

What to do today

  1. Go into your drafts folder
  2. Pick one post that’s mostly done
  3. Give it a light check for spelling and clarity
  4. Add one internal link to something helpful you’ve already written
  5. Hit publish
  6. Celebrate with coffee (and maybe a biscuit too)

It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. It just has to be useful.

What if I’m really Not Ready To Publish The Post?

That’s okay too. If hitting “Publish” still feels a bit scary today, try this instead:

  • Open Canva and create a simple featured image for the post

  • Use Grammarly or a read-aloud tool to check the tone

  • Or write the meta description like you’re writing a note to a friend

Small steps are still steps—and they all lead toward clicking “publish your blog post” with confidence soon.

And Finally...

Instead of asking:
 “Is this perfect?”
 Try asking:
 “Is this helpful to someone?”

If the answer is yes—even a quiet yes—it’s ready.

If you’d like some more information on this subject, try these links:-

The Minimalists – Start Before You’re Ready (Not blog-specific, but so encouraging)

Grammarly Blog – Improving Your Writing Will Improve Your Thinking
Insights on how refining your writing process can enhance clarity and confidence.

Have you ever held back from hitting “publish” because it didn’t feel perfect? Or maybe you’ve shared something that turned out to help more people than you expected? I’d love to hear your story—pop a comment below and let’s cheer each other on.

Your quiet win might inspire someone else to take their next step too.

Quiet Wins In Blogging

Quiet Wins In Blogging

by | May 28, 2025 | Content & Blogging

Welcome to Midweek Musings.

Every Wednesday, I learning to pause, reflect, and share what’s been going on behind the scenes—what I’ve been learning, loving, or quietly figuring out.  Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about quiet wins in blogging—those small, unseen moments that help us grow without fanfare. Think of this space as a gentle check-in, or even just a friendly catch-up over a coffee. Whether you’re deep into your online journey or just dipping a toe in, you’re very welcome here. Let’s take it step by step.

This week, I’ve been gently reminding myself that progress doesn’t have to be fast or flashy. Sometimes the most important growth is quiet—unfolding behind the scenes, like a kettle slowly coming to the boil.

I’ve been working on the “What On Earth…” series (which I’m so excited to share with you), and in the process, I’ve caught myself second-guessing:
 Is this clear enough? Is it helpful? Will it make sense to someone brand new?

a cartoon of a woman sitting on a chair looking at a kettle thinking about quiet wins in blogging

That voice of doubt still pops in now and again—but I’m learning not to let it take the wheel. I’ve realised it usually shows up when I’m about to do something that matters.

Celebrating Quiet Wins in Blogging

I finally sat down to review some of my blog’s older pages—the ones I made when I was just figuring things out. I used to cringe at them, but this time I saw them with kinder eyes. They weren’t perfect, but they were brave.

One small tweak I made was rewriting a meta description to make it clearer for beginners. It took five minutes, but made the whole page feel more “me.”

Here’s a tiny example: on one post, I changed the description from something vague to:
 “A gentle, step-by-step guide to understanding SEO basics—even if you’re brand new.”
 Simple, but it made the post more inviting and more useful.

It reminded me how powerful those quiet wins in blogging can be—the things no one else sees, but that quietly build our confidence and clarity.

Progress Doesn’t Always Look Like Progress

Some weeks, you won’t write a post.
 Or launch anything new.
 Or tick off anything from your “should probably do this” list.

But maybe—just maybe—you had a conversation that sparked an idea. Or tidied your digital files. Or learned something that made the next step feel clearer.

That still counts.

building blocks celebrate the quiet wins

Those moments might not look like big wins, but they’re building blocks. And if you’ve had one this week, I want you to name it. Acknowledge it. Celebrate it. That’s how we build a body of work—one quiet step at a time.

A Little Tip for Beginners

If you’re just starting your website or blog, here’s a little encouragement:
 You don’t have to do everything today. Try this instead:

  • Choose one page or blog post

     

  • Pick one small improvement—like adding a heading, making it easier to read, or checking the spelling

     

  • Celebrate that. You’re learning, and you’re doing.

