What is SEO?

What is SEO? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization — the practice of making your website and online presence more visible to people searching Google for your services. For home service contractors in Washington State, SEO is what determines whether a homeowner searching "plumber near me" or "HVAC company Bellevue" sees your business or a competitor's. This guide explains what SEO is, how it works, what the different types mean in plain language, and what contractors actually need to do to rank on Google in 2026.