How to Do SEO

This is the next level. If you’ve mastered the beginner basics and are ready to dive deeper, this guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for a comprehensive SEO strategy.

If you’re just starting, we recommend reading What is SEO and How Does It Work, first.

Step 1 — Advanced Keyword Research

Move beyond Google autosuggest and use professional tools to find hidden opportunities.

• Tools: Use platforms like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords.
• Competitor Analysis: Find out which keywords your competitors are ranking for and target those same terms.
• Search Intent: Focus on the intent behind the search. Are users looking for information (e.g., “what is SaaS?”), a solution (e.g., “best SaaS tools”), or a specific product (e.g., “Hubspot SaaS pricing”)?

For a refresher on the basics, see How to Do SEO for Beginners.

Step 2 — Comprehensive On-Page Optimization

On-page SEO is more than just placing keywords.

• Title and URL: Create titles that are both descriptive for users and contain your target keyword. Your URL should be clean and simple.
• Meta Descriptions: Write compelling meta descriptions that entice users to click.
• Internal and External Linking: Add internal links to other relevant pages on your site. Also, link out to high-quality, authoritative external sites to demonstrate credibility.

Step 3 — Strategic Off-Page SEO

Building authority is key to high rankings.

• Backlink Acquisition: Focus on earning high-quality backlinks from reputable sites. This can be done through:
  • Guest Blogging: Write for other sites in your industry.
  • Digital PR: Get your brand mentioned in online publications.
  • HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Answer queries from journalists to get a mention and link.

For a full breakdown of these tactics, see What are SEO Techniques.

Step 4 — Technical SEO Audit

Ensure your site is technically sound.

• Site Speed: Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to find and fix issues slowing down your site.
• Crawlability: Check your robots.txt file and XML sitemap to ensure search engines can easily access and index your site.
• HTTPS: Make sure your site is secure (HTTPS).

For a deeper dive into these technical aspects, read our guide on Types of SEO.

Step 5 — Measure & Track Your KPIs

Data is the key to refining your strategy.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Track metrics beyond just traffic, like organic conversions, bounce rate, and time on page.
• Tools: Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user behavior.

To understand how these metrics translate into business value, read SEO Meaning in Business.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring User Experience (UX): A fast-loading, beautiful site with poor content won’t rank.
• Over-optimizing: Trying to force keywords and links will trigger spam filters and hurt your rankings.

If you are wondering if you can handle this level of complexity on your own, see Can You Do SEO by Yourself?.

Conclusion

SEO is an iterative, continuous process. It’s not “set it and forget it.” By consistently applying these advanced steps, you’ll build a powerful online presence that drives sustainable growth for your business.