     

This week, I also used the Preview button in Canva to double-check how my blog graphic looked on a phone screen. That tiny check made me feel a bit more polished, and only took a minute.

If you’re not sure where to begin, this gentle post SEO Starter Guide might give you a starting point—or just pick the page you’ve avoided looking at for a while (we all have one!).

We often forget that we’re not behind—we’re just on our way.

For More Information

If you’d like to read more about the quiet wins in blogging, have a look at the links below.

Zen Habits – The Little Handbook for Getting Stuff Done  – A calming guide that addresses common obstacles like procrastination and perfectionism, offering simple strategies to move forward without pressure.

Canva – How to Use Canva: A Beginner’s Guide – A step-by-step tutorial to help you make small design tweaks that can enhance your blog’s appearance and user experience.

And Finally...

How’s your week going? Have you had any quiet wins in blogging—big or small?
 Or maybe you’re feeling a bit stuck (and that’s okay too).

Pop a comment below and tell me:
 What step have you taken this week, and what are you learning from it?

Your small step might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Don’t underestimate it.

As always, thank you for being here. You’re not alone on this journey, and you’re doing far better than you give yourself credit for.

The Benefits of Aging

The Benefits of Aging

by | May 26, 2025 | Online Business & Mindset

Age is one of those numbers people often panic over, but in reality, it holds a quiet kind of power. There’s this tired myth that aging is all about decline — but let’s flip the script. The benefits of aging are real, rich, and often overlooked. Think of age as a collection of life experiences — a treasure chest of lessons, stories, and strengths.

Who’s better equipped to handle life’s unpredictability than someone who’s lived a lot of it?

Man on his birthday not realising the benefits of aging

Breaking the “Too Late” Myth

We hear it all the time: “It’s too late for me,” or “That ship has sailed.” But that’s just not true. In fact, it’s one of the biggest lies society tells — that the older you get, the less you have to offer.

Take Colonel Sanders, who started KFC at 62. Or Grandma Moses, who began painting in her late 70s. These aren’t exceptions — they’re reminders. Starting later in life doesn’t make your success less valid. It makes it richer.

The Benefits of Aging Go Beyond Wisdom

The benefits of aging aren’t just about knowledge — though that’s a big part of it. It’s also about resilience, clarity, and confidence that only time can bring.

Think about it:

  • You’ve seen trends come and go — and learned what truly matters.

  • You know how to solve problems by thinking ahead, not just reacting.

  • You’re likely calmer under pressure — because you’ve been there before.

And that inner strength? That’s something younger versions of ourselves only dream of having.

Experience Is a Superpower (Not a Limitation)

Over time, we develop a kind of “life literacy.” You can see patterns, spot red flags, and connect dots that others miss.

You’ve built this toolkit from years of living, working, trying, failing, and trying again. That’s not just valuable — it’s irreplaceable.

Adaptability is another unsung benefit.

You’ve adjusted to changing times — from the internet to mobile phones to smartphones, handwritten letters to Zoom calls. You’ve grown with the world, and that flexibility is pure gold.

Older lady happy working with technology and knowing the benefits of aging

Passing It On: Sharing What You’ve Gained

One of the most powerful things about growing older is the ability to give back — not just with time, but with insight.

Mentoring, volunteering, guiding others — these aren’t just kind gestures. They’re meaningful ways to shape the future. Younger people aren’t just looking for facts — they’re looking for wisdom. And your story? It’s part of that.

The Modern World Needs Your Experience

This fast-paced, tech-filled world might feel intimidating at times, but it actually needs voices like yours.

More companies are valuing age diversity. They understand that real insight comes from experience. Strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, big-picture planning — these aren’t things you learn in a crash course. They come from life.

Whether it’s starting a new project, launching a blog, or sharing your journey, this is your time. The benefits of aging include having the clarity to know what you want — and the courage to go after it.

And if you’re thinking of building something online? A platform like Wealthy Affiliate is perfect for any age. It’s welcoming, beginner-friendly, and full of people rewriting the story of what’s possible.

