how do you explain SEO do a commoner?

how do you explain SEO to a commoner?

I am looking for a "script" type answer, something that I can always use.

I usually say: "you know when someone searches on Google for a service? Let's say they search for 'home inspector'. the home inspector that's the first result gets the most customers. I help websites reach that top spot"

but somehow I dont like this answer.

Can you give me a couple of short sentences that I could use?

It's complex.

I think most of us hate explaining what we do to people. I simply tell them I'm a web developer now. Otherwise it turns into a long and drawn out conversation.

"You know the saying 'if it's not on the first page of Google, it doesn't exist?' Yeah, I make your website exist".

That's how I usually explain it

I say:

I help small to medium sized busijesses get more cuistomers by maximizing thier exposure on the Internet.

Keep it simple, both above are excellent 'elevator' ways to explain SEO. Sadly SEO is commonly mis-understood for IM, but that's another issue.

I like a more practical reply. Let's assume they sell bread. I say something like:

Would you travel further than you needed to buy bread? Exactly! Your potential clients wouldn't either, so if you're not on the first page, you're nowhere!

It's your job to bake bread, it's what you're good at, and it's my job to make sure your potential clients become life-long customers because it's what I'm good at!

Nice, simple and gets them thinking about money.

"I tell google to recommend your site as the number one result in "his profession" to all people who need it :fing26:"