How to Do SEO for Beginners
You’ve heard about SEO, but where do you even begin? The good news is you don’t need to be a technical expert to get started. You can begin with a few simple steps, focusing on one page at a time.
This guide will break down the essential steps to kickstart your SEO journey. To get a foundational understanding, you might want to start with What is SEO and How Does It Work.
Step 1 — Find Keywords
Before you write a single word, you need to know what people are searching for.
- Start with free tools: The easiest way to start is by using Google’s autosuggest feature. Type a topic into the search bar and see what suggestions appear.
- Long-tail keywords: Look for more specific phrases, known as long-tail keywords. For example, instead of just “yoga mats,” a better keyword would be “best yoga mats for beginners.”
For more advanced keyword research, check out our full guide on How to Do SEO.
Step 2 — Optimize a Page
Once you have a keyword, it’s time to put it to use on a page.
- Use your keyword in key spots: Place your target keyword in the page’s title, URL, and meta description.
- Incorporate it naturally: Weave the keyword and related terms into the first paragraph and throughout the body of your text.
- Add internal links: Link from this new page to other relevant pages on your site. This helps search engines understand your site’s structure. For more on this, see our guide on Types of SEO.
Step 3 — Make Content User-Friendly
Search engines are smart—they can tell if users are enjoying your content.
- Use headings: Break up your text with H2, H3, and H4 headings to make it scannable.
- Use visuals: Add images, videos, and infographics to break up text and make the content more engaging. Make sure to use alt text on your images so search engines can “read” them.
- Write for humans: Don’t over-optimize. Focus on providing value and a great user experience.
For more technical and user-friendly tips, check out What are SEO Techniques.
Step 4 — Track Progress
How do you know if your efforts are working?
- Set up Google Search Console & Analytics: These free tools are essential. Search Console shows you which keywords you’re ranking for, and Analytics tracks how users interact with your site.
- Watch Impressions and Clicks: Look for an increase in impressions (how many times your page appeared in search results) and clicks (how many people clicked on it).
To see how these basic tracking metrics translate into business growth, read SEO Meaning in Business (link).
Mistakes Beginners Make
- Overusing keywords: This is called keyword stuffing and it will hurt your rankings.
- Copying others: Don’t plagiarize content. Create original, high-quality content.
- Ignoring mobile: Make sure your website is responsive and looks good on all devices.
If you’re wondering how much of this you can handle yourself, read Can You Do SEO by Yourself?.
Conclusion
Don’t let SEO intimidate you. Start small, focus on the basics, and be consistent. By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation that will lead to long-term growth.
