How to do SEO

Did you know SEO existed before Google? In 1995, the rock band Jefferson Starship struggled to find their website online, sparking one of the earliest efforts to improve search visibility. By 1997, Bruce Clay, often credited as the "father of SEO," popularized the term Search Engine Optimization, marking the beginning of a practice that would revolutionize how we navigate the internet.

Key takeaways:

  • SEO increases organic traffic and website visibility.

  • It pays attention to low competition terms, user intent, and keywords.

  • Titles, meta descriptions, content, and technical elements like mobile friendliness and speed should all be optimized through SEO.

  • SEO avoids spammy links and instead builds high-quality backlinks.

  • Businesses can use local SEO to draw in clients in the area.

  • SEO uses tools such as Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor performance.

  • Regular changes and constant work are necessary for SEO.

Enhancing your website to make it more visible on search engine results pages (SERPs) like Google or Bing is known as search engine optimization or SEO. By making your content easier for search engines to comprehend and rank, SEO helps your website draw in organic (non-paid) visitors. Understanding SEO is crucial for achieving success online, regardless of your role as a marketer, blogger, or business owner. This Answer will guide you through the essential first stages.

For more information about SERP, check out our Answer on SERP features.

Understand how search engines work

To provide results, search engines use a three-step procedure:

  • Crawling: By clicking on links, bots—also referred to as spiders—search the web for fresh or updated content.

  • Indexing: After being examined, the found content is kept in a database so that it may be retrieved when a search is conducted.

  • Ranking: Taking into account elements like relevancy, authority, and user experience, search engines employ algorithms to identify which pages best answer a user's query.

Indexing in SEO
Indexing in SEO

For a deeper understanding, check out our Answer on indexing in SEO.

Google E-E-A-T

E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, key factors that Google uses to evaluate the quality of content and its credibility.

All factors are important in rating, but the most important member at the center of the EEAT family is trust.

Here’s how to optimize each element:

1. Experience: Experience refers to the real-world experience or first-hand knowledge the content creator has about the subject matter. Google rewards content that demonstrates practical, personal, or professional experience.

How to improve: Share personal stories, case studies, or practical tips based on your own experience.

2. Expertise: Expertise highlights the level of knowledge the content creator has in a particular field. Google prioritizes content written by individuals or organizations with specialized knowledge and formal training.

How to improve: Include qualifications, certifications, and reference authoritative sources.

3. Authoritativeness: Authoritativeness refers to the reputation of the website or the content creator in their field. Content from well-known or highly regarded sources performs better in search results.

How to improve: Gain quality backlinks, collaborate with industry leaders, and create content that becomes a go-to resource.

4. Trustworthiness: Trustworthiness is about how reliable and honest your content is perceived. Google favors content from sources that are transparent, secure, and provide accurate information.

How to improve: Ensure HTTPS security, clear contact info, accurate content, and proper citations.

Conduct keyword research

The cornerstone of SEO is the keyword. Users enter these terms or phrases into search engines in order to locate information. Choosing the appropriate keywords guarantees that your content will match the search terms used by your audience.

How to locate keywords:

  • Make use of resources like as Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Keyword Planner.

  • Look for keyword ideas by examining the websites of your competitors.

  • For less competition, concentrate on long-tail keywords (such as "best hiking boots for winter").

Advice:

  • Pick keywords that strike a balance between competition and search volume.

  • Give priority to keywords that correspond with the informational, navigational, or transactional intent of the user.

Learn more in our Answer: How to Conduct Effective Keyword Research for SEO Success.

Optimize on-page SEO

Optimizing individual web pages to rank better and attract more relevant traffic is known as on-page SEO.

  • Title tags: Use no more than 60 characters and include your main keyword.

  • Meta descriptions: Write captivating summaries with keywords in less than 160 characters for your meta descriptions.

  • Headings (H1, H2, H3): To properly organize your information, use keywords in the headings.

  • URL structure: Use concise, informative, and keyword-rich URLs.