And Finally...

You’ve lived through change. You’ve handled challenges. You’ve built up wisdom that no online search can replicate. That’s powerful — and it’s shareable.

The benefits of aging aren’t just internal. They ripple outward. They influence families, communities, and whole industries.

So don’t shrink back — lean in. Own your story.
And if you’ve felt your age as a superpower lately, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Let’s celebrate what we bring to the table.

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

It’s Okay to Ask Questions

It’s Okay to Ask Questions

by | May 23, 2025 | Online Business & Mindset

…Even When Everyone Else Seems To Know The Answer It’s Okay To Ask Questions

Have you ever stepped into a room—virtual or real—and felt like everyone else already knew the drill? Like you were handed a script halfway through the play? That invisible weight of assumed knowledge can leave you feeling uncertain, embarrassed, or just plain exhausted.

This one’s personal for me. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve quietly nodded, smiled, and then gone off to Google things later. Not because I didn’t want to ask—but because it felt like I should already know. Maybe you’ve felt that too.

Here’s something I’ve come to learn the hard way: it’s okay to ask questions. Truly. Even when everyone else seems confident, even when the moment feels awkward — asking is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Lady feels it's okay to ask questions and is raising her hand

When Everyone Assumes You Already Know

Ever feel like you’re walking into a room and everyone assumes you’re up to speed? It’s like you’re expected to know everything without a heads-up. That silent pressure often sneaks in when you’re starting a new job, joining a group, or diving into something unfamiliar online.

These unspoken assumptions can quietly shape how we relate to others. Whether it’s a friend assuming you’re caught up on a conversation, or a colleague expecting you to know what’s going on with a project — you’re left feeling like the odd one out. It can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and that all-too-familiar fear of “looking silly.”

But again — it’s okay to ask questions. You’re not behind. You’re learning. And that’s something to celebrate, not hide.  Most of the time there will someone else who wanted to ask the same question!

It’s Okay to Ask Questions — Really

Too often, we treat asking questions like a last resort — something we do only when we’ve “failed” to figure it out ourselves. But let’s flip that story. It’s okay to ask questions because it shows strength, not weakness. It means you’re curious. You care. You’re actively choosing to grow.

Even just saying, “I want to make sure I’m on the same page — could you explain that?” can shift the tone of a conversation. And chances are, someone else in the room was quietly wondering the same thing.

From the classroom to the boardroom to building an online business — the people who grow the most are usually the ones who are willing to raise their hand. It’s okay to ask questions, even if it feels awkward at first. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

When I first joined Wealthy Affiliate in 2013 I was so lacking in any online experience and flailed about for weeks before I plucked up the courage to ask a question in Live Chat.  It was a revelation for me because so many of the answers included the phrase ‘Oh yes, I remember being at a loss with that one’ or ‘I had the same question’ or ‘It took me ages to really understand that…’ 

I have asked so many question (so more than once!!)  I’ve always felt so safe and know that any question I ask will be answered patiently and until I understand.  It’s come to the point now where I can answer those same questions. There’s nothing like learning a topic properly until you can teach it.

Helping Others Feel Safe to Ask, Too

When you model this mindset, you don’t just help yourself — you help others feel braver too. You open the door for clarity, collaboration, and real connection.

Whether you’re part of a learning group, managing a team, or writing a blog post, try creating spaces where people want to ask. This could be:

  • Pausing and inviting questions
  • Saying things like, “This might be new for some of us…”
  • Using tools like Q&A sessions or anonymous suggestion boxes

Empathy plays a big role here. When we respond kindly to someone’s question, we show them it’s safe to speak up. We make room for growth — and that’s something worth nurturing.

And Finally…

You don’t have to have all the answers. And you’re certainly not the only one who’s ever felt unsure, behind, or a little lost.

Let this be your reminder: it’s okay to ask questions.
 It’s okay not to know.
 It’s okay to learn as you go.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a moment like that — where everyone assumed you were up to speed and you weren’t — I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to share your story in the comments. Your voice matters here.