Episode 160: The IQ Builder part2: Demystifying SEO Jargon

Turning SEO Into Common Sense: 5 Concepts Demystified

SEO often feels confusing because of technical jargon, but in reality, most of it comes down to common sense. In this episode of IQ Builder, Meredith’s Husband walks through five SEO concepts that website owners often misunderstand—and shows how to simplify them.

Meta Descriptions: Not About Keywords

Many people believe meta descriptions are a secret SEO weapon. The truth? Google doesn’t use keywords in meta descriptions as a ranking factor. Instead, think of them as short ad copy: the little paragraph below your page title in search results. Their purpose is simple—entice a click while accurately describing the page. Each page on your site should have a unique meta description that matches its actual content.

JavaScript: Why Drop-downs Hurt SEO

JavaScript controls interactive elements like dropdown menus. While Google can technically read JavaScript, content hidden inside dropdowns is often given less weight—or ignored altogether. For SEO purposes, it’s best not to bury important text or keywords inside JavaScript-controlled elements.

XML Sitemaps: Your Website Directory

An XML sitemap is just a map of your website for search engines. Think of it like a mall directory: it tells Google exactly where your content lives. Submitting an XML sitemap ensures all your pages can be discovered and indexed.

Robots.txt: The Security Guard

The robots.txt file acts like a mall security guard, telling bots which areas they can and cannot enter. While most sites allow Google full access, robots.txt is crucial for blocking low-value or private pages and for keeping spam bots out.

Redirects: The 3XX Errors

Redirects (like 301s) send users from one page to another. They’re essential when pages move or URLs change, but too many redirects can frustrate users and dilute SEO. Using the hardware store analogy, if customers are sent from aisle to aisle before finding the hammers, they’re more likely to leave. The goal is to keep redirects minimal and purposeful.

Key Takeaways

• Meta descriptions should describe pages, not stuff keywords.

• Don’t hide important content in JavaScript dropdowns.

• XML sitemaps make it easy for search engines to find your content.

• Robots.txt controls which bots can access your site.

• Redirects are helpful in moderation but harmful when chained.

By reframing these technical terms with everyday analogies, website owners can cut through the confusion and focus on what really matters: creating clear, accessible, and user-friendly websites that Google loves.