  • Content quality: Produce original, worthwhile, and captivating content that responds to user inquiries.

  • Internal linking: Provide readers with guidance and link equity by including links to other pertinent pages on your website.

  • Image optimization: To speed up loading, use alt text, compress images, and give files descriptive names.

For details, see our Answer about on-page and off-page SEO.

Focus on technical SEO

Technical SEO entails improving the backend of your website to facilitate efficient site crawling and indexing by search engines.

  • Mobile friendliness: Make sure your website is adaptable and functions properly across all platforms.

  • Page speed: To find problems and speed up load times, use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

  • XML sitemap: To improve crawling, create and publish a sitemap to search engines.

  • Robots.txt: Control which pages bots can and cannot crawl with robots.txt.

  • Protect your website: To increase ranking and trust, use HTTPS.

Build quality backlinks

Backlinks, which are links pointing to your website from other websites, provide search engines a sense of authority and reliability.

How backlinks are obtained:

  • Produce excellent material that can be shared, such as films, infographics, and manuals.

  • Contribute as a guest on respectable blogs.

  • Speak with influential people in the field and ask for links.

  • Add your company to internet directories.

Avoid:

  • Links that are spammy or irrelevant and could damage the reputation of your website.

To learn more, read our Answer on high-quality backlinks.

Utilize local SEO

Local SEO makes sure that local clients can reach you if your company has a physical location.

Important actions:

  • Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date.

  • Your article should contain local keywords, such as "best coffee shop in New York."

  • Encourage satisfied customers to submit evaluations.

  • Include your company in regional directories such as TripAdvisor and Yelp.

For specific strategies, check out our Answer on SEO localization.

Measure and improve

SEO is a continuous procedure. Examine your performance on a regular basis to determine what works and what doesn't.

Important metrics to monitor:

  • Organic traffic: Keep an eye on how many people are coming from search engines.

  • Keyword ranking: Monitor your position for target keywords using keyword rankings.

  • Bounce rate: Determine the number of users who depart after only one page is viewed.

  • Conversion rate: Calculate the conversion rate to see how well your website converts visitors into buyers.

Tools for use:

  • Google Analytics: Track user activity and traffic.

  • Google Search Console: Determine keyword performance and indexing problems.

  • SEO tools (like Ahrefs and Semrush): Gain comprehensive knowledge about backlinks and ranks.

Pro tips for SEO success

  • Stay updated: SEO algorithms evolve constantly. Follow trusted sources like Google’s Webmaster Blog.

  • Write for humans: Create content that serves users first, not just search engines.

  • Be patient: SEO takes time to show results, so stay consistent and keep improving.

By following these steps, you’ll build a strong foundation for your website’s visibility and success in search engines. Remember, SEO isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing strategy to keep your site optimized and competitive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering SEO is essential for improving a website’s visibility and driving organic traffic. By following the outlined steps, such as understanding search engines, conducting keyword research, optimizing on-page and technical SEO, building backlinks, and leveraging local SEO, you can establish a solid foundation for success. SEO is an ongoing process requiring regular monitoring, updates, and a focus on creating user-centric content. Patience and consistency are key to achieving long-term results in the ever-evolving landscape of SEO.

Want to learn more about search engine optimization? Check out our comprehensive course "A Guide to Search Engine Optimization."

Frequently asked questions

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How to do SEO keyword research?

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find relevant keywords with a balance of search volume and competition. Focus on long-tail keywords and prioritize those matching user intent (informational, navigational, or transactional).


How to do SEO for beginners?

Start by understanding how search engines work, conduct keyword research, optimize on-page elements (titles, meta descriptions, content), focus on technical SEO (site speed, mobile-friendliness), and build quality backlinks. Track progress using tools like Google Analytics.


Is Google SEO easy?

Google SEO can be straightforward for beginners with the right guidance. While some aspects like technical SEO may require more expertise, mastering the basics like keyword research and on-page optimization is achievable with practice.


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